Publisher

Literacy Network is a non-profit organization in Madison, WI, made up of teachers, students, tutors, volunteers and donors all working together to improve adult literacy in Dane County. A wide variety of programs is offered to help adults improve their reading, writing and English skills so that they may better achieve goals specific to their needs: to read to their children or help with homework, to fill out a job application, to understand finances, or speak with a doctor about a health concern. Improved literacy skills mean a better chance at safe, productive life and a stronger connection to our community. Literacy Network programs include over a dozen well-attended classes throughout Madison that focus on health literacy, financial literacy, workplace literacy and more, and together with more than 500 volunteer tutors over 1,200 adults are helped each year. Because of Literacy Network's contributions to the community, Dane County has a better prepared workforce and a diverse, involved population. Adults are better equipped to succeed in the workplace, better understand health issues, and provide supportive environments for the education of their children. Partnerships with other area social service agencies help build even stronger community connections for our program participants. Interested in volunteering? Tutor just a few hours every week, wherever and whenever is convenient for you. Successful tutors give their learners more than improved literacy skills -they offer the chance for them to gain confidence and improve their connection to the world around them! No teaching experience is needed - training and support are provided. Click here for a full list of volunteer opportunities Click here for our ESL class schedule Would you like someone to come speak to your group about Literacy Network, the work we do, and ways to improve and support adult literacy in Dane County? We can do that! Email shawn@litnetwork.org or call her at (608) 244-3911 Mission Statement Literacy Network teaches reading, writing and speaking skills to Dane County adults and families so they can achieve financial independence, good health and greater involvement in community life. Vision Statement Every person in Dane County will have the literacy skills needed to independently pursue their life goals, support their family and be active in their community. Values Persistence - Learner persistence requires encouragement from dedicated volunteers and staff. Quality - Prepared, responsive and culturally competent staff and volunteers ensure high-quality outcomes. Flexibility - Personalized approaches to education encourage learners as they pursue individual goals. Teamwork - We achieve more by working together, valuing everyone's contributions and clearly communicating. Literacy Network Strategic Initiatives, 2010-2013 1. Ensure we have a well prepared group of staff and volunteers to provide a quality educational experience. a. Attract and retain qualified staff and ensure their positions are clearly aligned with organizational goals. b. Regularly identify and develop continuing education options (including cross-training and flexible online learning opportunities) for staff and volunteers. c. Regularly collaborate and share ideas among staff and volunteers. 2. Enhance marketing efforts to improve visibility of Literacy Network. a. Regularly demonstrate program outcomes and tell the story of our learners' successes through media campaigns. b. Conduct market research and develop specific campaigns for particular segments. c. Reach out to businesses to offer workplace programming. d. Appeal to prospective tutors and learners by creating relevant marketing material. e. Utilize technology to deliver our messages in new ways (podcasts, social media). 3. Improve use of technology for the benefit of our learners. a. Develop a technology task force of volunteer business professionals to provide training and recommend technology strategies for education and outreach. b. Develop a pro-bono business partnership to provide tech support, conduct technology audit and make recommendations for network improvements. c. Identify staff technology training resources for on Outlook, Word and Excel. d. Incorporate online video technology for education and outreach. 4. Focus on positive outcomes and results for learners. a. Provide students regular opportunities to provide input into improving their learning environment. b. Develop and implement assessment tools to measure key outcomes for learners (internal) and Literacy Network (external). c. Conduct regular assessments of learner achievement through portfolio development, tests and other standards of measurement. d. Demonstrate continuous improvement in all programs. 5. Identify improved partnerships and growth opportunities for Literacy Network. a. Continue to develop and improve partnerships with libraries, school districts, MATC, Omega School and other educational providers. b. Conduct market research to expanded services in new areas of Dane County through face-to-face and distance learning options. c. Target business and industrial parks in "outlying" communities for workplace programs. 6. Provide sufficient financial resources to rebuild reserves and ensure long-term sustainability of Literacy Network programming. a. Demonstrate outcomes and accountability to community in order to develop grants and appeal to corporate and individual donors. b. Provide sustained, ongoing marketing of online giving options. c. Develop an additional annual appeal to individual donors and improve recognition of existing donors. d. Increase number of volunteers who participate in event planning and other fundraising efforts. e. Promote use of matching gift programs at businesses. f. Explore continuation of online auction and other fundraising methods to enhance income.