This week could not be more beautiful in Seattle--sunny skies, sparkling waters, and an unobstructed view of Mt. Rainier. Summer is the perfect time to see all of our children joyful, playful, and, of course, reading and learning! However, we know that far too many children, especially the youngest, live in families facing so many challenges. Their summer experience is more likely to be filled with hunger and lack of opportunity for learning, than joy. And behind this idealized scenery in Washington is a backdrop of hatred, violence, and fear across the world. I dread turning on the news to hear what else might have happened. Bad things are not happening equitably, they are often targeting particular people and groups. I remain acutely aware of how privileged my experience is. It is difficult to know what to say or do that will make a difference.

So in the midst of this devastating series of events around the world, I have appreciated reading commentary from Vu Le--the profound and hilarious force behind Nonprofit with Balls. So I'm starting and ending this introduction with quotes from Vu, and I encourage you to read his full posting following Orlando. I do believe that the work that we do at Reach Out and Read--and in all aspects of early learning--is about lifting up families and building community.

We must build community, we must increase equity, and we must support nurturing relationships among both children and adults. We must do more for our youngest children, so they can have real opportunity to thrive. Ultimately that must happen so our children can help us move forward into peace and justice for all. It all starts with babies. And we can do better, if we do it together.

I'll close with Vu's words because I cannot say it any better, "I am deeply grateful for all of you, who work every day to create the kind of community that I want to send my kids out into."

Jill Sells, MD & the Reach Out and Read Washington Team