Introducing AACLC’s English Conversation Group in Eastport

April 22, 2024

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We’re Launching an English Conversation Group in Eastport

In March, the Literacy Council hosted a conversation group in Eastport. Participants enjoyed a welcoming atmosphere, English conversation practice, and light refreshments.

We plan to continue offering this fun event on the last Friday of every month. Our next ESL Conversation Group is scheduled for April 26.

The group is most suited to Spanish speakers, and space is limited to 15 people.

AACLC tutor Mary Waters will facilitate the evening. Mary has experience as an ESL tutor with the Literacy Council and with Catholic Charities, where she volunteered as an ESL teacher for many years.

Literacy Council tutors or students should email Wendy for details and to RSVP if they plan to attend.

Train to Tutor an ESL Student

April 22, 2024

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Our ESL tutor training session has been scheduled for June 22 at Woods Church in Severna Park!

We’re always looking for new, dedicated tutors. We have a waiting list of eager English language learners hoping for a tutor. Please consider referring neighbors or friends who you think could be committed AACLC tutors. Current tutors are also welcome at this session.

Email Jane at director@aaclc.org to sign up. Space is limited.

Caroline Cañas Joins the AACLC Board

April 22, 2024

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Please welcome Caroline Cañas to our Board of Directors. Caroline was elected to the Board on March 20.

With a background of diverse administrative experience, Caroline has developed strong skills in project coordination, task management, and fostering meaningful connections. In her most recent role as an Executive Assistant at The Arc of the Central Chesapeake Region, she became a resource for Spanish-speaking families and has supported her team through project coordination and execution while also supporting day-to-day administrative tasks. In her previous roles in the Fair Practices Department at the Administrative Office of the Courts and as a bilingual paralegal at Jezic & Moyse, LLC she first gained insight into ways she could help the challenges faced by minority communities. As someone who had benefited from ESL programs in her youth, it ignited her interest in providing resources and support to underserved populations.

Fluent in Spanish and motivated by opportunities to create positive change (particularly for those confronting language barriers), Caroline is excited to contribute to the Anne Arundel County Literacy Council with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a dedication to inclusivity. She would like to leverage her skills to promote equitable access to education and hopes to find resources to advance the impact of the ESL program.

To learn more about our Board of Directors, visit our website.

Director’s Message April 2024

April 22, 2024

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Happy National Volunteer Month!

The posts from our newsletter this month are dedicated to each of our AACLC volunteers.

We couldn’t do this without you!

Thank you for all you do,

Jane

Jane Seiss, Executive Director AACLCJane Seiss, Executive Director
Anne Arundel County Literacy Council

 

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about our volunteers.

Words Thank You and a heart

 

About Our Volunteers…

April 22, 2024

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The Literacy Council’s volunteer body includes people living in the county and outside it, married couples, neighbors, former colleagues, retirees, and working men and women.

Our volunteers are:

  •  tutors who helped students pass the citizenship test, get a driver’s license, register to vote, read to their children, earn a high school diploma, sign up for a library card and use it, get a better job, pass the ASVAB test to enter the U.S. military, and much more.
  • a team of people who welcome, assess, and assist students receiving our services.
  • people who train and coordinate with our tutors.
  • the great folks who manage everything from student progress tracking to reporting, governance, and resources.
  • and people who help out at events like our book fair.

Here’s a brief overview:

AACLC Volunteers infographic

Volunteers come to Literacy Council work in various ways, but they all have one thing in common: a desire to make a difference in someone’s life in the communities where we live.

Thank you for volunteering!

Resources and Activities (April/May 2024)

April 21, 2024

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211 Maryland

Help is a call or text away.

For anyone facing difficulties, dialing 2-1-1 connects callers with trained health and human services personnel who provide guidance and help with a range of needs, from utility assistance to legal guidance to mental health help.

211 help is available in more than 100 languages. Please see 211md.org to know all that the service offers. Calls are confidential, and there is a texting option as well.

Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month at Local Libraries

April is Arab American Heritage Month. AACPL is celebrating all month with events, book lists organized by reader age group, and STEM activities. Visit the library’s website for full details.

