President’s Message

What’s Your GMLC Literacy-IQ?

What is the GMLC? When did it begin? What does it do? What are its plans for the future? Over the last few years as I have participated in the GMLC, I have learned the answers to many of these questions. Take a moment to test your knowledge of GMLC.

1. In which year was the GMLC ‘born’?
   a. 1988 b. 1986 c. 1983
2. The GMLC Board currently consists of:
   a. 4 officers and 5 directors
   b. 5 officers and 2 directors
   c. 3 officers and 4 directors
3. The GMLC awards how many scholarships each year?
   a. 1 b. 2 c. 3
4. The GMLC also regularly gives recognition awards for:
   a. Literacy Endeavors and Community Spirit
   b. Volunteerism and Community Voice
   c. Spirit and Community Service
5. The GMLC has a tagline.
   True False
6. The GMLC’s web address is:
   a. www.grtermilwlitcol.org
   b. www.gmlcwi.org
   c. www.literacycouncilmilwaukee.org
7. How many membership categories are there now in the GMLC?
   a. 1 b. 2 c. 3
8. Since it was founded, the organizational structure of the GMLC has changed:
   a. not at all b. significantly c. somewhat
9. The most recent strategic plan of the GMLC was written in:
   a. 1988 b. 1997 c. 2005
10. How many goals are identified in the most recent strategic plan?
    a. 3 b. 5 c. 7

BONUS: Approximately what percentage of Milwaukee’s adult population over age 25 is functionally illiterate?
a. 17% b. 27% c. 35%

For active members, most of these questions were easy to answer. However, finding the answers about the future will be more challenging and will require input from all of our members. We need your help. How can the GMLC better serve you? Please share your suggestions with me or another board member. Stay in touch; renew your membership if you have not already done so; read the newsletter; check out our Web site; come to the meetings and be a part in shaping our future.

I look forward to working with all of you in the coming year to promote adult and family literacy in southeastern Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Dawn Lauber

Answers:

1.b 2.a 3.b 4.c 5.T 6.b 7.b 8.c 9.c 10.a Bonus. b

GMLC spearheads Milwaukee Literacy Initiative

The GMLC has joined with area literacy providers in an effort aimed at lowering the illiteracy rate in the City of Milwaukee from 27% (the illiteracy rate in 2005) to 20% in five years (2010).

The Milwaukee Literacy Initiative is working to create a citywide partnership with commitments from city government and literacy organizations, educational institutions, libraries, local corporations, social service providers, media, community groups, religious leaders and adult learners to increase awareness of illiteracy issues and promote literacy programs.

GMLC members Barb Felix and Peg Palmer attended the Non-profit Leaders Luncheon with Mayor Tom Barrett on November 17 and brought the initiative to his attention. They are asking the mayor to sign a proclamation at a ceremony to be held in January, to select a representative from his office to join the Milwaukee Literacy Initiative, and to involve members of the Common Council in encouraging the use of literacy agencies in their districts

“Through GMLC members and other service providers, we have the structure in place to provide services to Milwaukee adults in need of ABE, GED/HSED, ESL and Computer Skills,” said GMLC President Dawn Lauber. “We need to create awareness and momentum and movement toward local literacy providers.”

Committee co-chairs Dawn Lauber and Peg Palmer explained that the initiative will sponsor meetings and events throughout the community during the year. They hope to enlist the aid of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Women’s Association, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions and other service organizations, as well as church groups.

The committee will meet again on Tuesday November 29 at 2 p.m. at Literacy Services of Wisconsin, 2724 W. Wells St. They will develop a strategic plan for the Milwaukee Literacy Initiative and a timeline for the upcoming year. Please join us if you are interested. This is a huge project – we need your help!

Peg Palmer