Thank you to Legacy Books for hosting this event!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Celebration of Readers Rights
Join Us to Celebrate Readers' Rights
A reading of select passages
from banned books
by celebrity readers
A reading of select passages
from banned books
by celebrity readers
Friday, November 21, 2008
Introductory Comments for the Literacy Roundtable 10th Anniversary Banned Book Presentation
11/19/05
Welcome Everyone! We are here today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Literacy Roundtable and to call attention to the suppression of voices in our society. This event was organized by the ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which is a project of the Literacy Roundtable and LIFT, Missouri’s literacy resource center in conjunction with the Literacy For Social Justice Teachers Research Group. One of our themes this year is Education as a Human Right and part of that theme is talking about intellectual freedom.
Many people think of book banning as something that occurred 100 years ago or occurs in other countries, and they do not realize that it is something that happens all the time in communities in USA. Every month there are books challenged in school and public libraries across our country. People who challenge books often have really good intentions: they want to protect others, often children, but also adults, from difficult ideas and information. However, the first amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech which means that one group cannot decide for everyone which information gets shared and which information is silenced.
Throughout history, people from different beliefs (both conservative and radical) have attempted to suppress the words of people who disagree with their beliefs. The American Library Association has collected lists of these books that are challenged every year and has compiled several lists identifying which books are the most challenged over time. Here is a list of the most challenged books of 2000-2007.
Today we have chosen some of these very books to donate to the library and 3 adult education programs in the St. Louis Metro Area. Our reasons are two fold.
One, we want to promote the idea that everyone’s voices should be heard. People have tried to suppress the voices of these authors by preventing their books from being in libraries and schools in the United States. But also, every day, there are thousands of voices here in our community that will never be heard because they do not have the skills to write their words down. The written word is very powerful, as evidenced by the fear it promotes in people, and if people do not have the ability to write and to read, then they do not have the ability to function fully in our society. These books that have been challenged often promote ideas that are difficult and complex. These books promote the discussion of these ideas and address complicated issues in our society. When people have the opportunity to discuss complicated ideas and complex situations, they then are better able to apply that reasoning process to other aspects of their lives.
The other reason why we chose these books is to encourage people to understand that in order for people to become better readers, to become more literate, they have to have a choice about what they read. There are multiple studies that show that people who have the opportunity to read their choice of reading material everyday, that they become stronger readers and if they are interested in the subject, that they can actually read at a higher level than they normally would. Often books that are challenged are books that describe lives and experiences that are not “rosy pictures”, but for many of us, our lives are not always rosy and perfect either – people need access stories that relate to our own experiences as well as stories that portray a different experience.
Education is a human right, a right that is not dependant on the laws or beliefs of any country. In order for us to effectively make this a reality for all students, no matter what their age, we have to do better. The impact of adults learning to read is significant not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The single best indicator of whether a child will succeed in school is the education level of their primary caregiver, often the mother. If we wish to break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy, we need to focus on educating adults as well as children.
Without further ado, I give you Carlotta Algee Stancil, the chairperson of the Literacy Roundtable. Carlotta will be presenting the books today to the St. Louis Public Library – Julia Davis Branch, The St. Louis Public Schools Adult Education and Literacy Program, the Lewis and Clark Community College Adult Education and Literacy Program, and the St. Louis Community College at Meramec Adult Education and Literacy Program.
Welcome Everyone! We are here today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Literacy Roundtable and to call attention to the suppression of voices in our society. This event was organized by the ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which is a project of the Literacy Roundtable and LIFT, Missouri’s literacy resource center in conjunction with the Literacy For Social Justice Teachers Research Group. One of our themes this year is Education as a Human Right and part of that theme is talking about intellectual freedom.
Many people think of book banning as something that occurred 100 years ago or occurs in other countries, and they do not realize that it is something that happens all the time in communities in USA. Every month there are books challenged in school and public libraries across our country. People who challenge books often have really good intentions: they want to protect others, often children, but also adults, from difficult ideas and information. However, the first amendment gives us the right to freedom of speech which means that one group cannot decide for everyone which information gets shared and which information is silenced.
