- Her work inspires this SDIG program.
Read to Rise:
The Dolly Parton Global Literacy Legacy Initiative
SDIG Global Reading Legacy Program
“Open a Book. Open a Mind. Open a Future.”
Our Foundation
To inspire a lifelong love of reading among children and families through community-based partnerships that celebrate the power of books, imagination, and opportunity in honor of Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy as a compassionate global advocate for literacy.
Where we're going, and how we get there
Vision & Mission
Vision
A story for every child
Every child in every SDIG Global Village discovers the joy and transformational power of reading — regardless of where they live, or what they were born into.
Mission
A story for every child
To unite schools, community leaders, libraries, volunteers, parents, and local businesses in creating vibrant reading cultures that improve literacy, learning, and life opportunities.
Five chapters, one program
Core Program Components
Chapter One
Community Reading Circles
- Weekly reading sessions hosted by schools, faith centers, and community organizations.
- Volunteer Story Ambassadors read aloud to children.
- Intergenerational participation involving grandparents, parents, and youth.
Chapter Two
Dolly Legacy Book Club
- Age-appropriate reading challenges.
- Monthly featured books emphasizing kindness, creativity, courage, and community service.
- Reading recognition certificates and badges.
Chapter Three
One Child, One Book Initiative
- Annual distribution of books to underserved children.
- Local sponsors and partners fund book access.
- Encourage family reading at home.
Chapter Four
Global Village Reading Day
- Annual celebration in September recognizing literacy champions.
- Reading festivals, storytelling competitions, book fairs, and author interactions.
- Awards for outstanding readers, volunteers, and partner schools.
Chapter Five
Reading Leadership Ambassador Program
- Annual celebration in September recognizing literacy champions.
- Reading festivals, storytelling competitions, book fairs, and author interactions.
- Awards for outstanding readers, volunteers, and partner schools.
Franchise Partnership Model
SDIG Provides
- Program brand and licensing.
- Reading guides and training materials.
- Ambassador certification.
- Monitoring and impact measurement tools.
- Global recognition platform.
Schools and Community Leaders Provide
- Local program coordination.
- Volunteer recruitment.
- Reading venues and activities.
- Community outreach and sponsorship development.
Annual Impact Metrics
- Children enrolled.
- Books distributed.
- Reading hours completed.
- Volunteer participation.
- Literacy improvement outcomes.