What is your earliest memory of reading and writing? Were you sitting tall in a desk with a phonics reader or snuggling with a parent and a picture book, or did you make sense of the letters on a sign while on a walk or in the car? Many of my own literacy memories are clouded by moments like these that are not part of my own literacy story, but those that I have witnessed. There’s an unexpected joy that comes from observing someone else learn to do something new. I hope that you have experienced that rush of delight; I have felt it as a parent, a teacher, a daughter, and a tutor.
Like many of the other 500+ active Washtenaw Literacy tutors, my tutoring time has allowed me the opportunity to get to know our county in a unique way. I have learned that Washtenaw County is the 8th most economically segregated county in the US, and that many in our community face obstacles that others have never known. Literacy touches on many of them. We know that strengthening a learners literacy can empower and increase one’s independence.
Washtenaw Literacy is Michigan’s oldest and largest literacy foundation, and I think I’ve cracked the code on what makes it so successful. The organization realizes the importance of personal goals. When I work with a learner one of the first conversations we have is about setting personal goals for our work together. That may mean writing a letter to a family member, or phonetic work or navigating an email system, or applying for a job, or, studying for the GED. Each of these goals is important because it was set by the individual. Washtenaw Literacy calls this ‘designer tutoring’ and its possible because of our direct funding sources. I call it pure motivation.
My hope in sharing this is that you will consider joining me in supporting Washtenaw Literacy. Your contribution, be it $1 or $100, will help in volunteer recruitment centered in equity. The work of this organization changes lives, and in turn betters our whole community. See below for donation information.
Angie Smith
Washtenaw Literacy Board member, Realtor, Avid Reader