Throughout history, people from different beliefs (both conservative and radical) have attempted to suppress the words of people who disagree with their beliefs. The American Library Association has collected lists of these books that are challenged every year and has compiled several lists identifying which books are the most challenged over time. Here is a list of the most challenged books of 2000-2007.
Today we have chosen some of these very books to donate to the library and 3 adult education programs in the St. Louis Metro Area. Our reasons are two fold.
One, we want to promote the idea that everyone’s voices should be heard. People have tried to suppress the voices of these authors by preventing their books from being in libraries and schools in the United States. But also, every day, there are thousands of voices here in our community that will never be heard because they do not have the skills to write their words down. The written word is very powerful, as evidenced by the fear it promotes in people, and if people do not have the ability to write and to read, then they do not have the ability to function fully in our society. These books that have been challenged often promote ideas that are difficult and complex. These books promote the discussion of these ideas and address complicated issues in our society. When people have the opportunity to discuss complicated ideas and complex situations, they then are better able to apply that reasoning process to other aspects of their lives.
The other reason why we chose these books is to encourage people to understand that in order for people to become better readers, to become more literate, they have to have a choice about what they read. There are multiple studies that show that people who have the opportunity to read their choice of reading material everyday, that they become stronger readers and if they are interested in the subject, that they can actually read at a higher level than they normally would. Often books that are challenged are books that describe lives and experiences that are not “rosy pictures”, but for many of us, our lives are not always rosy and perfect either – people need access stories that relate to our own experiences as well as stories that portray a different experience.
Education is a human right, a right that is not dependant on the laws or beliefs of any country. In order for us to effectively make this a reality for all students, no matter what their age, we have to do better. The impact of adults learning to read is significant not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of their children and grandchildren. The single best indicator of whether a child will succeed in school is the education level of their primary caregiver, often the mother. If we wish to break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy, we need to focus on educating adults as well as children.
Without further ado, I give you Carlotta Algee Stancil, the chairperson of the Literacy Roundtable. Carlotta will be presenting the books today to the St. Louis Public Library – Julia Davis Branch, The St. Louis Public Schools Adult Education and Literacy Program, the Lewis and Clark Community College Adult Education and Literacy Program, and the St. Louis Community College at Meramec Adult Education and Literacy Program.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Banned Books Event 11/19/08
Banned Books Donated
On November 19, 2008 at 10:30 am the Literacy Roundtable in commemoration of its tenth anniversary will donate a selection of books that have been banned or formally challenged to the Julia Davis Library. The Literacy Roundtable is a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area.
An additional selection of banned books will be donated to three adult education classrooms in the greater metropolitan area. To highlight the nature of the banned books, they will be wrapped in brown paper, hiding their titles. The titles come from the American Library Association’s Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books in 2000-2007 list.
A community forum on intellectual freedom will follow immediately after the donation in the Julia Davis auditorium. This is the first in this year’s series of events initiated by the ad hoc ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which focuses this year on education as a human right. The committee has held a series of forums and conventions on literacy issues for the past five years often meeting at the Julia Davis Library.
In conjunction with the Literacy Roundtable and the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group, the ABC’s of Literacy Committee’s next event will be a selected reading of banned books on December 8 from 6-8 pm at Legacy Books and Café, 5429 Delmar Avenue.
On November 19, 2008 at 10:30 am the Literacy Roundtable in commemoration of its tenth anniversary will donate a selection of books that have been banned or formally challenged to the Julia Davis Library. The Literacy Roundtable is a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area.
An additional selection of banned books will be donated to three adult education classrooms in the greater metropolitan area. To highlight the nature of the banned books, they will be wrapped in brown paper, hiding their titles. The titles come from the American Library Association’s Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books in 2000-2007 list.
