We've Moved our Blog!

At the Minnesota Literacy Council, we recently launched a new website http://www.mnliteracy.org/, and we've moved the blog to this new site!

We also have a new name. Formerly the Adult Literacy Volunteer blog, this blog is now called "Volunteer Voice."

Check us out at www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/blog!

Sincerely,
Tricia & literacy council staff

MLC Volunteer Book Club Meeting - December 13 - Zeitoun

Do you like to read and talk about books? The MLC Volunteer Book Club is led by and for the volunteers who attend and meets approximately every three months at MLC's main office. All volunteers, program staff and those interested in literacy are invited to join us. This quarter the members have chosen to discuss Zeitoun by Dave Eggers.

 

When: Tuesday, December 13, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Where: Minnesota Literacy Council's main office

700 Raymond Ave, Ste. 180, St. Paul 55114 see map

Questions? Contact Allison at arunchey@themlc.org or

Tricia at tbrooks@themlc.org.
Please RSVP to arunchey@themlc.org.

Movie Night at MLC



Volunteers and those interested in literacy are invited to watch the documentary How Do You Spell Murder? This film explores the powerful connection between illiteracy and crime. “America's prisons are full of men and women who come from deteriorating urban neighborhoods with failing public school systems. Almost three-fourths of those incarcerated have not graduated from high school and a staggering 70 percent are functionally illiterate and read below a fourth grade level.” (from the film’s website)

How Do You Spell Murder? was filmed at New Jersey State Prison and “spotlights a flourishing inmate-run literacy program called L.I.F.E. – Learning Is For Everyone” (Impact Publications). It will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Abby Roza from Hennepin County’s Adult Correctional Facility in Plymouth. This film contains some explicit language.

When: Wednesday, December 14, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: 700 Raymond Ave. Suite 180, St. Paul (see map)

Cost: Free

Please RSVP to arunchey@themlc.org with the number of persons in your party. Friends and family are welcome to attend.



Hope to see you there!

December Literacy Leader - Joe Halvorson

After teaching English in China for a year, and really enjoying it, Joe Halvorson came back to Minnesota determined to help with literacy in his community. He is now a two-year volunteer at the Minnesota Literacy Council, tutoring mostly Computer Literacy classes at MLC Learning Center -Lake Street.

Joe understands that the digital world’s peculiar language and culture can be extremely daunting to newcomers. “People who grew up around computers take those skills for granted,” he says. “Using a keyboard and mouse is by no means instinctive – it takes a lot of practice and patience on the part of new learners.” Joe matches this practice and patience every Monday night.

Bailey Craft, ESL Teacher and Evening Volunteer Coordinator at Lake Street, has high praise for Joe’s style of instruction and level of engagement. “Joe is a patient and caring teacher,” she remarks. “He’s super invested in those he teaches, and students comment to me about his clear, accessible teaching style. When unexpected obstacles arise in class, Joe is pragmatic, thoughtful and calm.”

When asked how volunteering with adult literacy has impacted him, Joe cites, for one, an increase in his public-speaking skills. “Communicating complex tasks to beginners is a challenge,” he says. “You have to put yourself in their shoes and figure out the simplest and best explanation.” He also enjoys being “in touch with people from different cultures and backgrounds.”

The best thing about volunteering, though? Seeing progress in action. Although Joe will be leaving at the end of this year – and will be dearly missed by many – his legacy leaves a line of digitally self-empowered people, who now have access to countless opportunities, a giant boon to individual and community alike. “Computer literacy is a 21st century survival skill,” Joe asserts. “If you want to find out about school closures, keep up with events in the community, or stay competitive in the job market it is increasingly necessary to know how to use a computer.”

Thank you, Joe, for sharing and helping to articulate MLC’s vision. Your skill, dedication and compassion are deeply appreciated. You truly are a leader in literacy.

Joe Halvorson attended a MLC training, earned his tutor certificate and started changing people’s lives. He does it for a few hours a week. If you would like to volunteer with adult literacy—or with computer literacy—simply follow the links or email your questions to volunteer@themlc.org.

Another Success

The most recent Lake Street Center GED graduate, Chelsey Hicks, shared some observations with us now that she has completed her GED classes and all of her tests.

