Literacy Mic

Learner Melissa shares her experiences with ESL Book Group.  She talks about her path to learning English through literature.  Her humor and joy of learning are clear throughout her conversation with Eric Black.CreditsGuest: MelissaHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: Eric BlackEditor: Eric BlackProducer: Ethan Myers

Learner Orwa came from Israel 6 months ago.  He began attending Washtenaw Literacy's book club to improve his skills and meet more people.  In the episode, he shares his experience learning English, getting to know the American culture, and finding a community of friends through Washtenaw Literacy.CreditsGuests: OrwaHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: Eric BlackEditor: Eric BlackProducer: Ethan Myers

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to tutor/intern Brook Drost about a learning lab she facilitated on the history of the LGBT community in the United States.  She also shares her experiences tutoring and perspective on adult literacy.CreditsGuests: Brook DrostHost: Eric BlackInterviewer: David ChristensenEditor: Ethan MyersProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Ethan Myers

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to tutors/donors Marty Friedburg & Beth Dugdale about their experiences hosting multiple Thanksgiving dinners with ESL learners. They also share other ways they've connected with their learners over the years.CreditsGuests: Marty Friedburg & Beth DugdaleHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: David ChristensenEditor: Ethan MyersProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Eric Black

In today's episode, Program Coordinator David Christensen talks to long-time donor, former board member, and namesake of Nicola's Books, Nicola Rooney. She talks about getting involved with the board, how Nicola's Books supported Washtenaw Literacy's mission over the years, and how Washtenaw Literacy has changed over time.If you'd like to check out Nicola's Books, you can find their website at https://www.nicolasbooks.com/CreditsGuest: Nicola RooneyHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: David ChristensenEditor: Ethan MyersProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Eric Black

Program Specialist Karen Riggins talks to longtime Washtenaw Literacy learner LaRue. In the first part of their conversation, LaRue tells Karen about his experiences growing up in Detroit, how his path changed and why he was inspired to begin tutoring.  Later, LaRue talks about the responsibilities that learners and tutors have to themselves and to each other when working together. CreditsGuest: LaRueHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: Karen RigginsEditors: Eric Black & Ethan MyersProducer: David Christensen

Program Coordinator Jennifer Musser talks with Donna DeButts. Donna has worn many hats over the years, from volunteer tutor to the first Executive Director. She'll take us on a journey through the agency's past and speculate on its future. CreditsGuest: Donna DeButtsHost: Ethan MyersInterviewer: Jennifer MusserEditor: Ethan MyersProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Eric Black

Program Coordinator David Christensen talks with former staff member Megan Jenkins about her time with the agency,  the capacity of the organization growing, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and her experience with Washtenaw Literacy's jail program.CreditsGuest: Megan JenkinsHost: Karen RigginsInterviewer: David ChristensenEditors: Eric Black & Ethan MyersProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Mitch Port

Literacy Mic hosts Kurtis Edwards discusses barriers to learning with Makayla Whitney. Barriers to learning impact all of us and Makayla reflects on how her barriers, and her privilege, got her to where she is now.Makayla is a Program Coordinator with Washtenaw Literacy.CreditsGuest: Makayla WhitneyHost: Kurtis EdwardsInterviewer: Kurtis EdwardsEditor: Kurtis EdwardsProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Mitch Port

Today, Literacy Mic host Kurtis Edwards talks about barriers to learning with Myeshia McDaniel. In this conversation, Myeshia highlights the importance of valuing and taking ownership of yourself and how this can impact one's learning.Myeshia is the giving coordinator and office assistant with Washtenaw Literacy.CreditsGuest: Myeshia McDanielHost: Kurtis EdwardsInterviewer: Kurtis EdwardsEditor: Kurtis EdwardsProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Mitch Port

In our second episode, Literacy Mic producer David Christensen talks with Nick Lacy. Their conversation spans different kinds of barriers to learning, from dyslexia to racism and class in the United States. They thread a narrative that connects support from parents, teachers, and mentors to the achievement gap seen between the haves and the have-nots.Nick is the giving manager at Washtenaw Literacy.CreditsGuest: Nick LacyHost: Kurtis EdwardsInterviewer: David ChristensenEditor: Kurtis EdwardsProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Mitch Port

In this episode, Literacy Mic producer David Christensen has a conversation with Grace Pang. They talk at length about how Washtenaw Literacy operationalizes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and intersectionality.Grace is a board member and mentor with Washtenaw Literacy.CreditsGuest: Grace PangHost: Kurtis EdwardsInterviewer: David ChristensenEditor: Kurtis EdwardsProducer: David ChristensenAssistant Producer: Mitch Port