Gov. Doyle Proclaims Sept. 8, 2008, Literacy Awareness Day in Wisconsin

Gov. Doyle has proclaimed Sept. 8, 2008, Literacy Awareness Day. In the proclamation, Doyle recognizes the thousands of volunteers who “help their neighbors to improve literacy and English proficiency skills at community-based organizations, technical colleges and libraries in the state of Wisconsin every year.” 

Wisconsin’s Literacy Awareness Day coincides with International Literacy Day, which is celebrated in countries all over the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization celebrated the first International Literacy Day on Sept. 8, 1967 in order to raise awareness of the importance of literacy worldwide. This year’s theme is literacy and health.

 “With an ever increasing need for America to successfully compete in the global economy, quality adult education and literacy services are critical to Wisconsin and our nation. The overwhelming majority of the million Wisconsinites who qualify for literacy services make up our current workforce, so we must make the investment now in adult education and literacy,” stated Michele Erikson, executive director for Wisconsin Literacy. 

Monday, Sept. 8 is also the kick off of Wisconsin Literacy’s statewide 1200 Tutors in 12 Weeks campaign to recruit new volunteer tutors. Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. is a coalition of 56 literacy programs that work to improve the literacy skills of adults and families in the state. The coalition will provide funds through a grant from Verizon to literacy programs based on the amount of new tutors recruited and trained from Sept. 8 through Dec. 1. 

LV-MC is a member of Wisconsin Literacy and is recruiting tutors locally. If you would like to celebrate Literacy Awareness Day on Sept. 8 or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, call the Montello Public Library at 297-7544.

About LV-MC
Literacy Volunteers-Marquette County, Inc (LV-MC) is a non-profit organization that provides free and confidential tutoring to adults and families who want to improve their reading, writing, math and other skills.  Volunteer tutors provide individualized instruction. 

About Wisconsin Literacy
Wisconsin Literacy is a nonprofit organization that supports 56 adult, family and workplace literacy programs statewide through program and resource development, information and referrals, training and advocacy.