Freedom Schools Interactive Workshop
July 18, 2007
9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Old Courthouse
St. Louis City
Adult Literacy Education has a long history in St. Louis…
Join us to learn more about the Freedom Schools – secret classes that were held in churches and basements and on steamboats in the Mississippi River during the 1800’s before the Civil War.
During this time, a state law restricted the freedom of African Americans by making it illegal for anyone to teach African American people to read and write. Despite this law, people taught and learned within these Freedom Schools.
There is no cost for this workshop but space is limited.
Participants MUST Register.
To register or for more information, call Maggie by July 13th at:
(800) 729-4443 ext. 207.
ABC’s of Literacy:
Acting for a Better Community
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Reflections III
The Importance of My Life Relationship With Friends
Rochell Jones
The type of childhood I had either showed me how to be positive or how to be negative, my future depended on these aspects. My friends didn’t realize the imprints they left on me as a child talking negative, skipping school, doing thing that weren’t positive. I knew that their negativity was causing negative situations in my life. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t understand as children that following directions would help us to achieve our goals, bring financial resources, and changes for the better in our lives. It’s not that my friends and I didn’t know or understand the concept of doing right, we were just that free to be who we were at that point in time. Therefore, we needed mentors in our lives to be able to understand what life had to offer. As I got older I thought on the positive, I reminisce on those positive thoughts. I changed and made my situation better for my life and enrolled in college. I decided to become a nurse at a young age and this was a road that I choose to take.
I was burdened as a child by the negative aspect of my friends and that pained me. My friends would say that I would not accomplish anything, but in my mind I knew that I was something special. The more they talked, the more I would better myself. I left home at an early age of 17, I needed something more and my family wasn’t giving it to me. At this point in my life I knew no one could hold me back. There was a bigger world out for me. I thought outside of the box my family was trying to put me in. I let God guild my foot steps and I knew it was him because on my own I had not accomplished nothing, but with prayer and God’s strength I knew that I could achieve anything.
I knew my future was not all on point without any type of mentor in my life. Things that I wanted to accomplish had become a reality. I prayed for God to send positive people in my life and mentors that would help me to stay more focused on any given situation. God answered my prayer and my life generated positive people, money, children, a husband, and schooling. Negativity was still riding with me because of my past, I was missing my friends that were doing all the negative talking to me as a child, but I couldn’t let this stand in my way so I took charge of the negative thoughts. I knew that it was going to be hard work but I remained focused and I came out on top of every situation I encountered.
Rochell Jones
The type of childhood I had either showed me how to be positive or how to be negative, my future depended on these aspects. My friends didn’t realize the imprints they left on me as a child talking negative, skipping school, doing thing that weren’t positive. I knew that their negativity was causing negative situations in my life. Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t understand as children that following directions would help us to achieve our goals, bring financial resources, and changes for the better in our lives. It’s not that my friends and I didn’t know or understand the concept of doing right, we were just that free to be who we were at that point in time. Therefore, we needed mentors in our lives to be able to understand what life had to offer. As I got older I thought on the positive, I reminisce on those positive thoughts. I changed and made my situation better for my life and enrolled in college. I decided to become a nurse at a young age and this was a road that I choose to take.
I was burdened as a child by the negative aspect of my friends and that pained me. My friends would say that I would not accomplish anything, but in my mind I knew that I was something special. The more they talked, the more I would better myself. I left home at an early age of 17, I needed something more and my family wasn’t giving it to me. At this point in my life I knew no one could hold me back. There was a bigger world out for me. I thought outside of the box my family was trying to put me in. I let God guild my foot steps and I knew it was him because on my own I had not accomplished nothing, but with prayer and God’s strength I knew that I could achieve anything.
I knew my future was not all on point without any type of mentor in my life. Things that I wanted to accomplish had become a reality. I prayed for God to send positive people in my life and mentors that would help me to stay more focused on any given situation. God answered my prayer and my life generated positive people, money, children, a husband, and schooling. Negativity was still riding with me because of my past, I was missing my friends that were doing all the negative talking to me as a child, but I couldn’t let this stand in my way so I took charge of the negative thoughts. I knew that it was going to be hard work but I remained focused and I came out on top of every situation I encountered.
Reflections II
Thinking Creatively
Dwight F. Johnson
How do you think creatively?
When do you think creatively?
Why do you think creatively?
Are the questions.
In order for me to think creatively I must use my imagination. I mean by this using the act or the faculty of imagining. The ability to form mental images. This is creativety, imagination.
I think creatively every second, minute, and hour of the day. There is always something that needs to be done. There are so many places to go and also people to meet. Also looking at creativity from another angel. Would be things we haven't done or places we haven't been. Are even people we haven't met. One thing about it we are always thinking creatively.
I really don't know why we think creatively. There is one thing I can say is that the brain is divinely made. It can do anything it wants to do once the mind is made up. It may be good, sad, or indifferent.
