by:  Neil Jones

     At the beginning of the New Year, we were in crisis mode. Our list of students waiting for a tutor was bulging and we had only five people signed up to attend the next tutor-training workshop. With new students coming to the office everyday asking for help.... what to do? We did what any non-profit would do in this situation:  we sent out a desperate appeal. The response was terrific! Over the last few weeks, 25 new prospective tutors have contacted us to ask how they can help. While the pending crisis is addressed for now, recruiting new volunteer tutors is an on going process that can succeed only if we all work together.

Here is how you can help: 

• Share information with your friends and work colleagues, like how one out of ten adults in our community struggles with reading every day. Most of our volunteers become aware of our organization though word of mouth. You could do this personally or through social media, like Facebook.

• Encourage individuals interested in learning more to visit our web site or call our office.

• Bring a friend to one of our events. This is a great way to have a lot of fun and also learn more about the work of our organization. See the Events Update section to the right for more details. 

     In 2012, Literacy Action volunteer tutors logged in over 7,000 hours teaching reading and English language skills. Stories abound on how tutors make a profound and lasting difference in the lives of their students. Over the last month we learned:  Maria is now officially a new U.S. citizen; Jean has applied to junior college; and Chris used his new skills to land a new job. How does this success happen? We are able to match motivated adult learners with dedicated volunteer tutors.  Someone took the time tell a prospective tutor about Literacy Action. It's really simple:  speak up and make a huge difference in someone's life.

                                                     -- Neil