"Weaving Webs: Making Literacy Connections" provides staff and volunteers of local literacy organizations with a chance to learn new skills and network with others.
(WASHINGTON, DC) - The Early Chapters, a program of Serve DC, in a partnership with DC LEARNs, held "Weaving Webs: Making Literacy Connections!" on May 14 at American University. "Weaving Webs" was a conference for the staff and volunteers of local organizations working to improve literacy skills for children, youth and families.
Speakers included staff from local non-profit literacy organizations, research centers, and government agencies. A wide variety of topics were covered, including how to use the arts to promote literacy in the classroom, the best methods for collaboration and partnership, and how to build a powerful and effective board. The Office of Early Childhood Development co-sponsored the event, offering "clock hours" for the workshop participants. "Clock hours" are hours of continuing education for staff of child development centers.
Some attendees sang songs and played games while learning how to better serve the children with whom they work. Others learned how to improve their services from the organizational level, by increasing volunteer management or find local resources. During lunch, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Grammy award-winning musicians, performed, showing how music can help promote good nutrition in children. Keynote speakers Michelle Y. Green, children's author, and Ken Harvey, former Washington Redskins linebacker, adult learner, and children's author helped to inspire the participants in their work. The day ended with a raffle in which participants were eligible to win a wide variety of prizes, from magnetic poetry packs to a collection of children's books.
The conference served as a tool that allowed local organizations to learn more about each other while learning about how they might be able to improve themselves. Attendees walked away with new ideas and new inspiration.
About Serve DC
Serve DC formerly known as the DC Commission on National and Community Service was established in 2000 by an Executive Order from Mayor Anthony A. Williams. Its mission is to strengthen and promote the District of Columbia's spirit of service through partnerships, national service and volunteerism.