Description

National Literacy Month is celebrated in September each year. It's a time to recognize students' progress and encourage people of all ages to read and become literate. We will hear from organizations that are working to improve literacy in Mesa, and learn about ways to be more directly involved.

Welcome guest speakers Beth Haas, Jessica Payne, and David Scott to our September CAP meeting.

About our Speakers:

Beth Haas, MA

Community Engagement Coordinator, Southeast Maricopa Region – First Things First

Beth has been in the early childhood development and education field for over 30 years. She works with community partners and businesses in Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek to understand the importance of the early years as the foundation for future learning and success. As the state’s only agency dedicated to early childhood, First Things First is an essential leader and partner in creating a family-centered, equitable, high-quality early childhood system that supports the development, well-being, health and education of all Arizona’s children, birth to age 5, and their families. They do this through funding quality early care and education programs, preventive health efforts, and supporting parents in their role as their child’s first teachers.

Jessica Payne

Executive Director – Kids Need to Read

Kids Need to Read inspires children to discover the joy of reading by providing books and literacy programs to underfunded schools, libraries, and community agencies across the U.S., focusing on disadvantaged communities. Executive Director Jessica Payne, who joined the organization as a volunteer before becoming a Director in 2019, holds a degree in Secondary English Education from Northern Arizona University and is deeply passionate about literacy and community service.

David Scott

Arizona Regional President – Meadows Bank

In addition to his role as regional president for Meadows Bank, David is dedicated to causes serving education and literacy in our community. He serves on the Central Arizona Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Arizona, and is involved with Valley Leadership’s Impact Maker teams, contributing to the Early Literacy and Housing & Healthy Neighborhoods initiatives. In his role as team lead for VL’s Early Literacy Impact Maker group, David has partnered with Mesa Public Schools to enhance K-3 grade teachers’ ability to be trained on the science of reading based LETRS program. He will discuss this initiative and provide opportunities to be involved with this project.

Description:

All Chamber members are invited to join us to maximize the impact of non-profit organizations in Mesa. Guest speakers share information each month, and attendees build relationships to support each other's service to our community.

Mission:

• Develop collaboration between non-profit organizations and the business community to impact and                serve  Mesa.
• Create and support action and impact driven opportunities for the greater good of the Mesa community.
• Promote active engagement and the development of strong relationships at both the personal and organization-wide levels.

Objectives:

• Increase awareness of non-profit organizations as drivers of positive economic and social change.
• Create action-oriented events to unite non-profits and the business community.
• Identify and organize resources and actively match them with areas of need.
• Continuously expand the scope of interested organizations to further the reach and effectiveness of the         committee.

Invitation:
Mesa Chamber members in good standing are welcome to attend each month's meeting.

Facilitators:

Committee Chairs: Annette Sellers, Charitable Giving Advisor - A New Leaf; and David Scott, Arizona Regional President - Meadows Bank

Staff Liaison: Christine Terrell, Assistant Director of Programs & Engagement – Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Board Liaison: Mark Young, CEO - Azura