A community forum on intellectual freedom will follow immediately after the donation in the Julia Davis auditorium. This is the first in this year’s series of events initiated by the ad hoc ABC’s of Literacy Committee, which focuses this year on education as a human right. The committee has held a series of forums and conventions on literacy issues for the past five years often meeting at the Julia Davis Library.
In conjunction with the Literacy Roundtable and the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group, the ABC’s of Literacy Committee’s next event will be a selected reading of banned books on December 8 from 6-8 pm at Legacy Books and Café, 5429 Delmar Avenue.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Survey - Help Us Plot Our Course!
ABC’S of Literacy Survey - you can take the survey here:Click Here to take survey
The ABC's of Literacy promotes community awareness and participation in literacy efforts in the St. Louis Metro area through regional conferences, forums, adult learner leadership activities and internships, public actions, and professional development opportunities.
Please answer the following questions to help us determine next steps.
Have you ever participated in an ABC’s of Literacy Forum, Conference, or any other ABC’s activity?
_____ YES Why?
_____ NO Why not?
What type of forum or activity would you and/or your students be interested in participating?
What TOPICS are you interested in?
What FORMATS would you suggest? (discussion forums, field trip forums, class visits, training sessions, student rep groups or councils, etc. ?)
What DAYS and TIMES would be good?
What LOCATIONS would be accessible?
Thank you for your answers! You can leave your answers in the comments section or email your responses to mdyer@webster.edu. Our mailing address is: LIFT-MO, 815 Olive, Suite 22, St. Louis, MO 63101.
The ABC's of Literacy promotes community awareness and participation in literacy efforts in the St. Louis Metro area through regional conferences, forums, adult learner leadership activities and internships, public actions, and professional development opportunities.
Please answer the following questions to help us determine next steps.
Have you ever participated in an ABC’s of Literacy Forum, Conference, or any other ABC’s activity?
_____ YES Why?
_____ NO Why not?
What type of forum or activity would you and/or your students be interested in participating?
What TOPICS are you interested in?
What FORMATS would you suggest? (discussion forums, field trip forums, class visits, training sessions, student rep groups or councils, etc. ?)
What DAYS and TIMES would be good?
What LOCATIONS would be accessible?
Thank you for your answers! You can leave your answers in the comments section or email your responses to mdyer@webster.edu. Our mailing address is: LIFT-MO, 815 Olive, Suite 22, St. Louis, MO 63101.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Educating For Change Curriculum Fair
4th ANNUAL EDUCATING FOR CHANGE CURRICULUM FAIR
DEFINING DEMOCRACY
Saturday, September 27th, 2008
9 am - 3 pm
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Marillac Hall
The event is sponsored by the Literacy for Social Justice Group, The Dean's Committee on Social Justice of the College of Education, UMSL, The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO.
The theme of this year's fair is "Defining Democracy."
This year we are planning an exciting program including featured speaker, Dr. Kevin Kumashiro who is the Director of the Center for Anti-Oppressive Education.
DEFINING DEMOCRACY
Saturday, September 27th, 2008
9 am - 3 pm
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Marillac Hall
The event is sponsored by the Literacy for Social Justice Group, The Dean's Committee on Social Justice of the College of Education, UMSL, The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO.
The theme of this year's fair is "Defining Democracy."
This year we are planning an exciting program including featured speaker, Dr. Kevin Kumashiro who is the Director of the Center for Anti-Oppressive Education.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Following Up
Hello everyone,
How the time has gone by, it's August already. I just wanted to make contact with everyone to see how we could come together on-line ,conference call or what ever. Let's throw some suggestions around to see how we can make the connection. In May we made some commitments that we have not followed through with. At that time I took everyone who made the commitment to mean what they said. We do understand that life always has a curve ball. However the reason for writing everyone is that we can get focused again.
What have you heard about the presidential candidates and their view on education?
Are you registered to vote?
What would you want to do to support our education efforts?
I really want to hear from you all. Thank You So Much for your time and efforts.
