A holistic approach to adult education is central to the mission of LSW and civic engagement is inextricably tied to our outcomes. All students completing their GED, High School Equivalency Diploma, or Citizenship are required to pass a civics exam. As a result, some of our students are excited to tell us they will be voting for the first time. We have been reviewing our curriculum to ensure that students are better able to navigate democratic processes. Our efforts as an organization are intended to help students gain access to the information they need to be actively engaged in community topics and issues.
We encourage everyone to use their voice at the polls on
November 6
th.
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Prepared Voter Challenge
2018 Midterms Edition
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To help students acquire the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to cast their votes, we are pleased to present the Prepared Voter Challenge: 2018 Midterms Edition, in which students will complete a series of activities to ready themselves for the upcoming election. The challenge includes registering to vote and procuring acceptable photo identification, of course, but its scope stretches beyond that.
This Midterms Edition of the Prepared Voter Challenge focused on why the midterms are important; how state, county, and municipal governments affect our everyday lives; and comparing and contrasting the general platform positions of the major and minor political parties. Students will have a chance to identify issues important to them, and access credible, nonpartisan information to see where candidates stand on those issues. They will learn what to expect at their polling location, what to bring with them, proper etiquette at the polls, and how to ask for help from the election workers.
After most elections, the public often laments the low voter turnout; the Prepared Voter Challenge is our best effort to educate our community to engage in the process. Empowering our adult students to get involved in the political process takes a lot more than helping them register to vote. As educators, we have a responsibility to those we serve to help them navigate the electoral process, to help them understand the responsibilities of citizenship in our society, and to give them access to the tools they need to make informed choices. For more information about the Prepared Voter Challenge, please email Kelly Fox at
Kelly@literacyservices.org.
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Hello. My name is Rob Rasmussen and I have been a tutor at Literacy Services of Wisconsin for over twenty years. Recently, some have asked why vote. My one vote won’t change anything. I am here to say your vote counts! I can speak to this assertion based on my own personal experience.
I used to live in Muskego, Wisconsin. I became very involved in the community, especially in the politics. I believed that there were ways to reduce taxes and reduce the burden on taxpayers. I attended the Common Council meetings to try to challenge them to reduce taxes. Despite providing numerous examples, I was unsuccessful in convincing the Alderman on the Common Council.
I decided that the only way to implement change was to run for office. As a result, I challenged a 18-year veteran Alderman. I ran three times against the incumbent and was unsuccessful. I did succeed in getting my name out there in my district.
Finally, the incumbent decided not to run again. I decided to throw my hat into the ring for a fourth time. I would be running in the nonpartisan race against another well-known Muskego resident. It was a very challenging race. I went door to door to meet every resident. I delivered a number of pamphlets to citizens' mailboxes. I met with groups in the community. I am sure that my opponent did the same thing.
Then the Election Day was upon us. After the close of voting, we were allowed to sit at the polling station. We listened as they announced the votes including the absentee ballots. I was writing down the counts as the poll workers announced them. All of a sudden, I realized it was a tie! The poll workers reached the same conclusion. The vote was 386 to 386. Both of us wondered what would happen next.
After the City Clerk did some research, we found out that the election would be determined by chance. On a predetermined day, my opponent and I met at the City Hall. Our names were each placed on identical pieces of paper. The pieces of paper were folded identically. The folded papers were put in a box. Then, we flipped a coin to determine who would pick a piece of paper out of the box. I won. I reached into the box and selected one. I gave it to the City Clerk and she announced the choice. I had won! I was happy then and was able to lower taxes my very first year.
Looking back, I realized that my election was a function of chance and not the vote of the citizens. One vote for either candidate would and should have determined the outcome of the election. So, don’t tell me your vote doesn’t count. It does.
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Volunteer Opportunity
After you stuff your vote in the ballot box, help us stuff envelopes for our
year-end appeal letters! This is our largest mailing of the year as we reach far and wide to all of our friends of literacy, and we need your help.
