United Through Reading (UTR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between service members and their families through the power of storytelling when service members are separated from their families. The program allows service members to record themselves reading books to their children, which helps maintain strong emotional connections during deployments, long separations, or training assignments. This initiative offers military families a unique way to nurture relationships, reduce anxiety, and promote literacy, ensuring that distance doesn’t erode the bonds between loved ones.
How the Program Works
The heart of United Through Reading’s program lies in recorded story sessions. Service members can choose from a collection of children’s books provided by UTR, record themselves reading aloud, and send the video back home. Family members can play the recording as often as they like, giving children the comforting experience of hearing their parent’s voice, even from thousands of miles away. UTR offers several ways to participate:
- At Military Installations and Events: UTR stations are present at USO centers, military libraries, and other key locations where service members can make recordings.
- Virtual Participation: Service members who cannot access a physical recording location can record videos from their own devices using the UTR app and send them digitally.
- Books for Every Age: The program provides age-appropriate book selections for children of all reading levels, encouraging engagement for families with kids of all ages.
This flexible approach makes it easier for families to stay connected, regardless of their location or circumstances.
Using the UTR App
1. Download the App
The UTR app is available for free download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Look for “United Through Reading” and install it on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Create an Account
After installation, you’ll need to create an account. Simply provide your name, military affiliation, and email address. You can also log in through a partner organization’s portal if applicable (such as the USO). The account allows you to securely store and share your recordings with family members.
3. Choose a Book to Read
UTR offers access to a digital library of children’s books within the app. You can either select a book from this library or use a physical copy that you have on hand. The library includes books for a wide range of reading levels, from picture books for toddlers to chapter books for older children.
If you’re using your own book, simply position it so that it’s visible in the recording for children to follow along.
4. Make the Recording
Once you’ve chosen a book, follow these tips to record your video:
- Find a quiet space: Minimize background noise to ensure clear audio.
- Position your phone or tablet: Prop your device at an angle that captures your face and the book (if using a physical copy).
- Read naturally: Engage with the story as you would if reading at home—use different voices, pause for effect, and have fun with it!
- Keep it short: Aim for 5-10 minutes to maintain children’s attention, especially for younger audiences.
If needed, you can pause and resume the recording to make adjustments.
5. Save and Share the Recording
After recording, review your video to ensure the sound and visuals are clear. When satisfied:
- Save the video within the app or upload it to the UTR secure platform.
- Enter the recipient’s details (like the child’s name and caregiver’s email).
- The app allows you to send the recording directly or download it to share through email or messaging platforms.
You can also choose to store multiple recordings to send later or re-watch when needed.
6. Track The Story
The app offers an option to track how often your videos are viewed, giving you insight into how your child is engaging with the stories. This feature provides a great way to feel connected even when you’re not physically present.
Using the United Through Reading app is a powerful way for service members to stay connected with their children, especially during extended absences. It offers the convenience of recording from anywhere, with the added security of private sharing. In 2023 alone, UTR facilitated more than 7,000 recordings, with nearly 80,000 books provided to military families. Whether you’re reading your child’s favorite story or exploring a new book together, these recordings create cherished moments and memories that last well beyond the deployment.
For more details or to get started, visit United Through Reading.
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