Chelsey was born in Tennessee but grew up mostly in Florida. She said that she didn’t like her high school very much, and that once she began seeking her GED she had some negative experiences with other programs. Until she came to the MLC Lake Street Learning Center, she felt pushed aside and unheard. She feels that the Lake Street Center has a very comfortable environment, better than any other place she has tried. At Lake Street, Chelsey has felt that she is a member of a team, that everyone is working together toward a goal, and that you can ask any questions you need to ask, they will always be answered.

While studying for her GED at Lake Street, Chelsey learned that she was good at taking tests and that she was smart. She was especially happy to get an educational assessment.

Chelsey advises other GED students to always come to class, even though there are days that you won’t feel like it. She also suggests that people make time after class to study. Lastly, she urges others to at least try for the GED scholarship. This was not something that she came in expecting to get, but she found it really useful, and gratifying to have received it without consciously trying for it.

Now that Chelsey has met this major goal, her plans are to continue her education. She has many more options now than she had before, and although she isn’t sure what she will study yet, she knows that now is no time to stop!

~Carol Wahl, GED Intern, Lake Street


The Minnesota Literacy Council is deeply committed to the success of students like Chelsey. If you would like to get involved with a similar program, opportunities abound. Several learning sites throughout the metro area are in need of GED tutors, including two on Franklin Avenue, one on Hennepin, two on Lake Street and more.  Visit themlc.org to learn more about locations and other volunteer positions.  Or email your questions to volunteer@themlc.org. 

Call for Community Tech Tutors

From Bing Images

Well-versed in the exquisite cyber arts? Enough to be dangerous? Help your neighbors improve their digital kung-fu by becoming a community technology tutor. 

As a community technology tutor, you’ll introduce new pupils to the basic styles and techniques of digital literacy: the potent way of the web-browser, the elegant power of broadband technology, the deadly speed of email, the furious efficiency and deep mysteries of word-processing software, and much more.  With your help, students will leave our program well-prepared to journey into the world wide web, using search engines, creating resumes and filling out online job applications with decisive, foe-crushing force.

There are many who lack the essential knowledge and skills to utilize new technologies.  Your tutelage can make all the difference.

I go in peace.


Not a techie? Find other ways to volunteer with adult literacy.  To learn more, follow the links or send your questions to volunteer@themlc.org.
 

October's Literacy Leader:

Elizabeth Burns

- Hubbs Center, St. Paul

Many adults in America experience the challenges of learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture, which can be extremely difficult - and terrifying. That’s why we’re lucky to have people like Elizabeth Burns, who volunteer and work to lessen those challenges and to quell some of the fears associated with them.

Elizabeth came to St. Paul’s Hubbs Center after meeting Ruth Rodriguez, the Hubbs Center’s volunteer coordinator, at a University of Minnesota volunteer fair. Over the past two years, she’s had amazing success as a volunteer classroom assistant. As a result of Elizabeth's excellent volunteer experience, she was offered a work-study position at the Hubbs Center (an off-campus work-study site through the University of Minnesota). Through her volunteering, she has been able to grow, take on new responsibilities, and help support her own educational goals, as well.

Last year, Elizabeth volunteered in Mary Pat’s ELL class. Mary Pat says, “[Elizabeth] enters our classroom with her charming smile and amazing personality, and the heart of every learner in the room is captivated…she has a unique, humorous, yet quiet style that promotes others to listen to her ideas and wisdom.” With such a dynamic teaching assistant, it’s little wonder that over the past months, dozens of learners in her classes have shown marked improvements in attendance, attention to work, and test scores.

In a typical evening, Elizabeth meets with the teacher before class to discuss and review the lesson plan. She greets students as they filter in. Conversations are struck, jokes told, and while everyone catches up on each other’s dealings and current events, Elizabeth edges the discussion into alignment with the lesson plan. After that, she circulates the classroom, answering questions and helping students individually as needed.

When we asked Elizabeth what she likes best about her volunteer work, she emphasized the relationships she’s built with learners and the joy she gets from their successes. She says, “I love coming in week after week and being able to tell that they have learned something and have effectively used their new conversation skills or interview skills.”

