President’s Message

Literacy means….

….so many things to so many people. If you try to define literacy for someone, you probably find yourself quoting one or more of the literacy organizations or ‘experts.’ It’s difficult to explain the full impact and meaning of ‘literacy’ without using the word ‘illiteracy’ or ‘low literacy.’

You might quote something like this: “Literacy is an individual’s ability to read, write, and speak in English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, achieve one's goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential.”

Historically, the term has meant different things as well. At one time, being able to write one’s name was sufficient to be considered literate. Today we have many ‘kinds’ of literacy: computer, information, functional, workplace, financial, health, family, emergent, and so on! How will we ever have a fully literate society when the definitions and complexities keep changing?

I don’t have the answer to that question, but I know that we can’t do it alone. And I know that change will continue to challenge us, and our students, on a daily basis.

I encourage you to continue to do the great work you do now – and to look for new ways to strengthen what you do. That could mean finding a new partner with whom to work, or restructuring existing programs, or trying new and different approaches. Have you asked your adult learners for input? Who better to help your organization continue to be strong, and who better to speak out and advocate for your work?

I also invite you to continue to work with GMLC to strengthen our efforts in southeastern Wisconsin. Together we can “help Milwaukee read.“

-- Dawn Lauber

GMLC pushes ahead with its Milwaukee Literacy Initiative

After its rousing kick-off ceremony in February, the Milwaukee Literacy Initiative is pushing forward. The initiative is aimed at making more people aware of ongoing efforts to improve literacy, and lowering the alarming rate of functional illiteracy in the City of Milwaukee (27 percent) to 20 percent of the population by the year 2010.

Recent GMLC actions in this initiative include:

Placing an advertisement

in the April 27 edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and MKE newspapers. The ad salutes literacy volunteers and urges readers to get involved in the effort. GMLC’s affiliate members are listed.

Distributing bookmarks

to libraries and book stores throughout the metropolitan area, encouraging people to volunteer by going to www.helpmilwaukeeread.org.

Enhancing the GMLC Web site,

so that when people go there to volunteer, it will be an easy, clear process.

Purchasing a professional display board

to take to meetings and events around the city, so more people will be aware of the work of the GMLC.

Meeting with literacy advocates

throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. For example, the regional meeting held April 28 brought together 26 practitioners from 19 agencies. Another regional meeting is slated for June 13. In addition, representatives from Milwaukee’s Family Literacy Coalition and Health Literacy Coalition shared experiences with GMLC members at the May 12 meeting.

Placing advertisements on the backs of buses

with the Web address during August, September and October.

Taking a table at the Celebration of Adult Literacy

in Madison on May 15. Ten people working at agencies connected to GMLC won statewide awards.

Starting a GMLC Speakers Bureau.

If we want businesses, organizations and governmental representatives to refer people to literacy agencies and help us to recruit volunteers, then we need to be willing to go out and talk to them.

The above efforts are at various stages of planning, execution and completion. Anybody interested in helping with the Milwaukee Literacy Initiative can contact GMLC President Dawn Lauber or Peg Palmer.

-- Kathy Mulvey