Anne Arundel County Food Pantry & Resource List

This list, published by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and updated regularly, provides information on where to find free food and basic necessities throughout the county. Pantry locations, contact numbers, and hours are included.

Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library

Wednesday, April 17, 6 pm – 7:30 pm

Practice English or Spanish in a fun and informal setting.

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-142377

also Wednesday, May 15, 6 pm – 7:30 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-142378

Korean-English Language Hour at Severn Library

Monday, April 22, 7 pm – 8 pm

From the library’s website:

Practice your English or Korean language skills. Snacks, conversation prompts, and information about library and county resources will be provided.

https://www.aacpl.net/event/korean-english-language-hour-hanyeong-eoneo-gyohwan-sigan-139824

Discover English Conversation Club at Discoveries Library

Monday, May 6, 6 pm – 7 pm

Adults at all proficiency levels are welcome to practice speaking English. All languages are welcome, and children may accompany their parents. Call the branch at 410-222-0133 for more information. https://www.aacpl.net/event/discover-english-conversation-club-club-de-conversacion-descubriendo-ingles-143351

English/Spanish Exchange at Busch Annapolis Library

Wednesday, May 15, 7 pm – 8 pm

Practice English and Spanish conversation in an informal environment. All levels are welcome. This event is for adults.

https://www.aacpl.net/event/englishspanish-exchange-intercambio-de-idiomas-144729

English-Spanish Conversation Hour at Glen Burnie Library

Thursday, May 9, 7:30 pm _ 8:30 pm

Practice your English or Spanish conversation skills, enjoy snacks, and learn about library and county resources. This event is for teens (11 yrs+) and adults.

https://www.aacpl.net/event/english-spanish-conversation-hour-150617

Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library

Practice English or Spanish in a fun and informal setting.

Scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, 6 pm – 7:30 pm

https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-142378

Save the Date: AACLC Book Fair 9/28/24

April 20, 2024

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Save the Date

Our fourth-annual fundraiser BOOK FAIR will be on Saturday, September 28, at Westfield Annapolis Mall. The mall kindly donates its Community Room and Crate & Barrel Court space for this wonderful event.

We’ll share news on book donations, sponsorships, and plans soon.

Join our book fair team

We need even more volunteers as the event grows and grows — please be on the lookout for detailed sign-up opportunities coming via email this spring.

We will form a book fair planning committee in the weeks ahead. Let us know if you’d like to be part of the fun leading up to September 28!

Library News in our Communities

April 10, 2024

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Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month at Local Libraries

April is Arab American Heritage Month. AACPL is celebrating all month with events, book lists organized by reader age group, and STEM activities. Visit the library’s website for full details.

Glen Burnie Library to Host Trade School Fair

On Saturday, April 20, the Glen Burnie Library will host a Trade School Fair from 11 am until 2 pm. Several organizations will be represented. Attendees can explore options, including apprenticeships and training certifications. High school juniors, seniors, and adults are welcome. Please visit this webpage for more information.

Welcome New Tutors!

March 18, 2024

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Fifteen new tutors joined the AACLC team of volunteers on March 2 at our spring tutor training session. Many of them are already working with students. Thank you to our training team, these eager new volunteers, and our hosts, Woods Church in Severna Park.

The next session will be scheduled for June, and it will focus on training new ESL tutors. Stay tuned for details.

Please continue referring neighbors or friends who you think could be committed AACLC tutors to us.

Interested trainees should contact Jane at director@aaclc.org.

English Conversation Group to Launch in Eastport

March 16, 2024

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We’re Launching an English Conversation Group in Eastport

On Friday, March 29, from 5 until 7 pm, the Literacy Council is hosting a conversation group at the Seeds 4 Success office in the Eastport Shopping Center. Participants will be welcome to meet other adult English language learners, practice English in a friendly environment, and enjoy games and light refreshments.

The group is most suited to Spanish speakers, and space is limited to 15 people.

AACLC tutor Mary Waters will facilitate the evening. Mary has experience as an ESL tutor with the Literacy Council and with Catholic Charities, where she volunteered as an ESL teacher for many years.

Thanks to Seeds 4 Success for hosting this fun event, which we hope to continue offering on the last Friday evening of every month.

Literacy Council tutors or students should email Wendy if they plan to attend.

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