In the U.S. and Canada, the activities of hundreds of local and state/provincial councils are supported by the efforts of the International Development in North America Committee and staff in IRA’s Division of Council and Affiliate Services (e-mail). In addition, the Canadian Special Interest Group on Literacy provides information and activities for members in that country.
If you are a council leader interested in working with a North American reading association or literacy group, or an organizer of literacy projects in North America, please visit our International Project Partnerships area.
Council Activities
IRA councils provide professional development and networking opportunities right in your area. Each offers a varied program of publications, online resources, meetings, and other activities to meet local needs.
Advocacy
Our Government Relations Division (e-mail) coordinates advocacy efforts designed to inform and influence education policy and practice at the U.S. federal and state levels.
Urban Education Initiatives
IRA’s Board of Directors has appointed a special commission to provide guidance on issues of particular interest to educators in urban settings. These efforts have resulted in publications, journal articles, meetings, and other activities, summarized in this website’s Focus on Urban Education Initiatives.
Conferences
Our annual convention, held each year in a U.S. or Canadian city, is one of the largest gatherings for educators in the world. Smaller regional conferences bring outstanding professional development and networking opportunities to specific areas on a regular calendar. And state/provincial conferences organized by councils address the local needs of literacy professionals. Calendars and other details are available in the Meetings area of this website.
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International Outreach