It's never too late to start learning! Get involved with Literacy Mid-South and learn something new! There's a whole world out there to discover.
Help an adult student learn to read or help with a special event. There are many ways to help us start a reading revolution!
If you or your organization is helping to create a Reading/Learning Community in the Mid-South or you need additional resources to make your program flourish, join us! We can help.
The mission of Literacy Mid-South is to create a community actively engaged in continuous learning.
A fusion of two prominent community organizations, Literacy Mid-South originally combined the individual, direct service of the Memphis Literacy Council with the citywide campaigns and community resources of Mid-South Reads. Using these initial goals as building blocks, the organization expanded to be the hub of literacy in the Mid-South by providing resources and training to organizations, schools, churches, community groups, and individuals. Programs are structured to combat the lack of educational resources throughout Memphis both at the individual and community level. In the few short years since its inauguration, Literacy Mid-South has become the core collaborator for literacy and education in the Memphis community.
If you are looking for help for your child or for a struggling adult, click here to visit our new online resource map.
Big Changes Announced
On May 22, Literacy Mid-South (LMS) hosted a breakfast at Rhodes College to announce eight of the most significant developments in its 40-year history:
- LOCATION: On July 1, 2013, LMS will move to the third floor of United Methodist Neighborhood Centers at 3000 Walnut Grove Rd. The new more centrally located headquarters will give the organization easy access to the Memphis Public Library and will reduce annual costs by more than $65,000.
- NEW $50,000 FUNDING STREAM: Beginning in July, LMS will introduce The Collaborations Fund, a new $50,000 funding stream that will provide up to $5,000 in seed money for innovative collaborations between literacy and education providers. The funds will either increase resources for the collaborating organizations or reduce overhead when two collaborating organizations share their resources.
- NEW $17,500 TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUND: Beginning in July, LMS will distribute a total of $17,500 to other Shelby County literacy organizations, allowing them to utilize training programs and consulting work provided by The Alliance for Non-Profit Excellence and a network of independent consultants.
- NEW $15,000 READ MEMPHIS PROJECT: In July, LMS will launch the Read Memphis Project, which will certify non-profit organizations, government entities and churches to provide their own pre-literacy GED programs. Upon completion of certification program, LMS will provide each organization with up to $15,000 worth of seed money and tangible resources to kick-start their new literacy programs.
- WRITE MEMPHIS WILL MERGE WITH LITERACY MID-SOUTH: Beginning in July, Write Memphis, a program that improves reading proficiency through the development of writing skills, will join Literacy Mid-South’s roster of valuable literacy-development programs.
- NEW POP-UP RETAIL SHOPS: In late 2013, LMS will begin opening a series of pop-up retail shops catering to book lovers across Memphis. These shops not only will generate income to support LMS programs, but they also will host fun, educational programs for children.
- NEW ONLINE LITERACY LANDSCAPE: Literacy Mid-South receives an estimated 1,700 calls per year requesting information on where to find literacy and adult-education resources and programs. Now, this information is available on the organization’s website and easily searchable by zip code.
- NEW NATIONAL ACCREDITATION STATUS BY PROLITERACY: This month, Literacy Mid-South was awarded accredited status by ProLiteracy, the national literacy organization that accredits local adult literacy programs throughout the United States. This status signifies that Literacy Mid-South has met the highest national standards for volunteer literacy programs and proved that their services to the community are effective. Additionally, four of the Adult Literacy Program staff are now certified ProLiteracy trainers, a first for Literacy Mid-South.
Upcoming Events
Adult Tutor Training
Want to Make a REAL Difference in Someone's Life? Teach Someone to Read
Literacy Mid-South has more than 75 adults on our waiting list who are willing and ready to learn but need a special person in their life to help them. They want better lives. They want to understand their personal finances better. They want their driver's license. They want to read to their children. They want to understand their world better, and they just need a chance.
YOU can help. There is no greater gift to give than helping a person succeed. Facilitate learning in the life of an adult who struggles with reading, writing, and math through Literacy Mid-South's Adult Learning Program. Volunteers are able to serve as facilitators to groups of adults or provide individual goal-centered tutoring to an adult learner. Volunteers attend a one-day training that provides the tools for moving adults forward.
Volunteers commit to meeting 2 hours, once a week for 6 months. Volunteer opportunities are available during the day or at night. Must be 18 years or older to participate.
Adult Tutor Training is held at Germantown Community Library.
1925 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN
Coffee and water will be provided in the morning and Germantown Library will provide a light lunch. Please bring any snacks you would like. Please also bring a pen/paper for notes.
If you are interested in being a Literacy Mid-South volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Form.
