What We Do
Our Vision
Wisconsin Literacy's vision is to strengthen Wisconsin's workforce, families and communities through literacy.We're a Coalition
Wisconsin Literacy is a statewide agency that was initially formed in 1985 as a coalition of adult, family and workplace literacy providers for the purpose of supporting one another through resource development, information and referrals, trainings and advocacy.
Supporting Our Members
Examples of the activities of Wisconsin Literacy that directly support its member agencies include:
- the creation of a best practices tool kit for tutor training
- the development of a best practices tool kit for administrative operations
- monthly e-newsletters and quarterly newsletters providing information on member news, government updates, upcoming events, workshops and conferences, grants and resources available to literacy providers
- direct funding support through Wisconsin Literacy’s annual tutor training campaign
- publicity support, including press releases and public service announcements
- recognition and resources from the Governor, First Lady and the Wisconsin State Legislature for the work of literacy providers
- a statewide awards recognition event that honors local students, tutors and literacy advocates
- advocacy efforts that resulted in the creation of four Wisconsin Literacy regional consultants that aid literacy providers in the services that they are offering to their communities
Funding
Wisconsin Literacy collaborates with several organizations in carrying out its mission and vision. We receive funding and resource support as a member of Community Shares of Wisconsin. Our national organization is ProLiteracy America, which supports and advocates for over 1,200 literacy providers nationwide and over 40 state organizations like Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. We work closely with the Wisconsin Technical College System in coordinating services and resources between local literacy providers and the area technical college. Wisconsin Literacy also receives funding support from WTCS to support these collaborative efforts. Verizon is a most important partner with Wisconsin Literacy, allocating its initial start-up grant in 2003 to set-up an office with an executive director to ensure continued and consistent services to literacy programs throughout the state. Verizon remains a strong supporter of Wisconsin Literacy, funding the successful annual tutor training campaign, which funds local programs in recruiting and training volunteer tutors.
Our Members
Wisconsin Literacy works closely with its member agencies, a growing network of 54 adult, family and workplace literacy providers that:
- Instruct approximately 13,000 basic skills and ESL students annually in community, corrections, workplace, family and faith-based settings.
- In addition to paid instructors and staff, support over 3,600 trained volunteer tutors who provide individualized, goal-oriented adult literacy instruction each year.
- Vary in size and services from the smallest program serving 7 students to the largest serving over 2,400.
Our adult literacy providers reach adults:
- who need to learn English or improve their literacy skills to get a job or a better job.
- who are juggling work and parenting responsibilities and need customized schedules.
- who have learning disabilities that require individualized instruction.
- who live in urban as well as remote locations (Walworth, Shawano, Polk counties…).
- who are refugees or migrant workers needing survival English skills.
- who are embarrassed about their present ability to read, write, or speak English.
- who have had poor experiences with large educational institutions in the past.
- who need your support as a volunteer tutor, literacy advocate or donor.
Where We Are
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