Why We Created The Rising Readers Society

There’s something sacred about sitting with a story long enough for it to change you.

Not just reading to finish a book.
Not reading to keep up with trends.
But reading slowly, intentionally, and in conversation with others.

At Sacred Earth Community Solutions, so much of our work has centered around immersive experiences, creativity, reflection, healing, and community connection. Through our art experiences, workshops, journaling spaces, and events, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are given room to pause, express themselves honestly, and connect through shared experiences.

Again and again, one thing kept surfacing:
people are longing for meaningful conversation.

Not surface-level interaction.
Not endless scrolling.
Not disconnected consumption.

Real conversation.
Real stories.
Real connection.

That’s where the idea for The Rising Readers Society was born.

The Rising Readers Society is more than a book club. It’s a community-centered literary experience designed to bring readers, writers, creatives, and curious minds together through books and intentional discussion.

Our vision is simple:
to help people reconnect with reading, storytelling, reflection, and one another.

Each reading cycle will give members six weeks to read and reflect on a selected piece of literature before gathering for a final featured session with the author. These gatherings will include conversation, Q&A sessions, community discussion, and opportunities for readers to connect directly with the people behind the stories that moved them.

We are especially passionate about supporting local authors throughout Philadelphia and South Jersey while also building an accessible virtual reading community for members nationwide.

We want these gatherings to feel welcoming and alive.
Thoughtful.
Creative.
Grounded.

Not stiff or performative.

We imagine spaces filled with books, journals, conversation, coffee cups, handwritten notes, soft music, laughter, curiosity, and people feeling genuinely seen and inspired by one another.

Because literature has always done more than entertain us.

Stories help us process grief, challenge systems, understand ourselves and so much more..

In a time where so many people feel isolated, distracted, or disconnected, we believe community-centered literary spaces matter deeply.

And perhaps now more than ever, we need spaces where people can gather not just to consume stories — but to discuss them, question them, learn from them, and carry them forward together.

This is only the beginning.

Right now, we are actively looking to partner with local authors, writers, and poets as well as founding members, creative collaborators and community support.

As The Rising Readers Society grows, our hope is to create a literary community rooted in reflection, creativity, emotional intelligence, and meaningful human connection.

We’re excited to begin this next chapter.

And we hope you’ll grow with us.

View our Foundation Packet:
Rising Readers Society Foundation Packet