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.