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!