Health Literacy Forum
2021-03-17 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit) | Online, MI, United States
Forum leader: Doris Ravotas, Ph.D
Because health is a topic that applies to every adult learner, having tutoring strategies that meet the health goals of learners is important. According to the Partnership for Clear Health Communication, literacy skills are the strongest predictor of health status, more than age, income, employment status, education level or racial/ethnic group.
This forum will provide strategies of how to provide instruction that imparts health and literacy skills for adult learners. We will also discuss the most recent updates on Covid-19 safety measures and the vaccine. Learn more about the KLC’s Health Literacy programs.

ESL Tutor Forum
2021-03-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Online, MI, United States
Forum leader: Jackie Denoyer (269) 348-0883
English as a Second Language (ESL) is an important part of the adult learning continuum. Immigrants and refugees in our communities are eager to learn language and literacy skills that help them function at work, school, and community settings. Increasingly, volunteer tutors are providing instruction for ESL learners.
This forum will provide virtual teaching strategies for tutors and instructors who provide literacy instruction for non-native English speakers. Learn more about ESL of Southwest Michigan.

Workforce Literacy Forum
2021-03-12 09:00 - 10:00 | Online, MI, United States
Forum leader: Rose Fetzer (269) 849-9396
This forum will explore how tutors can provide instruction to help learners acquire the literacy skills they need to engage in workforce development activities.
Getting a job is a major motivation for many adult learners. In today’s workforce, knowing how to read is a necessary skill to obtain a job, be promoted, or keep a current job. Workforce literacy includes equipping learners with the vocabulary, reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary to become proficient in services provided by workforce development and employment readiness agencies. We will also discuss various career pathways that are designed to ensure direct access to employment via paid apprenticeships.

12th Annual Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest
2023-08-05 08:00 - 11:30 | Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, 100 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us on Saturday, August 5, for Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest! Each year, this signature event brings together literacy advocates from across the community to play in support of adult literacy. All proceeds directly benefit the free programs and services of the KLC, for adults who are striving to reach their goals. It’s truly a great day of gaming for a great cause!
Register for the Competitive or Just For Fun division. Fees are $25 per player and include a tshirt, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and gaming materials. Trophies are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each division. Register here by July 14th.
Playing in Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest is a fun and easy way to show your support for adult literacy in Kalamazoo County.

Family Literacy Day
2023-08-16 17:00 - 19:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Family Literacy Days are back! On Wednesday, August 16, we welcome families in the Read and Seed community garden from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at 420 E. Alcott St. Everyone is invited to join us for literacy games and gardening activities that help build reading, writing, and spelling skills for children and adults. Activities include free books, safety tips, nutrition demos, literacy walks, story time, and veggie harvesting. Family Literacy Days are free and open to the public. Contact Kamaria at (269) 350-4595 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org with questions.
This month we are celebrating healthy foods with Chef Tyler & The Fresh Food Fairy. Enjoy free books from the Kalamazoo Public Library and Dean’s Transportation will offer bus tours and safety tips.

Tutor Orientation
2023-09-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the training that the KLC requires before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these five 90-minute sessions, we will focus on using the Laubach method and Challenger series to teach adults.

Tutor Training
2023-09-11 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-09-14 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-09-18 14:00 - 15:30, 2023-09-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the online training that the KLC requires before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these five 90-minute sessions, we will focus on using the Laubach method and Challenger series to teach adults.

Family Literacy Day
2023-10-11 17:00 - 19:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
All are welcome to join us for a special Family Literacy Day on Wednesday, October 11! We will have fun learning about safety with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Kids have a blast exploring the fire truck and trailer, and taking home souvenirs. Plus, get free books from the library and enjoy the community garden.

Tutor Orientation
2023-11-02 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the training that the KLC requires before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these three sessions, we will focus on using the Laubach method and Challenger series to teach adults. The training is hybrid, so you may choose to participate in person or online. To sign up, please visit kalamazooliteracy.org/volunteer/tutor.

Tutor Training
2023-11-11 09:00 - 13:00, 2023-11-18 09:00 - 13:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Family Literacy Day - Harvest Fest
2023-11-15 17:00 - 19:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Join us on Wednesday, November 15 for Harvest Fest, our last event of the year when we close out the Read and Seed community garden. Join us outdoors for family fun with art and literacy activities, snacks, free books, and more. Plus take photos with Edison “Eddie” Sticks the scarecrow! This event is free and all are welcome. Family Literacy Days are a partnership with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan.

ESL Tutor Forum
2023-11-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Online, MI, United States
Forum leader: Lupita Flores (269) 382-0490 ext. 224
English as a Second Language (ESL) is an important part of the adult learning continuum. Immigrants and refugees in our communities are eager to learn language and literacy skills that help them function at work, school, and community settings. Increasingly, volunteer tutors are providing instruction for ESL learners. This forum will provide teaching strategies for tutors and instructors who provide literacy instruction for non-native English speakers. We invite you to share your experiences. Learn more about ESL of Southwest Michigan.
To sign up for the forum, contact Kito Jumanne-Marshall at (269) 382-0490 ext. 211 or kjumanne-marshall@kalamazooliteracy.org.

Adult Literacy Research & Training Symposium
2023-12-08 08:00 - 15:30 | College of Health & Human Services, 1200 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, 49008, United States
Welcome to the 10th annual symposium! This year’s theme is “Everyone Needs To Read: Community Literacy in Action.” The symposium will bring together educators, volunteer tutors, students, and community members who are passionate about advancing literacy for all. Attendees will enjoy sessions and workshops that explore engaging and effective strategies in Digital Literacy, English as a Second Language, Multigenerational Learning, and more. The symposium promises to be a platform for learning and collaboration, providing attendees with valuable insights into the world of adult education.
The Edison: “EDucation IS ON” initiative will be a featured presentation that includes a photo and art exhibit plus exciting updates on significant outcomes achieved during the past year through the robust KLC/WMU partnership.
This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided and a virtual option is available. SCECHs will be available as well. Please register here by November 22.

Tutor Orientation
2024-01-11 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
At new tutor orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s mission, vision, services, and programs. We will also outline what you can expect from the new tutor training sessions, which are held on Saturday, January 20 and Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The KLC’s tutor orientation and training sessions are hybrid, so you may choose to participate in person or online. To sign up, please fill out the form here. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.