An exemplary adult literacy volunteer, Elizabeth has earned the respect and admiration of the students she serves and has inspired those she works with. “We all have an impact on each other’s lives,” she says. “I am so glad to be a part of their journey here at Hubbs.”

Outstanding Adult Learner

Abdillahi Mohamud:
Lake Street GED Graduate
& Scholarship Recipient

How do you feel now that you have your GED?

“I’m excited, delighted. I feel like it’s a milestone.”

When hard working volunteers in adult literacy meet hard working learners like Abdillahi, the results are undeniably good.
 
Abdillahi Mohamud was born and raised in Somalia, and came to the United States in September of 2010. Abdi enrolled in the MLC GED program in May 2011, and recently obtained his GED with help from the new MLC GED scholarship fund.

“The scholarship helped me a lot, and opened the door for future scholarships I may receive. It was my first one!” Receiving the scholarship was very important to Abdi, and he really appreciates the opportunity to receive such an honor.

Abdi has worked very hard for this accomplishment. With his incredible work ethic, diligence, and intelligence, he received an average score of 516 on all five GED tests! (The minimum passing average is 450.)

Abdi is currently applying to several colleges and universities to continue his education. While he is undecided as to what his major will be, he said he is interested in Informational Technology and Business Management.
 

When asked what he learned throughout this experience of studying for his GED, he said, “It boosted my confidence. It made it easier for me to understand the way of learning here [in the U.S.]. It motivated me to go to college and get further education.”

Abdi would like to encourage those still studying for their GED to continue to become hard workers, to become strong, and to not be afraid of the GED process.

“There are a lot of people out there who don’t know where to start. Getting a GED will be the foundation. The Minnesota Literacy Council helps people do that.”

Abdi is the 3rd GED Graduate at Lake Street and the 1st Lake scholarship recipient!

Lindsey Cermak
GED Coordinator
Minnesota Literacy Council

37.1

That’s the percentage of Twin-Cities-metro residents who volunteered their time in 2010, according to a study from the Corporation for National and Community Service.  The CNCS complied data from the U.S. Census and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows that Twin Cities residents have retained their long-held status as national leaders in volunteering.

In her article, “Why Twin Cities residents volunteer more,” the Minnesota Post’s Cynthia Boyd found that volunteers save America billions, with last year’s efforts being valued at $2.2 billion for the Twin Cities alone, this according to officials from both the CNCS and the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration.  With the world’s economy on its heels and America reeling from nearly four years of recession, help is needed now more than ever.  Minnesotans understand that no contribution is too small.  Last year, some of us volunteered a handful of hours, others put in ten or twelve per week, some committed full-time to their respective causes, but  together, we lifted our community to the no.1 slot.

Mary Lynn Smith from the Star Tribune takes a good stab at the “why” in her article Twin Cities helping hands lead nation.  In it, she quotes Community Service corporation’s CEO, Robert Velasco, II, as well as the head of Lutheran Social Service, Mark Peterson, who attribute the results to both individual and institutional compassion.  We have high rates of education and home ownership, short commutes, a generous, civic-minded corporate environment, and a generally warm-hearted population that doesn’t mind baking the occasional pan of lasagna for a hungry family, or driving it over to them. 

Minnesota’s volunteers save billions of dollars in service costs, feed, educate, and provide counsel to their neighbors, and assist with daily needs and personal goals, sometimes helping in the realization of dreams. 

Volunteers, volunteer organizations, corporate sponsors, faith-based groups, and a wide, effective range of public programing and funding are what keep Minnesota’s legacy of fellowship and goodwill alive and active throughout our great state.  The Minnesota Literacy Council knows that adult basic education is vital to our continued success.  Adult basic education programs enrich the lives of Minnesotans and ratchet up the potential for economic growth.

If you can read this post, and know what a couple of billion means in relation to the state or national debt, and if you can get here (as you must have) via web, read and contextualize the data, assess the claims, follow the links and reach a conclusion, odds are you have a better chance of finding a job and supporting a family than someone who cannot read, or do basic math, or surf the web.  Speaking, reading and comprehending English; learning to use math and quantitative reasoning, computers and web-tools; preparing for a GED test; these are some of the things people can accomplish when they meet with a volunteer in community literacy.

