Rock for Dyslexia

Rock for Dyslexia Awareness 2025
Hosted by IDA-OR, IDA-GA, and other IDA Branches TBA

Dyslexia Awareness Month is coming up in October!

Let’s spread awareness—and have a little fun—by sending powerful messages through art and words. ALL AGES welcome!

Our hope is that the painted rocks with their accompanying messages will be “found” and shared far and wide to raise dyslexia awareness.

Why a rock?
A rock is a symbol of strength.
People with dyslexia draw strength from all kinds of places—from their interests, talents, and unique personal traits to the encouraging words of others.

If you have dyslexia, think about what gives you strength.
If you know someone with dyslexia, what brings them strength?

What’s your ROCK? What’s their ROCK?

Part 1: Enter Rock for Dyslexia 2025 Contest

1. Find a rock with a smooth surface. 
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2. Wash off your rock. Clean rocks are easier to paint. 
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3. Paint a design on one side of your rock. Include a word that describes what gives you or someone you know strength. Sign the rock with your name or initials.
   

   How to Think of ROCK Words:
   Think about yourself or someone you know who has dyslexia.
   Choose a word that reflects what gives you—or them—strength, joy, confidence, or pride. That’s your ROCK word!

   Think:
   “I  am a ________” (dancer, writer, problem solver, artist, doctor…)

   “I am ______” (kind, resilient, strong, funny, helpful…)

   “I can _________” (sing, draw, build…)

   “I like ________” (tennis, art, archery…)

   “I like to _______” (smile, laugh,…)
   
   Or your Rock Word could be a message of encouragement:
   Examples: You can do it! Don’t give up! Dyslexics rock!

   So many options!
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4. On the other side, write a hashtag that includes the word dyslexia: #dyslexia, #dyslexiaawareness, #dyslexiayouarenotalone, etc.
   
   PRO TIP #1: Write words with a thin permanent marker or the Sharpie Creative Marker rather than with a paintbrush. 
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5. To Enter the Contest: Complete the submission form (COMING SOON) and upload a photo of your rock. You will be asked to include a comment about your rock design(s) or a message you want people to know about dyslexia. If you have any trouble accessing the form,  email your IDA Branch a photo of your rock and your comment. Each rock entry with a comment will be assigned a number. 
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6. October 31: Submissions due.  November 1: The Winner is chosen by a random drawing.
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7.  *Prize: $50. However, the more entries, the more $! If we reach 100 rock design entries, we will up the prize to $100. If we reach 200 or more rock entries, we will offer a $200 prize.
   
   *The prize amounts will increase if other IDA Branches partner with OR and GA as hosts.

Part 2: The Challenge: Spreading Awareness through Rock for Dyslexia
Our hope is that the rocks with their accompanying messages will be found and shared far and wide to raise dyslexia awareness.

• Rock for Dyslexia participants are encouraged to leave their rock outside somewhere for it to be found and cherished by a passerby. We’d love to see photos if you do this! 
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• We encourage any participating groups/schools that have public social media accounts to post rock creations on social media with the hashtag #rockfordyslexia2025.
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• IDA Oregon, IDA Georgia, and other host Branches will remind followers to check out the Rock designs and messages at #rockfordyslexia2025. The host branches will highlight select rock photos in their e-blasts, websites, and on social media select rock photos. 
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• IDA Oregon will be hosting an online Rock for Dyslexia painting party. Stay tuned for details! 
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• IDA Georgia is creating a “How to” guide for schools and organizations that would like to participate.