“Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has” (Margaret Mead).
We have been saturated with bad news about the economy, the unemployment rate, the current job and real estate markets, the struggles to find jobs, etc. for many months now on a daily basis. The message often is: “be glad if you have a job, don’t ask for too much, keep your head down, your hope limited and ride out the storm.” But what if that is the absolute wrong way to go? What if we dare to hope big, to ask for everything, and to keep our heads up?
At Milwaukee Achiever Literacy Services (and there are many other wonderful community programs) this is exactly what happens every day. Milwaukee Achiever offers Adult Literacy and Workforce Development Programs at several locations in the Milwaukee area, encouraging people from all walks of life and backgrounds to learn, to excel, to step up and to make a difference. Funded by MATC (Milwaukee Area Technical College), grants, donations, and contracts, Milwaukee Achiever has been offering Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, English Language Learning (ELL), citizenship skills, computer literacy, workforce development and one-on-one tutoring for over 26 years. Between July 2008 and June 2009, approximately 1500 learners used Milwaukee Achiever to better their language skills, complete or step up their education, learn to speak English, be trained in computer skills and more. How is this possible? With a dedicated staff and a large number of volunteer tutors, all committed to change the face of literacy in Milwaukee.
One out of every five Milwaukee resident is considered “functionally illiterate.” To improve literacy means to decrease crime and increase job safety, the understanding of health issues, education, and income. Literacy and education are the great equalizers in our society. Once achieved, nobody can take them away or stop their ripple effect on the community around them.
Milwaukee Achiever offers a safe and judgment free environment for learners and tutors. The majority of learners are from Hispanic and African American backgrounds, but the services are also utilized by European Caucasians, Africans, Asians, and others. One-on-one sessions and small group tutoring are most popular and there are virtually no drop-outs. Currently there are approximately 260 tutors volunteering their time. Until recently, the majority had a teaching background, having worked for the three institutions who founded the Program in 1983: Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, and Mount Mary College. Others came from Milwaukee Public School. Lately, there has been an increase of college graduates and people who have lost their jobs during this economic crisis. What all of them have in common and what Milwaukee Achiever is looking for in its tutors is flexibility, patience, a real interest in people and being willing to create a true partnership between learner and tutor.
So the next time you find yourself tired of bad news regarding our current economic state, visit Milwaukee Achiever and find thoughtful, committed citizens who are changing the world for the better, one learner at a time. Maybe you can become one of them. (www.MilwaukeeAchiever.org).
