North America

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 staff in Council 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.
For a list of affiliates in North America, please click here.
North American
Council Activities & Advocacy
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 State and Federal Relations Unit (e-mail) coordinates advocacy efforts designed to inform and influence education policy and practice at the U.S. federal and state levels.
Meetings
Our annual convention, held each year in a U.S. or Canadian city, is one of the largest gatherings for educators in the world.