Core Values

Love of Literacy

We believe literacy is a human right. We are passionate learners and educators who work to ensure that all children have the opportunity to become lifelong readers, thinkers, and leaders through literacy experiences. Books help expand our worldview, bringing us closer together and encouraging curiosity, growth, and empathy.

Social Justice & Equity

Book deserts result from systemic and structural inequities that cause harm, and we are passionate about eliminating them. We believe everyone should have access to engaging books and personal libraries filled with stories they love, no matter where they live. Books develop critical thinking skills and inspire us to take action on issues in our community, make a change, and create a better world.

Representation

It is essential for children to see themselves in books. Our priority is to offer inclusive, representative, and culturally responsive books, so children and families can identify with characters, ideas, and authors.  We believe books serve as windows and mirrors and are crucial to the positive development of all children. Kids need to see themselves, their families, cultures, and experiences reflected in the books around them to feel safe and connected within their schools and communities.


Community and Belonging

We believe in the power of books to build connections and nurture community. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging by developing trusted relationships with students and their families. We are invested in fostering long-term relationships with the communities we serve and commit to engaging community input in creating programs that best meet the needs of children. 

 
 
 

Statement on Book Banning

At Gaining Ground, we stand firmly against any form of book banning. We stand in solidarity with the teachers and librarians within our organization, as well as those at our partner schools, who are already highly qualified to curate age-appropriate and well-vetted libraries. Any attempt to ban books beyond this is an act of censorship and a violation of students' reading rights.

Our First Amendment rights are too important to compromise at the hands of a vocal minority. We firmly believe that books serve as windows and mirrors and are crucial to the positive development of all children. Selective book banning restricts access to diverse perspectives and further marginalizes already underrepresented groups.

Kids need to see themselves, their families, cultures, and experiences reflected in the books they read. When we restrict access to these stories, we deny them the opportunity to feel safe and connected within their schools and communities. Reading books reflecting diverse families, cultures, and experiences helps children develop knowledge and empathy, critical skills for a compassionate and equitable society.

We envision a future for all students that is filled with understanding, compassion, and empathy. Withholding quality, age-appropriate books from students will only be a detriment to their futures and the future of our society. At Gaining Ground, we remain committed to promoting diverse and inclusive literature that helps build a more just and equitable world for all.

Statement Against Hate

At Gaining Ground, we stand together with a heavy heart in response to the recent attacks on our public schools, which have profound implications for our children and community.  

The ongoing disinformation and fear-mongering campaign against public schools and educators, reinforced by State Superintendent Ryan Walters, undermines the very foundation of our democracy. It has resulted in continuous threats that terrorize our public school students, parents, staff, and community.  Public officials must recognize that their words have power; they can inadvertently call people to action in dangerous ways. Let us be unequivocal: These threats and intimidation have no place in our society. Our children are not political pawns. Our educators are not the enemy. 


The trauma inflicted on our children by these threats is immeasurable. We must remember that our young learners need a safe environment to nurture growth socially and academically, and their sense of security is paramount. We cannot allow a climate of fear and intimidation to dictate their perception of the world around them. Our educators work tirelessly, even amid constant attacks, to create safe spaces for students daily. 


We refuse to be governed by fear. Instead, we rise above the divisive rhetoric by staying true to our mission of promoting literature that helps build a more just and equitable world for all. Our unwavering stance against threats and intimidation is rooted in our conviction that dialogue, understanding, and unity are the only pathways to progress. We reject violent attempts to silence voices advocating for positive change and growth.


Our children are watching, learning from, and relying on us to create a world that values their dreams, aspirations, and emotional security. Now is the time for all of us to show up and stand up for our students and educators. Make no mistake, public education is under attack. If threats and attacks on educators and community members are left unchecked, it can normalize such behavior and embolden extremist elements.  We call upon each of you to stand with us as we work towards a future free from fear and full of promise.

Call to Action:

  1. Demand Accountability: We call on public officials and leaders of all parties to address the threats against educators and community members. Request that they publicly denounce such behavior and take appropriate actions to ensure safety and security. 

  2. Share the Facts: Combat misinformation by actively seeking and sharing accurate information. In times of uncertainty, spreading verified facts helps us make informed decisions as a community. This is part of a broader assault, perpetuated by extremist ideology, on public education, and educators are not to blame. 

  3. Share the Love: Our educators and families need you. Be a vocal, visible, and persistent advocate for them. Express your appreciation for the vital contributions to our community. 

  4. Stand Up Against Extremism: Let your voice be heard. Speak out against threats and intimidation that seek to undermine our community's unity. Silence only emboldens such behavior, so let us show we are united against fear and extremism. Refuse to let divisive ideologies take root in our community.