Taking Literacy Literally

I have just completed 5 intense weeks of training for Project Literacy and I could not be more excited to start tutoring. For the last several years, I have been looking for a way to really "give back", yet haven't found the right fit for me . I've jumped on board for friends and families causes, and while it feels good to help them and their charities out, I've never truly connected with one of my own. Until, by accident. Let me go back a couple of months ago to explain.

So to say I love to read, is an understatement. I don't love to read. I LOVE TO READ!! I panic when I'm nearing the end of a book and I don't have one already on deck to dive right into. People always say "where do you find the time? You're so busy with work and life". My response, "there's always time to read. You just need to make it." And I do. Which brings me to a couple of months ago when I was on the last few chapters of my book, and I logged onto the Watertown Free Public Library website https://www.watertownlib.org to put some books on hold. Before I scrolled past the first page, I saw a notice for "Help With Project Literacy". Out of nothing but sheer curiosity, I clicked on the page and was re-routed to a pretty straightforward plea for volunteers. It stated that the waiting list for adult Learners was overwhelming and growing. That there are thousands upon thousands of adults in our country that can't read, write or speak the English. That can't get ahead in life because of the limited job options and choices. These folks WAN to learn. They just need someone to teach them. And Learners outweighed volunteer Tutors by a landslide. Simply put, Project Literacy is desperate for dedicated, committed people who were able to help. So, the next thing I knew, I was filling out an online application for the next semester, which started at the the beginning of March. I hit send and crossed my finger's. A week later I received a really excited email from the PL coordinator, saying, based on my background, work history, references, I had been chosen. Cool!! I was also sent information saying that it was a year commitment and it would start with an intensive 5 week, after work, training workshop. WHAT? Wait. The excuses started building. " But I work all day. I'm going to be TIIIIIIIIIIIRED!  Hungry. Cranky." But, almost as if  I was on auto pilot, I responded back and said "Yes...I'll do it. I'm in."

Five weeks later, as of  last night, I "graduated" from the Project Literacy Program and am now a certified tutor for them. I am waiting to be matched up with my "Learner". I'm excited and anxious to see who will be on the year long, and hopefully beyond, journey with me. But I'm most excited for the opportunity to help someone hopefully, have a better life. One where they are able to speak, understand and write a language that is necessary for them to make a way for a better and more independent life for themselves in this country.

So I'll end by asking this.If you or anyone you know, is interested in helping, they are already starting to recruit for Tutors for the Fall Semester. Here's the information that I used when I signed up. You can email the program from this form and get all the information you need! https://www.projectliteracy.com/take-action

Hope to see you there!!