Jasper’s Right to Read society is looking for directors and hoping to increase the organization’s profile in town.

The group, established in 1991, is dedicated to helping children with learning difficulties master reading skills while also supporting their parents. This is achieved through awareness-raising and financial assistance for students who require specialized programming.

In the past the group has sponsored reading clinics and has helped pay for reading tutors, said society president Laurie Buck.

The group has been involved in fundraising efforts like popcorn sales and the annual duck race, but Buck hopes that a reinvigorated society will be able to raise more money and provide more support as a result. Buck emphasized that the society is very grateful for the support they currently receive, including that of the Lions’ Club and Super A Foods, who have assisted with the duck race.

The society had been part of the Parent Advisory Council at Jasper Elementary until 1999. In the years since, while returning to independence from the larger council, the society has not been providing regular reading clinics or financial support for parents.

“There hasn’t been much going on,” Buck said of the recent past.

Part of the reason for this is the small number of people involved in the society. As their Annual General Meeting approached in the first week of November, the society had only four directors. There are two JES teachers working with the society as well.

“We have room for at least three more directors and a secretary,” Buck said.

Buck has a very personal reason for being involved with the Right to Read group.

“I have a child with a learning disorder,” she said. “And I want to help this kid however I can.”

An estimated 15 to 20 per cent of the population have a learning disorder, according to the society’s informational pamphlet. This number includes, but is not limited to, people who suffer from dyslexia. Learning disorders are not related to intelligence or creativity. The society informs parents to be on the lookout for indications that their child may be suffering from a learning disorder. They include:

- below grade-level reading capability

- reading skills that negatively affect performance in other subjects

- requiring remedial reading or math classes

- reversing letters and struggling to read or write simple words like the, and or was

- inconsistency in academic performance

- lowering self-esteem.

Those interested in supporting or becoming a part of the Right to Read society can contact Laurie Buck at  852-5024.