March 2017 - Adult Basic Literacy

Volunteer Appreciation - Save the Date!
 
"The question is not what you look at, but what you see." 
-- Henry David Thoreau

I've seen the movie Hidden Figures twice now. I went first with my older daughter, and I insisted ever since that my husband and younger daughter had to see it, too. This is the story of Kathryn Johnson and the corps of black, female computers at NASA in the 50s and 60s. Walking out of the movie this past weekend, my husband echoed what I had said the first time-"Why haven't we heard about this before?" 

There are so many reasons why these were "hidden figures," in their work and in our history. But it has led me to think about looking and seeing. NASA looked at a group of talented female computers as temporary help but didn't see their full capacity or recognize their invaluable contribution. Most of the white supervisors and engineers didn't see their enormous intellect and drive. They didn't see past race. Even some of their friends initially looked past them, incredulous that women were doing advanced calculations for space missions. They didn't see beyond gender. According to the movie, though, John Glenn saw these computers as critical to his survival. When the machine-calculated data was in doubt, he called on Kathryn Johnson to verify it before he launched. "It's hard to trust something you can't look in the eyes," he said, knowing that if she looked at those numbers, she could see the truth in ways that he couldn't.

I'm grateful for the author who uncovered these hidden figures and the screenwriters and actors who shared their story more widely. Even Kathryn acknowledges that at that time she was doing "just another day's work," not trying to change the world. What other stories of incredible people just doing their everyday work remain hidden?

Believe it or not, we're getting towards the end of the year. It's the time of year when we push for getting as much data and as many stories turned in as possible. In the next few months, we need to start looking at the picture created through this input. What will we see? Will your story and your learners' stories be reflected there? Will we see the full story of our programs and their effects on learners' lives? Will we get the full picture of the impact of our hundreds of volunteers and their dedication of time and effort? Help us develop the picture. Help us uncover the hidden figures in our programs who deserve to be seen as more than just their struggles.

Tell your stories. Turn in your logs. Be part of the picture unfolding. Maybe changing the world is just that ordinary.

~ Edie

Basic Literacy Program Director
volunteerevent

Save the Date!
Volunteer Appreciation Event

Literacy Connects is bringing together all of its v olunteers, across every program, to say THANK YOU. We simply could not do this work without you. You make it happen, and you are helping build our community. Join us for fun, refreshments, and a book giveaway!

Building Our Community Together
Literacy Connects Volunteer Appreciation Event
April 1, 2017
10am-12pm (9:30 Check-In)
Amphitheater High School
Watch your inbox for invitations and RSVP info!
newsProgram News

Safety at the Literacy Connects office
Thank you to everyone who has been following the new protocol of signing in and wearing badges at the Yavapai Office. 

NEW! Evacuation routes have been posted in each classroom and we will be having unannounced fire drills periodically.  Please note your route and designated meeting areas from the room you normally use.

These changes are to ensure our increasingly growing campus is a safe place for everyone. Thanks for your help!

Professional development!
Try one of the sessions offered by the Reading Seed staff! Registration is required. Click here to register.

  • Think Alouds - Thursday, March 2nd from 2:30-4:30 pm at Literacy Connects
  • Growth Mindset - Friday, March 24th from 3-4:30 pm at Murphy Wilmot Library                                                            OR
                                  Tuesday, March 28th from 3-4:30 pm at Literacy Connects
Stories that Soar! at the Festival of Books
Stories that Soar! brings their Magic Box into schools to encourage children to write stories. Several of those stories are chosen and acted out for the school. These engaging performances bring children's imaginations to life!
 
Catch a Stories that Soar! performance at the Tucson Festival of Books on Saturday, March 11th at 11:30 and 2:30 at the circus tent.

helpHelp Wanted! 

Volunteers Needed!
Tucson Festival of Books, Literacy Connects tent
March 11-12, 2017
 
This two-day festival is expected to attract more than 135,000 book lovers to the University of Arizona Mall and nearby venues  for exhibits, hands-on literacy activities, and presentations by more than 400 authors.

The event is free for the whole family! 

Financial support from the Tucson Festival of Books makes much of Literacy Connects' programming possible. Since its inception in 2009, the Festival has contributed over one million dollars to literacy programs in southern Arizona.

Click  here  to learn more about the Festival's presenting authors, special events, and all the logistical information.

Help Wanted!

Almost 2,000 volunteer positions are available! No experience required, just a willingness to help make the Festival of Books the amazing event it is every year.  Volunteer registration  is open. You will be able to register on behalf of Literacy Connects. 

passitonArizo na Adult Literacy Week            

Celebrate Arizona Adult Literacy Week with your student, March 5-11, 2017!  Visit the websi te to find out more about how to participate.


taxTax Credits

You can still receive a tax credit for 2016
if you donate by
 April 15!
 
Talk to your tax professional today.

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Literacy Connects | 200 E. Yavapai Rd. Tucson, AZ 85705 | (520) 882-8006 

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