ABC's of LITERACY
intern: Dwight F. Johnson
P.S Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
How the time has gone by, it's August already. I just wanted to make contact with everyone to see how we could come together on-line ,conference call or what ever. Let's throw some suggestions around to see how we can make the connection. In May we made some commitments that we have not followed through with. At that time I took everyone who made the commitment to mean what they said. We do understand that life always has a curve ball. However the reason for writing everyone is that we can get focused again.
What have you heard about the presidential candidates and their view on education?
Are you registered to vote?
What would you want to do to support our education efforts?
I really want to hear from you all. Thank You So Much for your time and efforts.
ABC's of LITERACY
intern: Dwight F. Johnson
P.S Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Reflections on COABE 08
My experience of the 2008 COABE Conference was awesome. I got to meet people from all over the world. This was my very first conference and one I will never forget. I especially enjoyed the classes designed for COABE students because, we were allowed to tell about our experience being students and how we can improve not just ourselves but the program as a whole. I was also intrigued to learn how much fun M&M’s can be in a math workshop. I enjoyed hearing different speakers from all over the United States, one in particular Mr. Ernest Best from Massachusetts. His story was most encouraging; he told how he too was a dropout and decided to go back to school. He earned two degree’s with a 4.0. I think that’s fantastic, not saying if Mr. Best could do it, anyone could. I just believe that there is hope. When a person tells a story and it reaches the soul of another person, that’s a start. It’s always good to hear about someone else’s struggle and how they made it through. Not only that, but
how he has hoped so many others including his assistant, Cindy.
Last but not least, our own Mr. Dwight Johnson gave a spectacular speech on his
experience as a student leader, and it was magnificent!!! I find that each time Dwight speaks, he tells a different story, one that is unique. Mr. Johnson’s experience seems to set fire to a lot of hearts and minds. People are inspired by not just how he gives a speech but the heart-felt story behind it. I call it a testimony which helps other overcome and know that there is something bigger than all of us. You see the conference has filled me up spiritually and mentally knowing how people give themselves in many ways to ensure literacy is a success through out the nation.
Jessica Billups
how he has hoped so many others including his assistant, Cindy.
Last but not least, our own Mr. Dwight Johnson gave a spectacular speech on his
experience as a student leader, and it was magnificent!!! I find that each time Dwight speaks, he tells a different story, one that is unique. Mr. Johnson’s experience seems to set fire to a lot of hearts and minds. People are inspired by not just how he gives a speech but the heart-felt story behind it. I call it a testimony which helps other overcome and know that there is something bigger than all of us. You see the conference has filled me up spiritually and mentally knowing how people give themselves in many ways to ensure literacy is a success through out the nation.
Jessica Billups
What A Year It Has Been!
What a year it has been! I would have never thought I would benefit so much. But all things must end. Nevertheless, what an ending! 2008 COABE Conference was different for me. Over the past year, I have attended three conferences and no less than twenty forums. At 2008 COABE. I observed such a dedication from administration, teachers, staff, and volunteers. I find that Literacy is not a passing thought, it is life. You have to live it. The 2008 COABE Conference actually is the beginning of the life of literacy for me. Thanks to all the passionate people who have dedicated their lives to literacy.. Speaking from a first timer’s point of view, or in my case as an intern, I did enjoy the conference. Yes, the first couple of forums/ conferences you are so overwhelmed with emotion to know that there are whole groups of people that care so much, that it is their life’s passion. One of the workshops I attended was Transitions: The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with the First Step. The speaker was Mr. Rick Marshall. The workshop was very informative with power points, handouts, even illustrations. For this workshop to have such an eye-grabbing topic, it was too surface, meaning he was telling his story, but it was nothing that would make him or any one else search deeper within. You felt like there was more. I believe most of class felt that way. There was one woman in our class who had a speech and hearing impairment. Her teacher had to interpret what she would say to the class. In addition, students from other countries and Americans dealing with all manors of situation poverty, health issues, and domestic violence and so on. I would really like to see that workshop again. When Mr. Rick is feeling vulnerable and transparent.
