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 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Tutor Training
2024-01-20 09:00 - 13:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
This is the training that is required to become a certified reading tutor with the KLC. You will learn how to teach adults using the Laubach method and the Challenger reading series, plus effective strategies for tutoring native English speakers and English language learners. These sessions are hybrid, so you can choose to participate in person or online. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.

KLC Fundraiser with Wax Wings Brewing Co.
2024-01-21 15:00 - 17:00 | 3480 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI, 3480 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, 49048, United States
Join the KLC and Wax Wings Brewing Co. for a fundraiser to kick off our 50th anniversary celebration! When you enjoy a delicious Kalamazoo Skyline IPA between January 12-21 during Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week, Wax Wings will donate $1 from every purchase to the KLC. This hand crafted beer is designed to showcase Wax Wings’ favorite qualities of a hoppy beer and to pay tribute to what they love most about Kalamazoo. All Citra hops, double-dry hopped. Soft, balanced, and juicy with waves of citrus and pine (7% ABV).
On Sunday, January 21, we will host a family friendly event at Wax Wings, 3480 Gull Rd. Come out to enjoy activities, games, storytime, free books, and more. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon in support of literacy for all!

Tutor Orientation
2024-03-07 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 tutor training sessions. 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. Thank you for your interest!

Tutor Training Part 1
2024-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
This is the training that is required to become a certified reading tutor with the KLC. You will learn how to teach adults using the Laubach method and the Challenger reading series, plus effective strategies for tutoring and engaging native English speakers and English language learners. These sessions are hybrid, so you can choose to participate in person or online. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org.

Tutor Training Part 2
2024-03-14 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part 3
2024-03-18 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part 4
2024-03-21 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

"What's up, I can't read" - Community and Literacy with Oliver James
2024-04-18 17:00 - 18:30 | Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 120 Roberson St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join the Kalamazoo Literacy Council and the Kalamazoo Public Library as we proudly welcome Oliver James to Kalamazoo, on Thursday, April 18! Oliver is a motivational speaker, father, and adult learner who began teaching himself to read as an adult. He chronicled his literacy journey on social media and has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers and supporters. Oliver has received plenty of media attention as well, including People Magazine, Good Morning America, and NPR, and he is the recipient of the Barbara Bush National Literacy Honor Award from the Barbara Bush Foundation. Despite all the public accolades, Oliver says his journey is just getting started and that he’s determined to do everything he can do keep motivating millions of adults just like him to reach their goals.
This is a free community wide event. Please register here on the Kalamazoo Public Library’s website.

Tutor Training Part Four
2024-04-22 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-05-16 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
This is the training that is required to become a certified reading tutor with the KLC. You will learn how to teach adults using the Laubach method and the Challenger reading series, plus effective strategies for tutoring and engaging native English speakers and English language learners. These sessions are hybrid, so you can choose to participate in person or online. If you have any questions, please contact Abbey at (269) 382-0490 ext. 219 or aweathers@kalamazooliteracy.org. Thanks for supporting adult literacy!

Tutor Orientation
2024-05-02 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 tutor training sessions. 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. Thank you for your interest in supporting adult literacy!

Tutor Training Part One
2024-05-06 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part Two
2024-05-09 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Tutor Training Part Three
2024-05-13 18:00 - 19:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001

Family Literacy Day - Spring Fest
2024-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Join us on Wednesday, May 22, as we kick off the Family Literacy Day season with Spring Fest. We’ll have fun activities in the Read and Seed community garden, free books from Kalamazoo Public Library, a cool story walk, and more. All are invited!
The Read and Seed community garden is located behind the Goodwill Industries building at 420 E. Alcott St. Contact Kamaria with questions at (269) 382-0490 ext. 263 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org.

2024 Annual Meeting
2024-05-30 17:30 - 19:00 | honor credit union, 4400 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Please join us for our annual meeting on Thursday, May 30. We look forward to sharing exciting programming highlights from the past year, insights on the state of adult literacy in the region, and plans to continue celebrating our 50th anniversary. We will also honor the Edison Resident Scholars as our Literacy Advocates of the Year, for their tireless efforts around community-engaged work at the neighborhood level.
Guests will enjoy a catered meal. Please RSVP by May 23 to (269) 382-0490 ext. 211 or by clicking here.

Community Resource Fair
2024-06-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Interfaith Homes, 1037 Interfaith Boulevard, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us on Monday, June 10, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at Interfaith Homes for a Community Resource Fair! Many local agencies will be on site ready to provide helpful, important information to help you and your family live better, healthier lives. This event is free and open to the broader Kalamazoo community and we hope to see everyone there. Please call (269) 382-5771 or email rollie@kalamazooliteracy.org with questions.

Workforce Literacy Forum
2024-06-14 11:00 - 12:00 | MI
Forum leader: Tameca Black, (269) 382-0490 ext. 253
This forum will explore how tutors and partners 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.
To join the Workforce Literacy forum, contact Kito Jumanne-Marshall at (269) 382-0490 ext. 211.
