When kids arrive at North Division High School on Saturday, they’ll explore the “Literacy Village” with a blank passport and collect stamps as they pick out free books at the “Book Barn,” hear read-alouds at the “Story House” and write a mini-book at the “Author’s Cottage.”
Teens may flock to workshops about hip-hop writing, public speaking and taekwondo.
People of all ages will find things to do at a free literacy empowerment event from Together We Create 4 Kids, a national movement that comes to Milwaukee from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1011 W. Center St.
Laneice Runnels, co-founder of the Together We Create 4 Kids’ Milwaukee chapter and host committee chair, said the event is centered on helping families find their voice and own their story through literacy. Parents and students need literacy skills for things like making sense of letters from school, applying for jobs and more, she said.
“Literacy affects how people communicate. It affects how they advocate for themselves, how they even understand information, how they pursue education,” Runnels said. “No matter what you do in life, we have to have some baseline of literacy.”
Attendees ages 13 and up can also apply for a free laptop through Techquity and United Way of Wisconsin. Applicants aren’t guaranteed a laptop; the form helps organizers know who is interested and eligible.
Here’s everything else you need to know.
Before you go
Runnels recommends families register ahead of time, but there will be a separate line on Saturday for walk-ins.
Those interested in a free laptop should also register in advance.
On the day of the event, she said families should enter through the west side of the building near the tennis courts.
What to expect
Runnels said there will be something for everyone at the event, all tied to literacy.
“We wanted to create and remind everybody that literacy is in every single thing you do,” Runnels said. “We’re gonna bring some fun to it.”
Younger kids can spend time in the Literacy Village, run by Raising Our Village. After gathering stamps from different stations, kids turn in their passports and become official members of the village.
While supplies last, they can also receive a free book bag.
Next Door Milwaukee will bring its bookmobile, or mobile library, into the village. It reminds Runnels about growing up in Milwaukee and picking a book from the bookmobile.
“There are many areas where there is not a library,” Runnels said. “Bringing it to those areas that need it or don’t have access, I think is a beautiful gift.”
There are plenty of workshops for teens like majorette dancing, drumline skills, how to become a children’s book author and leadership through sports.
Free food is provided for all families who attend.
For parents, too
Older teens and adults may want to check out the sessions about financial literacy or building a personal brand.
Runnels said the event will also connect families with a variety of resources and community agencies in the city.
“There’s so many resources in Milwaukee. We are resource rich,” Runnels said. “But sometimes… we’re not always able to connect the dots.”
Alex Klaus is the education solutions reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.
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