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435 E. 35th St., 2nd Floor, Suite One
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Phone: 773-924-9802
Fax: 773-924-9801
Email: openbook@ameritech.net
Executive Director: Marrice Coverson
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Open Book is one of the programs of the
Institute of Positive Living. Open Book is a multifaceted after-school
program for young adolescents in which participants are engaged
in activities that encourage the development of reading,
writing
and critical thinking skills.
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| The Institute
for Positive Living: Our Mission |
The Mission of the Institute for Positive Living is to promote the
quality of community life with special focus on helping families solve
educational, social and economic problems.
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| The
Purpose of Open Book |
The purpose of the Open Book Program
is to create a love of reading and develop an appreciation for the
world of ideas.
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| Core
Values |
Unlike other literacy-focused
programs, Open Book does not teach children to read. Instead, all
of its activities are designed to promote reading as a source of
fulfillment, a learning tool and a necessity for personal growth
and development. Our approach is centered in five core values that
include a passion and commitment to:
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Creativity
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Empowerment
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Excellence
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Integrity
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Opportunity.
These core values will be reflected in all of our decisions, actions,
and interactions.
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| We
Believe... |
- We believe…
- Reading is the reward that transports individuals from the “block”
to the world of ideas. Therefore we will cultivate partnerships
and utilize resources to ensure program continuity and growth.
- Integrity is at the heart of every good program. Therefore we
will maintain the highest standards in selecting and presenting
materials and developing staff and volunteers.
That reading is empowering and provides an avenue to personal
freedom. Therefore we will utilize multifaceted activities to
stimulate a love of reading and to foster curiosity and creativity.
- Hard work determination and reading contributes to a successful
life. Therefore we will create an environment that fosters commitment
to hard work, determination and a love for reading.
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| Meet
Our Founder |
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The
Reverend Marrice Coverson is the Founder of the Institute
for Positive Living and the Executive Director of the Open
Book Program, a citywide, after-school literacy initiative
for adolescents. With more than 30 years of experience in
the nonprofit field, Ms. Coverson has held a number of positions
including Center Director of the Chicago Youth Centers, Elliott
Donnelley Youth Center, and Director of the West Side Learning
Center at Malcolm X College. Ms. Coverson has conducted workshops
on Board Development and Self-Development in Illinois, Ohio,
Maine and Texas.
Ms. Coverson is a recipient of the Women of Excellence Black Pearl Award and the Community Leadership Award from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her essay, “For the Love of Reading,” appears in Turn the Page and You Don’t Stop (2006).
Ms.
Coverson holds a MA in Religious Studies
from the Chicago Theological Seminary, a BA in Sociology from Mississippi Valley State
University, and a MA in Public Administration from Roosevelt
University. She received training in Adlerian Treatment Concepts
from the Alfred Adler Institute. Ms. Coverson is the Pastor
of the Church of the Spirit in Chicago - the first female
and African American to hold that position. Ms. Coverson is
also the first African American since 1924 to hold a Trustee
position on the Board of Directors of National Spiritualist
Association (NSAC) of Church's Board of Directors.
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| Artists
and Teachers |
Artists
Open Book artists conduct the daily
arts instruction. They apply their own expertise and creative
methods to the Open Book curriculum. Artists create a safe
space for artistic expression and expose youth to creativity
as a means of experiencing literature. Artists introduce the
Literature Circles and the Open Book Journal, incorporating
these tools in drama or media activities. They also prepare
students to interview the authors and guide students as they
prepare and perform book excerpts.
Teachers
Open Book teachers provide the necessary
link between the school and the Open Book artists. Teachers
act as the stabilizing energy providing support to the artist-led
creative projects by leading the reading and discussion portion
of Open Book. Teachers recruit students for the Open Book
program, assist with pre and post-testing and encourage students'
active participation. They also assist students with journal
writing.
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