We must be creative in our everyday life. If we don't we won't be able to get anything done. Out of all 365 days of the year, there is not one day the same. Each day we are creating whether you know it or not. Thinking creatively helps me to see that there is always more. And it also helps you move from one level of life to the next. "What a very great divine gift"!
Dwight F. Johnson
How do you think creatively?
When do you think creatively?
Why do you think creatively?
Are the questions.
In order for me to think creatively I must use my imagination. I mean by this using the act or the faculty of imagining. The ability to form mental images. This is creativety, imagination.
I think creatively every second, minute, and hour of the day. There is always something that needs to be done. There are so many places to go and also people to meet. Also looking at creativity from another angel. Would be things we haven't done or places we haven't been. Are even people we haven't met. One thing about it we are always thinking creatively.
I really don't know why we think creatively. There is one thing I can say is that the brain is divinely made. It can do anything it wants to do once the mind is made up. It may be good, sad, or indifferent.
We must be creative in our everyday life. If we don't we won't be able to get anything done. Out of all 365 days of the year, there is not one day the same. Each day we are creating whether you know it or not. Thinking creatively helps me to see that there is always more. And it also helps you move from one level of life to the next. "What a very great divine gift"!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Reflections
Regarding Valued Qualities
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.
I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.
It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.
I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.
I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.
Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.
As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.
Lauren Lawson.
I sat down and looked at the list of topics given to me. I’ve decided to write on the topic: kindness to strangers.
I’m not sure that kindness to strangers is a valued quality per se, more so that is an innate ability held by few. There is a cliché that still rings true,”The first impression is the only impression.” I do my best to stay aware that I have the potential to be the defining factor influencing a decision involving another person and their subsequent future.
It is my opinion that the ability to show genuine kindness is a quality which is innate. While it may not be an exclusive trait, and it can be learned through example, one should be cautious when discerning who presents the best example to follow. One should be wary of the self serving opportunist. And who might that be? You ask. The person who anxiously jumps in to help only after calculating that their actions will surely be recognized and applauded.
I am my best example of what can occur when kindness from a stranger is given and received. When I was younger I was at the lowest part of my life. I was, as a consequence of my own poor choices, alone and broken in body and spirit. I had no hope. I had nothing. I had no respect for myself nor for my life. I was a failure. I was homeless, hopeless, and unemployed. Suicide seemed to be a very logical solution. I began my plan.
I never expected what occurred next. An acquaintance of mine set me up; he introduced me to his aunt. He knew full well what would occur when I met her. This woman, who knew nothing about me, took me into her home. I call her, “My Divine Intervention.” Her name was
Ms. Louise. She saved me from myself. She took me into her home knowing that I had nothing to give her in return. Ms. Louise announced,”The first thing she was “gonna” heal was my spirit.” In the beginning I was very unappreciative. I was an ingrate at best. I took advantage of her kindness. I gave Ms. Louise every opportunity to give up on me because,” I wasn’t worth the trouble.” Ms. Louise never swayed she remained steadfast. All the while she would cleverly plant little seeds of hope, wisdom, and encouragement. I laughed at Ms. Louise when she would say I was, “gonna blossom and be the biggest bloom in her garden.” Ms. Louise’s unconditional caring, kindness, and support finally broke my indignant attitude down. I had finally reached a point, through Ms. Louise’s diligence, where I saw a way up and out. My amazing transition began.
Today I am still a work in progress. Today I have hope. I am still learning new ways to love me for who I am. I am always taking the opportunity to affirm that I am worth the trouble and that my potential is infinite. You see in me what can occur when kindness is given and received. Although I received Ms. Louise’s help shamefully in the beginning; in the end I was filled with immense gratitude. Ms. Louise gave me guidance and direction that helped me to soar. She genuinely loved helping people and it was visible. Sadly she died doing what she loved. She died at the hands of someone she was trying to help. I miss her counsel and presence greatly. She was one of a genuine few.