We’re looking for volunteers to help stuff, stamp, and label our annual fundraising letters. If you are willing to join in this effort (even for an hour) on
November 14
th
, 15
th
, or 16
th, please click on the "Count me in" button to send a message to
Chad Knezel. Thank you!
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Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
November 13 - December 16, 2018
In this clever and charming sequel to Jane Austen’s masterwork written by the most-produced playwright in America in 2017, the bookish and oft-forgotten middle child of the Bennet family finally has her day. An unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence and the chance to be the heroine of her own story. Told with exceptional modern wit and dazzling period style, this romantic comedy will delight Austen aficionados and newcomers alike.
Get 25% OFF
tickets for Literacy Services community members!
Use code
AUSTEN when ordering at 414-224-9490 or
www.MilwaukeeRep.com (*Limit 4 tickets. Subject to availability. Not valid for Nov. 16 or Dec. 10-16. Other restrictions apply. Offer expires Nov. 12.)
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Bring your books!
For the duration of the performances, The Rep will be hosting a book-drive to benefit Literacy Services!
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November
1st -
Volunteer Orientation
9:30-10:30am
15th -
Volunteer Orientation
5:30-6:30pm
22nd & 23rd -
Agency Closed
Happy Thanksgiving
December
6th -
Volunteer Orientation
9:30-10:30am
18th -
Student Honors Celebration
11:45am-1:30pm - Downtown Center
19th -
Winter GED/HSED Graduation
Save the date!
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Winter Break
-
Agency Closed
December 24th - January 4th
Classes resume January 7th
January
9th -
Volunteer Orientation
9:30-10:30am
21st -
Agency Closed
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
22nd -
Volunteer Orientation
5:30-6:30pm
February
7th -
Volunteer Orientation
9:30-10:30am
20th -
Volunteer Orientation
5:30-6:30pm
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Follow local media announcements for weather-related closings, call our office, or check our website to verify if we have canceled classes due to inclement weather.
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It's Unanimous! Our Volunteers Are The Best!
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During our Volunteer Appreciation Party last month, we showcased a video of students reflecting on their experience with their tutors. It was a deeply moving reminder of the impact that our volunteers have on the lives of our students. As a supporter of LSW, we trust that your heart will be warmed by the love and gratitude in our students' testimonies.
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Meet Our Newly-Elected Board Members
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Colin Hutt
I am excited to join the LSW Board because of the profound and immediate impact the organization can have on adults who are ready to take the next step.
I am Vice President in Marketing & Communications at Baird, an international financial services firm with more than $200 billion in client assets. Prior to that, I was CEO at Primum, a marketing and public relations firm that was acquired in 2015. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Passionate about education, I’ve served on the boards of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, which focuses on early childhood learning; Summit Educational Association, which provides afterschool mentoring programs for children; and St. Joan Antida High School, a college prep school for economically disadvantaged young women.
My wife, Colleen, and I live in Whitefish Bay and have five children. We enjoy going on RV trips and hiking. I am currently working on completing Wisconsin’s 1,100 mile Ice Age Trail, one of 11 National Scenic Trails.
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Jenny Littmann
Being born and raised in the Milwaukee area, I want to see our community succeed. I was drawn to Literacy Services of Wisconsin because the organization empowers those in need, ignites imagination, and instills a love of learning.
I graduated Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a Master of Science in Human Resources. While in school, one of my most rewarding opportunities was co-leading Marquette University’s summer programs for the Center of Entrepreneurship. The program was facilitated for Milwaukee Public Schools’ high school students supported with Junior Achievement curriculum. The students were able to build out their own business plans. They shined with creativity and it was incredibly powerful to watch. Many years later, I am confident the program participants are strong citizens and are doing great things.
My role as a Strategic Sourcing Manager with Rockwell Automation affords me the opportunity to develop my legal and commercial negotiation skills with a heavy focus on written communication in contract review and management.
I am married and a mother of a 6-year old son. In my spare time, I enjoy running around with my West Highland Terrier, Chewie, traveling, watching game shows, and listening to 80s music.
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