Dwight F. Johnson
Dwight F. Johnson
Friday, April 25, 2008
Rally on Wednesday, April 30th
You are Invited .... Spread the Word!
Rally in Defense of Public Education!
Wednesday, April 30th -- 6 PM
Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth Street St. Louis, MO 63102 (stairs facing west)
Join local and national educators for a rally in defense of public education! Speakers, music, a declaration calling for action in defense of public education and more ...
Free, public education is the cornerstone of a democracy. Public education is under siege by those seeking to privatize it for profit. Together, we will call for a more equitable system of public education for all and ensure literacy as a basic civil right.
Organized by the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group and
the ABC's of Literacy Committee
Rally in Defense of Public Education!
Wednesday, April 30th -- 6 PM
Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth Street St. Louis, MO 63102 (stairs facing west)
Join local and national educators for a rally in defense of public education! Speakers, music, a declaration calling for action in defense of public education and more ...
Free, public education is the cornerstone of a democracy. Public education is under siege by those seeking to privatize it for profit. Together, we will call for a more equitable system of public education for all and ensure literacy as a basic civil right.
Organized by the Literacy for Social Justice Teacher Research Group and
the ABC's of Literacy Committee
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
BEING EMPOWERED
On March 13, 2008 it was a Thursday. The ABC round table sponsored a forum.
The theme was toast for change. We scheduled one in January, another one in
February. Because of reasons beyond our control both came to no avail.
So it was decided, for what ever reason the students could not come to the forums.
We would go to them. The first one was on the 11th of March, at the YMCA
Literacy Council. I understand the forum went very well. Because of my schedule I could not make that one.
I attended the forum on the following Thursday at Adult Ed on Kensington. There were seven or eight adult educators and around fifteen adult learners, including Joseph and myself.
The topic was on misleading words in one specific petition and how you can be tricked
in to signing a petition you don’t agree with , in general because of misleading words.
As adult learners we were also preparing our own petition for presidential candidates. The forum on Tuesday started the document. So there were already seven or so questions/statements in place on this document. We added another four
or five. I thought that was empowering.
We also discussed our Adult Learners Network. I was allowed to say a few words.
I just encouraged all the students in the class and myself to consider how important it is for the Adult Learners Network to have support also a voice for adult learners.
At the end we did a toast for change. There was no lack of participation with that
Activity. The grape juice was wonderful. I had seconds (smile).
Intern: Dwight Johnson ABC LITERACY
The theme was toast for change. We scheduled one in January, another one in
February. Because of reasons beyond our control both came to no avail.
So it was decided, for what ever reason the students could not come to the forums.
We would go to them. The first one was on the 11th of March, at the YMCA
Literacy Council. I understand the forum went very well. Because of my schedule I could not make that one.
I attended the forum on the following Thursday at Adult Ed on Kensington. There were seven or eight adult educators and around fifteen adult learners, including Joseph and myself.
The topic was on misleading words in one specific petition and how you can be tricked
in to signing a petition you don’t agree with , in general because of misleading words.
As adult learners we were also preparing our own petition for presidential candidates. The forum on Tuesday started the document. So there were already seven or so questions/statements in place on this document. We added another four
or five. I thought that was empowering.
We also discussed our Adult Learners Network. I was allowed to say a few words.
I just encouraged all the students in the class and myself to consider how important it is for the Adult Learners Network to have support also a voice for adult learners.
At the end we did a toast for change. There was no lack of participation with that
Activity. The grape juice was wonderful. I had seconds (smile).
Intern: Dwight Johnson ABC LITERACY
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Literacy Roundtable Promotes Student Leadership with COABE Scholarships
The Literacy Roundtable has committed to sponsor 10 adult learners (current students and alumni) to attend the COABE 08 Conference in St. Louis, MO, April 28-May 1.
The scholarships are available to students of programs participating in the Literacy Roundtable or the ABC's of Literacy programs.
