What is the Global Read Aloud?
The GRA is a global literacy initiative that started in 2010. The premise is simple; facilitators read a pre-selected book aloud to their students during a set 6 week period in early October every year and then use whatever technology they have at hand to connect their students with other students.
Why are sponsors needed?
The project is growing so large that the website is no longer functional as a way to engage/inform all members. A better website is therefore needed, as well as trademarking of the name and logo. Also, the work put into the project is extensive so funding to cover an hourly rate to do that work is needed.
Who is involved?
Students from Kindergarten through College from more than 60 different countries, on 6 different continents are currently participating between October 6th and November 14th. This is a yearly event.
How many are involved?
The first year, 2010, 600 students connected. This year more than 308,000 students are connecting as we speak.
What does it cost?
Nothing, this project has always been free for any participant to be a part of and I do not make any money from doing it.
What tools are used?
Any technology that facilitators have access to can be used. The more popular ways of connecting are Kidblog, Skype, Google Hangouts, Twitter, Tackk, Padlet, Wikispaces, as well as Edmodo.
What do sponsors get?
They will be linked with this international project through the website, as well as any presentations, both live and online when suited. The participants involved are very passionate and share the GRA with others around the world, writing grants, presenting, as well as doing spin-off projects highlighting the tools they have used, thus further ties are established between the sponsors and the project. Sponsors can also be promoted as tools to use during the project. Publishers can benefit if their books are selected as the official selection of the year.
What does the project need?
Funding to cover trademark, web-site creation, plus coverage of hourly rate for work to further expand and run the project. Currently I spend about 20 hours a week running the project.
Where do I get further information?
To read more about the project, please visit our FAQ here.
To see what participants are doing around the world tune into Twitter using the hashtag #GRA14 or visit the Wikispaces here.
Please contact me, Pernille Ripp, if this opportunity is something you would like to further discuss. I can be contacted via email p@globalreadaloud.com
The Global Read Aloud 
I hope this reading initiative will be given more focus on a woldwide scale. Will work to get this started in my area. Governments ought to adapt this campaign. Reading ought to be a legacy that all parents and educators, heck, all people, should be striving to leave.
-Ro of Bestessaytips.com