1 person found this review helpful
California Dictionary Project
June 30, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I volunteered for the California Dictionary Project a few years ago during their Dictionary Day event. We were all assigned different elementary schools to visit in the Bay Area and we got to visit a classroom and distribute free dictionaries to the students. We also go to lead some activities with the students to help them learn how to use a Dictionary. It was a very organized event and I had adequate training and instructions on what to do when I got to the school. I had a great time interacting with the kids and seeing them get excited about their brand new dictionaries.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the kids excited about getting their own dictionary and learning how to use it on the spot.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more events that just this yearly Dictionary Day event.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 27, 2011
I think what CDP does for the 3rd graders in our surrounding communities is a great thing. The program will equip our young students with the tools they need in order to meet higher standards of literacy. CDP should expand outside to other low-income communities in the states surrounding California.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I'm in a smarter California.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand the program to more low-income areas. Distribute the dictionaries during camp and/or after school programs, allowing volunteers more available times to help out.
June 26, 2011
I am one of the founding board members. I read a review in the Wall Street Journal about Mary French and how she started a Dictionary Project in South Carolina. It sounded like a great idea and I thought, why not start a similar project in California? It turned out several other people saw the same article and we all contacted Mary independently. She put us in touch with each other and that's how we started the California Dictionary Project. This was in April 2002. We started in Oakland because we felt it really needed some help and our President happened to live there. One of the most interesting experiences I had that year was attending one of the Dictionary Day presentations for third graders, and one of the partners from my law firm was there, because his son was one of the students! Small world! Since 2002, we've handed out over 100,000 books to over 25 districts. It's a continuing struggle to keep this project going and fundraise for the purchase of the books so any help you can give is GREATLY appreciated.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
attending Dictionary Days and personally presenting the books to the students. They love shouting out the slogan "Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader"!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
fundraise to hire a professional fundraiser and executive director. It's very hard to do this on an all volunteer basis year in and year out.
June 21, 2011
I first joined as a Board Fellow 3 years ago in hopes to learn more about the nonprofit sector. The first hand experience I had handing out dictionaries to several schools in Oakland inspired me to continue with the organizations mission - to improve literacy rates. I am now a Board Member and hope to be able to share my positive experience with the community . Since my involvement, I have seen the organization expand its reach to Southern California and truly become a California Dictionary Project. I hope the organization continues to grow so that one day every third grader in CA is able to have a dictionary.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the thank you letters I've received from the students and teachers.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
seek out more volunteers to help us reach more students.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Likely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
How did you learn about this organization?
Graduate School
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
January 4, 2009
The importance of literacy on future success cannot be overstated. The California Dictionary Project recognizes this and it's very hard-working Board does all it can to get dictionaries into the hands of as many 3rd graders as funding allows. Nearly 100% of donations goes toward purchasing dictionaries, so your contribution is direct and immediate! Please help CDP grow and reach out to even more children around California. Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
improved literacy rates in Bay Area schools.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the enthusiasm of the children for reading and knowledge.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic, hardworking and have a strong belief in their mission.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
give dictionaries to about 5.7 million 3rd-graders, since nearly 100% of funds go toward purchasing dictionaries.
Should this review be counted for a specific campaign?
KLF Legal
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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