Literacy Roundtable Scholarship for COABE
10 scholarships in the amount of $205 to cover the cost of early registration fees and the COABE Awards luncheon
Eligibility:
• 5 slots will be held for students who have participated in ABC forums
• 5 slots will be available to representatives of a Roundtable member Agency
Criteria:
• Student has demonstrated some commitment and consistency in their program attendance
• Student has demonstrated interest and involvement in advocacy activities as they relate to adult education.
• Student has participated in ABC Forum activities (optional)
Recruitment:
• Information about the conference will be distributed to all member agencies via flyers, email, blog and website
• Applications will be made available using some of the same processes
• Informational sessions will be held by interested agency groups. The format and script for the sessions will be made available to interested groups to ensure continuity of information.
• ABC committee will make selection in consultation with Roundtable board.
For More Information Contact Marcia Hayes Harris at:
The scholarships are available to students of programs participating in the Literacy Roundtable or the ABC's of Literacy programs.
Literacy Roundtable Scholarship for COABE
10 scholarships in the amount of $205 to cover the cost of early registration fees and the COABE Awards luncheon
Eligibility:
• 5 slots will be held for students who have participated in ABC forums
• 5 slots will be available to representatives of a Roundtable member Agency
Criteria:
• Student has demonstrated some commitment and consistency in their program attendance
• Student has demonstrated interest and involvement in advocacy activities as they relate to adult education.
• Student has participated in ABC Forum activities (optional)
Recruitment:
• Information about the conference will be distributed to all member agencies via flyers, email, blog and website
• Applications will be made available using some of the same processes
• Informational sessions will be held by interested agency groups. The format and script for the sessions will be made available to interested groups to ensure continuity of information.
• ABC committee will make selection in consultation with Roundtable board.
For More Information Contact Marcia Hayes Harris at:
Be A Student Advocate at COABE 08
Bring your AEL student to St. Louis for COABE/MAACCE Conference 2008
Introducing a new Student Leadership strand
Benefits to students:
* Student friendly, student-centered workshops
* Opportunities for students to volunteer
* Opportunities for students to network with others nationwide
Benefits to teachers/administrators:
* Broaden your student’s scope of adult literacy
* Generate student leadership and promote advocacy
* Increase retention & expand participation in your program
Registration Cost
* Early bird adult learner rate $195
* COABE membership rate $ 35
* Rate after early bird registration $335
For more information contact:
http://www.coabeconference.org
or contact:
Student Leadership Chair,
Marcia Hayes-Harris, at:
Marcia.hayes-harris@slps.org
Introducing a new Student Leadership strand
Benefits to students:
* Student friendly, student-centered workshops
* Opportunities for students to volunteer
* Opportunities for students to network with others nationwide
Benefits to teachers/administrators:
* Broaden your student’s scope of adult literacy
* Generate student leadership and promote advocacy
* Increase retention & expand participation in your program
Registration Cost
* Early bird adult learner rate $195
* COABE membership rate $ 35
* Rate after early bird registration $335
For more information contact:
http://www.coabeconference.org
or contact:
Student Leadership Chair,
Marcia Hayes-Harris, at:
Marcia.hayes-harris@slps.org
Forums To The People
This spring we have been bringing our forums to the classrooms of AEL programs in the area. See us:
At the YMCA Literacy Council on March 11, 2o08
At the Adult Learning Center on March 13, 2008
At the South County Education Center on March 19, 2008
And in Illinois at the Lewis and Clark Community College in early April.
Since this is an election year we have heard a lot about CHANGE. We'd like to encourage everyone involved in adult education to be a part of this conversation. We are talking about civic participation and the voice of adult learners inside and outside the classroom. In addition we want to know about the commitment to CHANGE adult learners are making in their individual lives and to support them in their efforts.
If you would like us to come to your classroom, call 314-678-4443 x 207.
ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community
Be a VOICE for CHANGE
Spring 2008
AGENDA
Welcome
Have you ever signed a petition? Why/Why Not?