I’m glad to have a role in MLC’s mission, and proud to live in a community where 37.1% of the people strive to connect with and strengthen other members.  Congratulations to all volunteers.  You address your convictions by taking action, and you deserve your community’s deepest thanks. 

Joe Conry

Volunteer Outreach Intern

August Literacy Leader

August Literacy Leader - Mike Hennessy

Five years ago, Mike Hennessy spotted an ad for ESL tutors in his local community education brochure. He answered. At the initial training, Mike learned of a high need for GED math tutors and offered to help in that arena instead. Since then he's been tutoring math at the Wayzata ABE program.

A couple of years after joining up, Mike met with another opportunity. He heard that IOCP (Interfaith Outreach Community Partners) needed more tutors in their computer lab. "I offered to help them," he writes, "and have been tutoring in the computer lab and teaching basic computer skills plus basic Word and Excel for over a year."

Once a week, Mike spends his morning helping students prepare for the GED--the math portions mostly, but he isn't shy to help in other subject areas when needed. He says that he prefers tutoring one-on-one because "it's easier to focus on what a student needs and build up their confidence one-on-one." With Mike's help, several adult learners have overcome their fear of math, some have passed the GED; others can now set up email accounts, apply for jobs online, use a word processor, and attach or post resumes.

When asked how volunteering has impacted him, Mike responds: "It's humbling when I see students pushing to get their GED while balancing kids, one or more jobs, in some cases learning English, and other day-to-day issues. I really want to help them succeed. Also I've had to re-learn some of the math, especially parts of algebra that I've forgotten over the years, so it keeps my mind working."

Cheryl Lubinski, Wayzata's ABE Coordinator, says that Mike is "a very active and versatile volunteer." She recalls last summer, when Mike drove a handful of students to their GED graduation ceremony, students who otherwise would have lacked the transportation. He caters his skills to different learning styles, and even works on call for students closing in on test day. In addition to his volunteer role at Wayzata ABE, Mike also volunteers with AARP to do free tax-preparation. Using this skill set, he has helped many of his students who needed this free service.

"Michael is a wonderful community volunteer," Cheryl writes. "He has the admiration and respect of the many individuals whose lives he has touched."

Thank you, Mike, for your amazing contributions.

 

 

Do you know an exceptional volunteer? Each month the Minnesota Literacy Council highlights a talented and enthusiastic adult literacy volunteer in Minnesota. To nominate someone you know, please contact Tricia at tbrooks@themlc.org.

Thoughts on Movie Night

by Joe Conry

Picture from http://brothertowns.com/.

At MLC’s most recent Movie Night, John Gutterman from the Advocates for Human Rights introduced and led a discussion on the documentary Brother Towns by Pueblos Hermanos.

The film moves between Jacaltenango, Guatemala and Jupiter, Florida, crossing the voices of impoverished Guatemalan families with those of concerned Florida contractors, residents and civic leaders to create a compelling narrative weave.  It follows Jupiter’s mayor in her efforts to support a very successful community resource center called El Sol.  An awkward dance with state and federal officials ensues, with lawmakers trying to determine the center’s legal status, weighing it against the need, and against obvious results.  And that’s where it ends, more or less undecided—a divided community pleading for a legal resolution.

The post-film talk was lively.  Gutterman emphasized the human side of immigration, the ground-level issues, like family, jobs, and the crucial services provided by volunteer-, non-profit-, and faith-communities.  He also shared a bit of his intimate knowledge of the 2008 Postville Raid, when federal officials stormed a meatpacking plant in Postville, Iowa, arresting and imprisoning hundreds of migrant workers.

Many discussions about immigration revolve around economics. ‘Can we afford to keep our borders open?’ ‘Is a more open immigration policy sustainable?’ ‘Is it fair to taxpayers?’  And that’s totally understandable.  The issue is, after all, a global search for (or, depending on your camp, defense of) economic opportunities.  But the people in Brother Towns—the frustrated contractors and migrant workers alike—are not driven by greed but by need, by an obligation to contribute their skills to the world and thereby provide for their families, and to somehow weather the shock of massive social, cultural, and economic changes.