As you can see, through my experience, the impact of a first encounter with someone can potentially be the genesis of an amazing transition. For others it may be as simple as the opportunity to plant a seed. Simple acts of kindness can supersede any social barrier. It is my hope “to tend my garden” as lovingly as Ms. Louise.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Meeting Photos
Here are some photos from our June 8th meeting and from the orientation:
Becky, Rochell, and Caroline
Dwight and Lauren
Carlotta
Maggie
Marcia and Dwight
Ora
Mary Ann
Sarah and Lauren
Becky, Rochell, and Caroline
Dwight and Lauren
Carlotta
Maggie
Marcia and Dwight
Ora
Mary Ann
Sarah and Lauren
Monday, June 4, 2007
Video production
Please insert in time line:
Organizing for Change: Adult literacy Education
St. Louis, Missouri
Documentary producer: Rebecca Rogers, Associate Professor
University of Missouri St. Louis
Video production completed
May 2006
Organizing for Change: Adult literacy Education
St. Louis, Missouri
Documentary producer: Rebecca Rogers, Associate Professor
University of Missouri St. Louis
Video production completed
May 2006
Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline
Student Leadership and Literacy Community Timeline
The process of building student leadership: conferences, forums, and workshops
ABC’s of Literacy Conference
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee
Regional Conference, Webster University
March 11 & 12, 2004
Community Action Forum
Opening remarks: Terry Jones
Political Science, University of Missouri
Julia Davis Library
November 16, 2004
ABC Forum Facilitators Training
Trainers: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
AEL Central Office
March 9, 2005
Literacy Community Workshop
Opening remarks: Rebecca Rogers
Education, Washington University
St. Louis Public Library Central West
March 15, 2005
Student Leadership Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Jason Murphy, Philosophy, St. Louis University
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Julia Davis Library
May 19, 2005
Letter Writing Workshop
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
St. Louis Public Library Central West
June 2, 2005
ABC’s Of Literacy
Presenters: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
MAACCE Pre-Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 22, 2005
Value Leadership Training
Trainers: Marty Finsterbusch, Director of VALUE
Will Grant, VALUE trainer
LIFT-Missouri, Westport Campus
June 28 & 29, 2005
Public Speaking Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Project Even Start
September 8, 2005
Community Action Forum
Following VALUE problem solving model
St. Louis Public Library Central West
October 18, 2005
Student Council
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
AEL Central Office
December 8, 2005
Student Leadership Forum
Presenters: Adult Education Students
St. Louis Public Library Central West
April 12, 2006
ABC’s Of Literacy Conference II
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee
Regional Conference, Webster University
May 18 & 19, 2006
Student Leadership and Advocacy
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
MAACCE Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 23, 2006
Educating For Change
Presentation of student projects
Curriculum Fair, International Institute
September 30, 2006
Organizing for Change Forum I
Facilitator: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Harris Stowe University
October 18, 2006
Organizing for Change Forum II
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
Adult Education Students
St. Louis Community College at Meramec
December 12, 2006
Organizing for Change: Literacy Education in St. Louis
Presenters: Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
COABE Conference
March 27, 2007
Organizing for Change Forum III
Presenters: Forest Park Community College Faculty
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
April 5, 2007
Intern Orientation
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Carlotta Algee-Stancil, Adult Outreach, St. Louis Public Library
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
LIFT-Missouri
May 18, 2007
The process of building student leadership: conferences, forums, and workshops
ABC’s of Literacy Conference
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee
Regional Conference, Webster University
March 11 & 12, 2004
Community Action Forum
Opening remarks: Terry Jones
Political Science, University of Missouri
Julia Davis Library
November 16, 2004
ABC Forum Facilitators Training
Trainers: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
AEL Central Office
March 9, 2005
Literacy Community Workshop
Opening remarks: Rebecca Rogers
Education, Washington University
St. Louis Public Library Central West
March 15, 2005
Student Leadership Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Jason Murphy, Philosophy, St. Louis University
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Julia Davis Library
May 19, 2005
Letter Writing Workshop
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
St. Louis Public Library Central West
June 2, 2005
ABC’s Of Literacy
Presenters: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
MAACCE Pre-Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 22, 2005
Value Leadership Training
Trainers: Marty Finsterbusch, Director of VALUE
Will Grant, VALUE trainer
LIFT-Missouri, Westport Campus
June 28 & 29, 2005
Public Speaking Workshop
Facilitators: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Project Even Start
September 8, 2005
Community Action Forum
Following VALUE problem solving model
St. Louis Public Library Central West
October 18, 2005
Student Council
Facilitator: Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
AEL Central Office
December 8, 2005
Student Leadership Forum
Presenters: Adult Education Students
St. Louis Public Library Central West
April 12, 2006
ABC’s Of Literacy Conference II
Acting for a Better Community
Presented by the ABC’s Planning Committee
Regional Conference, Webster University
May 18 & 19, 2006
Student Leadership and Advocacy
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
MAACCE Conference
TanTar A, Lake of the Ozarks
June 23, 2006
Educating For Change
Presentation of student projects
Curriculum Fair, International Institute
September 30, 2006
Organizing for Change Forum I
Facilitator: Marcia Hayes-Harris, Even Start Coordinator
Harris Stowe University
October 18, 2006
Organizing for Change Forum II
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
Adult Education Students
St. Louis Community College at Meramec
December 12, 2006
Organizing for Change: Literacy Education in St. Louis
Presenters: Ora Lewis, AEL Master Teacher
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
COABE Conference
March 27, 2007
Organizing for Change Forum III
Presenters: Forest Park Community College Faculty
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park
April 5, 2007
Intern Orientation
Presenters: Maggie Dyer, ESOL and Research Associate
Carlotta Algee-Stancil, Adult Outreach, St. Louis Public Library
Caroline Mitchell, Director of YMCA Literacy Programs
Mary Ann Kramer, AEL Literacy Coordinator
Sarah Beaman-Jones, Literacy Program Developer
LIFT-Missouri
May 18, 2007
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