A Road to Texas 200 Literacy Campaign
Read Texas Forward is a simple literacy fundraising campaign created by the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History as part of the Road to Texas 200: The Texas Authors 2036 Campaign.
The goal is simple: help support literacy, Texas authors, reader engagement, and the future of Texas storytelling as we move toward Texas’ bicentennial in 2036.
Readers Give. Authors Grow. Texas Stories Continue.
Texas authors attend book festivals, signings, school programs, library events, markets, and community gatherings throughout the year. Read Texas Forward gives readers an easy way to support literacy and Texas authors directly from an author’s event table.
Participating authors receive a small table sign with a unique QR code. Readers scan the code, donate any amount they choose, and help support the mission of the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History.
For every dollar donated through an author’s unique QR code, that author receives an equal amount in credit toward eligible TAMIH services.
How It Works
For Authors
Participating authors receive:
A personalized QR-code donation link
A printable table sign
Simple reader-facing language
Donation tracking connected to their author account
Service credit based on donations raised through their QR code
Authors place the sign on their table at public events. Readers scan and donate if they choose.
There is no extra product to sell and no complicated setup.
For Readers
Readers can scan the QR code at a participating author’s table and donate any amount.
Their gift helps support:
Literacy programs
Texas authors
Reader engagement
Texas literary preservation
Future museum development
Road to Texas 200 outreach
It is a simple way to support the author they are meeting while also helping strengthen Texas literary culture.
Author Service Credit
Every dollar donated through an author’s assigned QR code gives that author an equal amount in TAMIH service credit.
For example:
| Reader Donations Through Author QR Code | Author Service Credit |
|---|---|
| $10 | $10 credit |
| $25 | $25 credit |
| $50 | $50 credit |
| $100 | $100 credit |
Service credits may be used toward eligible TAMIH services, such as:
Marketing support
Advertising opportunities
Author consultations
Workshops and classes
Event opportunities
Membership upgrades
Promotional programs
Other approved TAMIH services
Credits have no cash value and may only be used toward approved TAMIH programs and services.
Why Read Texas Forward Matters
Many readers want to support authors and literacy, but they may not always know how.
Read Texas Forward makes support simple.
A reader can scan.
A reader can give any amount.
A reader can help move Texas stories forward.
At the same time, authors receive practical credit they can use to access services that help them grow, promote their work, and remain active in the Texas literary community.
This campaign creates a circle of support:
Readers support literacy.
Authors receive useful service credit.
TAMIH strengthens Texas literary history.
Texas stories continue.
Part of the Road to Texas 200
Road to Texas 200 is a long-term campaign leading to Texas’ bicentennial in 2036. Its mission is to celebrate, preserve, and strengthen the voices of Texas authors while building a lasting literary legacy for future generations.
Read Texas Forward is one practical way authors and readers can participate now.
Every scan, every donation, and every author table helps build momentum toward 2036.
Where Authors Can Use the Sign
Authors may display their Read Texas Forward QR-code sign at:
Book festivals
Author signings
Library events
School programs
Farmers markets
Vendor fairs
Speaking engagements
Book club events
Community festivals
Literary conferences
Texas Authors events
Any public-facing author event can become an opportunity to support literacy and Texas storytelling.
Simple Reader Message
When readers scan the QR code, they will see a donation message such as:
Support literacy and Texas authors. Give any amount to help Texas read forward.
That is the heart of the campaign.
Simple. Clear. Easy to understand.
Who Can Participate
The program is available to approved Texas authors participating through the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History, Texas Authors Success Center, or other approved TAMIH programs.
Authors must use their assigned QR code so donations can be properly tracked and credited.
Program Guidelines
Donations are made directly to the Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History.
Author credits are based only on donations received through the author’s assigned QR code.
Credits are not cash payments.
Credits may only be used toward approved TAMIH services.
Credits are not transferable unless approved by TAMIH.
TAMIH reserves the right to determine eligible services, reporting timelines, credit expiration dates, and program participation requirements.
Request Your Read Texas Forward Sign
Texas authors who want to participate may request a personalized Read Texas Forward QR-code sign.
Once approved, TAMIH will provide the author with the materials needed to begin using the program at events.
Request Your Author QR Sign
Contact:
Subject Line: Read Texas Forward QR Sign Request
Please include:
Your name
Author name, if different
Email address
Website or author page
Upcoming event, if applicable
Call to Action
Help Texas Read Forward
Readers, authors, libraries, schools, sponsors, and communities all have a role to play in preserving and strengthening Texas stories.
Read Texas Forward makes it easy to begin.
Scan. Give. Support literacy. Support Texas authors.
Readers give. Authors grow. Texas stories continue.