WCDP JANUARY MEETING
Saturday, January 6 @ 9:15 am – 12:00 pm
The literacy crisis in Washtenaw County: Why it’s here, and how we can all help fix it
Of the 3,000 third grade students in Washtenaw County whose English Language proficiency was tested in the 2022-23 school year, half were found not to be proficient or only partially proficient. But even this statistic fails to capture the magnitude of the challenge. Significant numbers of students are one, two, or even three years behind grade level in the elementary years. These figures are higher in the economically most under resourced parts of the county and among African-American students, students with disabilities, and students who have experienced homelessness. The inability to read adequately can cripple a person’s future possibilities, and greatly increases the likelihood of many kinds of trauma and negative life outcomes. A person’s path should not be determined in fourth grade. Come learn how you can help.
9:15 – Meet and chat with your Democratic neighbors and enjoy delicious, wholesome snacks
9:45 – Party Business
- Theresa Reid, WCDP Chair
- Washington Update – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell
10:15 – Program: The illiteracy crisis in Washtenaw County with panelists:
- Sharin Buddin, Executive Director, Family Learning Institute
- Betsy Durant, Executive Director, Children’s Literacy Network
- Darryl Johnson, Executive Director, Mentor2Youth
- Kelly Mickel, Principal, Erickson Elementary School, Ypsilanti Community Schools
- Ernesto Querijero, Program Director, Books for Kids
- Kallista Walker, Founder, Our Community Reads
Join us in person:
Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave
WCDP Office Closed for the Holidays
Our office will be closed through January 1st, with regular hours resuming on Tuesday, January 2nd. Current hours will always be posted at the bottom of every page on our website. See you in 2024!
2023 was a big year and 2024 will be too.
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WCDP Mission and Values
The WCDP’s mission is to grow a broad representative base of committed voters, volunteers, and leaders who work together across Washtenaw County to elect Democrats who champion policies that reflect our values. We commit to living these values in our work together and to being a resource for Democratic allies.