Did you know that children who can’t read at 3rd-grade level by 3rd grade are four times less likely to graduate high school by age 19? Well, it’s true, and that’s where two of your local Rotary clubs are making their mark.

Every Monday afternoon during the school year, four members of the Brunswick Coastal and Brunswick Rotary Clubs sit down in the hall outside the Grade 1-2 multi-grade classrooms of Mr. Funderburk and Mrs. Stinson at Coffin Elementary School and listen patiently and lovingly while youngsters read to them, one-on-one. That’s the key. They read to us; we don’t read to them.

And you should see them beaming as they practice their emerging skills with a grown-up other than a teacher or relative. The fact that an adult they’ve never seen before shows up to help them read leaves quite an impression on the youngsters, who invariably raise their hands and volunteer when we walk in the classroom door. By the time we’ve shown up the second time, we’re their “Reading Friends,” a title bestowed on us by one of the teachers.

The program is about to enter its fourth year, and at least two other clubs in Rotary District 7780, which encompasses coastal and southern Maine and southern New Hampshire, have started similar programs. They’re a natural fit for Rotarians for three reasons:

• They’re local, meeting the needs of the community.

• They’re in line with literacy education, which is one of Rotary International’s six focus areas.

• They require absolutely no fundraising, which, although it helps support many efforts — both local and international — can be quite time-consuming. So let’s say you want to be a Reading Friend. First, you don’t have to be a

Rotarian. All you need is an hour every week or so, depending on the number of volunteers, and a willingness to help with tough words and ask questions about the reading topic. I’ve had some memorable conversations with youngsters about pets, siblings, vacations, homework, favorite ice cream, bugs, you name it.

Of course, as Rotarians, we’d love to have you join our clubs and be part of one of the most successful charitable organizations on the planet. You’re welcome to attend our meetings any time and, who knows, end up being a true Reading Friend for an eager learner. Remember: The basis for acquiring nearly every academic skill is the ability to read.

For more information, call me, Dave Griffiths, at (207) 345-9835. I’m the immediate past president of Brunswick Coastal Rotary, and we meet at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Fairground Cafe, Topsham Mall. The Brunswick Rotary Club meets at noon on Monday at The Daniel in Brunswick. Its website is brunswickmainerotary.org