The takeaway point for me was this: if we discuss only the economic components of immigration (jobs, taxes, medical expenses, etc.), then we advance the notion that our relationship with newcomers and guest workers is purely exploitative, and if you’ve seen this film, or have ever known or worked with any recent immigrants, you know that can't be the case.  

It was great to encounter so many compassionate, informed people at Movie Night.  Brother Towns was well worth the drive out.  MLCers are a really neat bunch.

Thanks for a wonderful Monday evening.

Troubling News for Florida's Adult Learners

According to an article from the Orlando Sentinel, from this month forward, adults in Florida with literacy and educational needs can expect to pay anywhere from “$90 to $360 a year for adult-education courses,” as recently mandated by Florida’s state government. Nationally, Florida has one of the highest percentages of adults who struggle with limited literacy skills, rendering the state’s decision a bit incomprehensible. High fees will only discourage vulnerable populations—like refugees, new immigrants, and families living at or below the poverty level—from acquiring much-needed educational resources.  In my view, making it more difficult for potential workers and innovators to access public education forums is a step in the wrong direction.

The Minnesota Literacy Council, along with its network of volunteers and affiliates, is committed to keeping community education programs affordable (if not free) for learners.  In our 2009/2010 program year, MLC directed the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteer teachers and tutors, who donated a combined total of over 27,000 hours, a value of $565,217.  These volunteers worked with approximately 30,000 adult students, helping them to meet specific educational goals.

The prevailing tradition in Minnesota is to invest in the long-term success of all of its residents, which is a huge reason why our state remains a national leader in community literacy.  Although a handful of our over 500 adult literacy programs charge a $10 or $20 fee for materials, the fees are not mandated by the state, and learners are not denied access if they are unable to pay. 

As we hope for improvements in Florida, we should take a moment to appreciate the comparatively robust health of Minnesota’s community-education programs, as well as to acknowledge the crucial role of our many incredible volunteers. 


Joe Conry
MLC Volunteer Outreach

MLC and the Minnesota Twins

Photo courtesy of Bing Images

The Minnesota Literacy Council, together with its partner, Rasmussen College, will staff an information table at four Twins games this summer.  If you're coming to the game, find us to learn about exciting opportunities for volunteering in literacy programs throughout the state.

We'll be attending games on June 29th, July 20th, August 22nd, and August 24th.  Hope to see you there.  Go Twins!

Join MLC at Twin Cities World Refugee Day



Photo courtesy of http://tcworldrefugeeday.org/













The Minnesota Literacy Council will be at Minnehaha Park for the Twin Cities World Refugee Day this Saturday, June 25th, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  Look for us in the Communnity Resource Fair Tent near the bandstand. 

Come by to help Minnesota recognize its more than 100,000 refugees.  The event raises awareness of opportunities and issues refugees face when resettling, and creates an opportunity for longtime Minnesotans to build a cultural bridge with some of their newest neighbors.

Bradley Craig, June's Literacy Leader

For the last seven years, Bradley Craig has been tutoring adults at the Grace ABE program in Apple Valley. He began tutoring immigrant adults in English as a Second Language, and last fall he also started tutoring adult GED students in math. During his two volunteer shifts each week, Bradley helps students individually and supplements the licensed classroom teachers’ lessons. When Bradley works with the GED students on math problem-solving, he asks the students to take turns explaining the steps to derive the answers. He finds ways to relate what his students are learning to practical situations or current events.

Bradley and the teachers he works with share a great mutual respect for each other. Bradley writes that “the professionals for whom I work respect my outside experience and relate to me more like a peer than as a helper, so I feel like I’m delivering value to them as well as the students.” The teachers describe “his strong work ethic, loyalty to the students he works with, and willingness to go beyond the volunteer role to make a difference in the lives of students.” One teacher writes that Bradley’s “patience is endless and his calm nature creates a comfortable learning environment. He truly enjoys the subject matter and that enthusiasm has rubbed off on the students. Students he has worked with have shown great improvement and have moved up levels.”

When describing the impact that volunteering has had on him, Bradley says, “I’ve met so many interesting, hard-working people. My eyes have been opened to the richness that immigrants bring to our country. It is rewarding to help people to learn our language and our customs, as well as to help some get a step closer to becoming citizens.”

