RAALP News:

The Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program (RAALP) will hold a storytelling fundraiser event, “The Story Starts Here: Empowering our Community Through Literacy” from 4-7 p.m., June 29 at the Los Lucero’s Historic Site in Velarde, NM.

The fundraiser will feature several local storytellers, live music, a food truck, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $20 and include one raffle entry. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase at the event.

RAALP began hosting a series of free storytelling workshops in Española in early 2024. Longtime local educator Gino Brazil led the workshops and storytelling sessions. Participants were given the chance to share personal narratives, cuentos, myths, and folktales.

“The RAALP board felt like the storytelling sessions were a great way to bring the community together while promoting literacy and reading,” RAALP director Brenda Martinez said. “We decided to use the storytelling theme as the basis for our yearly fundraiser and are excited to feature the event at the Los Lucero’s Historic Site. One of our storytellers will share some history about the Los Lucero’s Site.”

Martinez said the small, literacy-focused non-profit organization, relies heavily on its annual fundraiser and the generosity and support of the community to continue its mission of empowering adults through literacy.

Since its inception in 2012, RAALP has been dedicated to providing essential tutoring services to adults in the community aged 16 and above. Over the past twelve years, RAALP has proudly supported these individuals in their journey to improve their English language skills; whether they are learning English as a second language or are native New Mexicans seeking assistance with reading, writing, and speaking English.

For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets call the RAALP office at 505.753.8814 or visit the website at www.raalp.org.