​Reading Quest’s Commitment to All
....where reading is magic

Mission Statement:
We believe reading is a foundational skill to engage in society, pursue education and seek opportunities.

Reading Quest’s mission is to provide equitable access to quality reading instruction for all students and empower them to believe in themselves as they become strong, enthusiastic readers.
 
DEI Statement:
At Reading Quest, we define Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as follows:

  1. Diversity means embracing a wide representation of people, ideas, processes, and experiences. We believe diversity is an ongoing practice rather than simply a metric of difference. To truly practice diversity, we must constantly work to ensure that differences in our team and community are not only represented, but are seen, heard, celebrated and valued. 
  2. Equity acknowledges each person’s unique situation and addresses systemic barriers. The aim of equity is to ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and results. We strive to respect individual differences in readiness to learn and honor the value of each student.
  3. Inclusion is the act of welcoming, respecting, and accommodating all individuals.  We work to foster an inclusive community in which a diverse group of individuals feels a sense of belonging and purpose as fully participating members.
Infographic source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.rwjf.org) - Visualizing Health Equity: One Size Does Not Fit All

​Commitment to DEI

Reading Quest was founded with a principal goal of serving those most in need.  We have a growth mindset around transparency, holding ourselves accountable, and staying in tune with the wants and needs of our community.  We commit to this work with humility and the understanding that this is an ongoing endeavor.
 
Reading Quest is committed to:
 
  • Embracing all individuals, regardless of identity, ability, background or belief.
  • Supporting collaboration within our community and regularly sharing what we do and where we are in our journey of growth.
  • Advocating for and elevating the voices of our community.

Reading Quest’s Commitment to DEI in Action

Within our organization, we:

  • Seek input, feedback and assistance to improve as an organization
  • Educate ourselves through research and workshops from those whose relevant knowledge and experiences can guide us.
  • Support our DEI committee
  • Ensure diversity on RQ staff and board with a continual effort to build relationships and alignment on the vision, mission and values of our work.
 
 
Within our community, we:

  • Provide year-round, weekly, high-quality reading tutoring for more than 350 children in grades 1-8 who are reading one or more years below grade level. These services are available for students regardless of the ability to pay, with a particular focus on those most in need.
  • Serve students with learning differences, English Language Learners, Native American students, teen parents, homeless children and youth.
  • Provide free, intensive ‘Reading is Magic’ summer programs for elementary and middle school students, in collaboration with Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences and Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS).
  • Train, empower and employ middle, high school & college age students in our year round programs.
  • Provide free professional development, training and coaching for school faculty, parents and volunteers.
  • Host an ongoing parent support group for Spanish speaking families, Club de Familias.
  • Offer parent workshops in Spanish and English.
  • Offer English as a Second Language classes and childcare for parents (work in progress).
  • Support recent Afghan Refugee students with books & a creative literacy program every Saturday.
  • Seek a diverse staff and board that is reflective of our community.
  • Implement curriculum that is culturally responsive, and values social-emotional learning.
  • Share our curriculum, teaching videos and resources online.
  • Address the needs of the whole child when possible as they arise, such as assisting with glasses, financial support of the family, after school interests, etc.
  • Collaborate with other community organizations in support and to provide a wider range of opportunities to enhance student learning, including New Mexico School for the Arts (NMSA), NM United and Meow Wolf, to name a few.  
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Resources: Our DEI work recognizes and stands on the shoulders of.....

Under construction
In the meantime, please take a look at our list of Social Justice Resources for children and families