Bradley’s students wanted to share their appreciation as well. One writes, "Thank you for donating your time to make us better for the future." Another says, “I am happy to study with Brad and appreciate what he does for the school.”

Thanks, Bradley, for the great work you’re doing!

Save the date for MLC's next Movie Night - July 11

All volunteers and those interested in literacy volunteering are invited to a free movie night:

We'll be showing "Brother Towns"

When: Monday, July 11, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Where: Minnesota Literacy Council's main office

             700 Raymond Ave, Ste. 180, St. Paul 55114 see map

                                                                       

Photo courtesy of "Brother Towns" website

Brother Towns, by Pueblos Hermanos, is a documentary about facing the challenges and benefits associated with immigration.  The film treats the topic from the perspectives of two towns, one in Guatemala, one in Florida, illustrating what it’s like – and why it becomes necessary – to uproot and travel to a distant place. 

The movie will be presented by John Gutterman from the Advocates for Human Rights.   Discussion and resource sharing will follow.

Family and friends are welcome.  Light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP to arunchey@themlc.org with the number of persons in your party.

Interested in finding out more about MLC?

Join us for MLC's Beyond Books -  Literacy Mingle and Open House!

 

Whether you're new to the Minnesota Literacy Council or a longtime literacy advocate, our new Beyond Books events have something for you! Join us to discuss what literacy means in this day and age and how the literacy council is meeting the need for literacy programs and services. There will be light snacks to enjoy as you peruse stations and learn what's new in literacy programming this year.

  

Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 5:00-6:30pm

MLC main office, 700 Raymond Avenue, Suite 180, St. Paul 55114 (map).

Beyond Books open houses are free events -- not fundraisers. June's session features a slight twist, however -- the prize drawing for the organization's annual raffle! Tickets will be available for purchase prior to the 6 p.m. drawing, but you won't be pressured to enter.

Can't make it next Thursday? Then, mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 9, 2011 - the next Beyond Books event!

My Favorite Part of Volunteering

As a CLUES volunteer I had to travel across town in rush hour traffic to make it to my volunteer class on time. Driving through rush hour is no fun, especially considering the road construction on the 62/35W exchange. I would arrive to CLUES around 6pm tired and tense. When I got there, I’d have to quickly organize the worksheets, make copies, and gather materials together for my 6:30 class. The CLUES volunteer coordinator, Angela, was always very helpful, and she was good at checking in with the group of volunteers to make sure we had everything we needed. With her help, I always managed to prepare for my class in time, though I was usually a little flustered going in.

When I started to teach my small class of students, I began to relax and loosen up. As my students and I settled into class, my stress seemed to unwind itself. My class would usually joke around, and we had fun with the activities. By the end of class I seemed to have forgotten my own stresses/problems and replaced them with positive energy and optimism. Watching my students learn and knowing that I was helping them learn English, which is something essential to their livelihood, was extremely rewarding and it made me feel good.

The good feeling and energy that you gain from helping adults learn English is one of the things I enjoyed most about volunteering. In my job at the Minnesota Literacy Council, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with and hear from many literacy volunteers, and they have reminded me of this feeling. I’ve realized that many volunteers notice it. It’s neat to discover that this is something that many of us share as literacy volunteers.

Guest Blog Post: Beata at MLC Arlington Hills

My name is Beata and I have been volunteer teaching ESL classes at the Arlington Hills Learning Center since September 2010. A few months ago my students and I were talking about Halloween in the United States and one of my Spanish speaking students shared with me that the word for haunted house in Spanish was called Casa de la Bruja. I repeated this phrase a couple of times in my mind. It seemed easy to me and I thought I memorized it but by the time I got home that night I had already forgotten it.

These were only a few new words and I couldn’t believe I didn’t remember them. This made me realize that learning a foreign language is not as easy as some may think and even the easiest thing can be a challenge. English is my second language too but throughout the years I have forgotten how tough it was for me to learn it at times and I have been taking for granted the ability to speak the language. This experience put things into perspective for me and made me realize that learning a few words in a new language is not that easy. I appreciate my student’s efforts and hard work a lot more. I admire my students and value them and am amazed by how hard they try and learn English. During the class I’ve been spending a lot more time on new vocabulary. On that one cold October night I learned that remembering a few words in a new language is not as easy as it seems.