Voter Registration
Missouri Petition Initiatives
Literacy President Petition
Adult Learner Network
Toast for Change
At the YMCA Literacy Council on March 11, 2o08
At the Adult Learning Center on March 13, 2008
At the South County Education Center on March 19, 2008
And in Illinois at the Lewis and Clark Community College in early April.
Since this is an election year we have heard a lot about CHANGE. We'd like to encourage everyone involved in adult education to be a part of this conversation. We are talking about civic participation and the voice of adult learners inside and outside the classroom. In addition we want to know about the commitment to CHANGE adult learners are making in their individual lives and to support them in their efforts.
If you would like us to come to your classroom, call 314-678-4443 x 207.
ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community
Be a VOICE for CHANGE
Spring 2008
AGENDA
Welcome
Have you ever signed a petition? Why/Why Not?
Voter Registration
Missouri Petition Initiatives
Literacy President Petition
Adult Learner Network
Toast for Change
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Adult Learner Network Meet and Greet
ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community
ADULT LEARNER NETWORK
MEET and GREET
&
TOAST for CHANGE
January 23, 2008
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Carpenter Branch Library
3309 South Grand
Meet other adult learners and celebrate a new year
during this networking opportunity!
Share your voice as we plan next steps for the
Adult Learner Network!
To register your classroom or for more information, call Maggie by noon on January 22nd at: (800) 729-4443 ext. 207.
Sponsored by:
The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO
Acting for a Better Community
ADULT LEARNER NETWORK
MEET and GREET
&
TOAST for CHANGE
January 23, 2008
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Carpenter Branch Library
3309 South Grand
Meet other adult learners and celebrate a new year
during this networking opportunity!
Share your voice as we plan next steps for the
Adult Learner Network!
To register your classroom or for more information, call Maggie by noon on January 22nd at: (800) 729-4443 ext. 207.
Sponsored by:
The Literacy Roundtable and LIFT-MO
Dwight's Reflections on Freedom
Thoughts on Freedom
I was asked the question, “What is freedom to me?”
Freedom to me means so many things.
First and foremost, as a human being, that I have the same rights as every human being. The bare necessities of life; shelter, food, clothes and access to medical attention both for maintenance and in emergencies. That I know that I am safe from hurt and harm or if not, that there is a system in place that I can call on to assure my safety.
It’s amazing to me that we live in one of the richest countries in the world. With my eyes and ears I hear and see billions upon billions of dollars being shifted and merged every day. Neighborhoods being transformed and retransformed or not being touched. I’m talking twenty, thirty years. No one, company or church, has touched these neighborhoods. Oh yes! They talk about these neighborhoods, but there has not been real commitment to these areas.
Why is there homelessness? Why can’t we find decent jobs?
Why is the fight so fierce for FREEDOM?
For our human rights: shelter, food, clothes, medical attention.
To be accepted whether I’m red, white or blue.
Oh God! We need divine intervention.
Only you can give us the strength and the power to fight injustice.
Not just in America, but all over the world.
I was asked the question, “What is freedom to me?”
Freedom to me means so many things.
First and foremost, as a human being, that I have the same rights as every human being. The bare necessities of life; shelter, food, clothes and access to medical attention both for maintenance and in emergencies. That I know that I am safe from hurt and harm or if not, that there is a system in place that I can call on to assure my safety.
It’s amazing to me that we live in one of the richest countries in the world. With my eyes and ears I hear and see billions upon billions of dollars being shifted and merged every day. Neighborhoods being transformed and retransformed or not being touched. I’m talking twenty, thirty years. No one, company or church, has touched these neighborhoods. Oh yes! They talk about these neighborhoods, but there has not been real commitment to these areas.
Why is there homelessness? Why can’t we find decent jobs?
Why is the fight so fierce for FREEDOM?
For our human rights: shelter, food, clothes, medical attention.
To be accepted whether I’m red, white or blue.
Oh God! We need divine intervention.
Only you can give us the strength and the power to fight injustice.
Not just in America, but all over the world.
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