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WE LEARN c/o Mev Miller 182 Riverside Ave. Cranston, RI 02910 401-383-4374 welearn@litwomen.org

What is Women Leading Through Reading? Sample chapters from TRAINING MANUAL | ORDER FORM for the Manual Training Schedule for Women Leading Through Reading Circles in Boston. MA

Women Leading Through Reading (WLTR) Discussion Circles are student-centered and woman supportive. Based on the experiences of "book clubs," women learners connect their reading and discussion to issues and concerns important for their lives as women. The WLTR Circles assist each student to develop her confidence, leadership, and critical thinking skills. The Circles are co-facilitated by women volunteers from the local community.

Many women learners who participate in WLTR Circles have never directly discussed women’s issues. The Circles provide the opportunity to discuss topics women learners may not normally speak about, especially what one learner called “women-stuff.” Women learners have a chance to speak up, sometimes for the first time. The groups help women improve self-esteem. Circles encourage women to share their views and ideas with each other. Women participate in the circles and identify the topics they want to know more about. With the help of the facilitators, they select their own reading materials. The women in the group improve their reading, writing, and discussion abilities. The circles help women to not feel so isolated. They increase their self-confidence, and expand their understanding of the capabilities of women. These are important first steps in finding their voice for women oppressed by cultural practices, political systems, and economic and educational inequality.

For more details about the audiences and goals for Women Leading Through Reading, see our training manual.

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TRAINING

October 16, 2008
Women Leading Through Reading Discussion Circles
9:30am–12:30pm / Literacy Assistance Center, NYC, NY
Audience: Teachers, program managers and others working with women.
Facilitator: Mev Miller
This interactive workshop will present how the circles are organized and facilitated, ways to integrate them into current curriculum structures, and how to include writing, civic participation, and assessment components.

Would you like WE LEARN to present on Women Leading Through Reading at your professional development event? Contact Mev Miller, Ed.D.

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BOSTON AREA WLTR

WE LEARN has received a continuaton grant from the Boston Women's Fund to sponsor Discussion Circles in Boston Area programs between September 2008 - May 2009.

Information for Program Directors / Organizations serving women using/needing adult basic/literacy education services / Invitation Letter / Site Participation Form

How you can participate:

* Volunteer to co-facilitate a Circle
* Join the Boston-area Organizing Team
* Participate in a Circle for community people interested in learning more about women's literacy issues

For more information, contact Mev Miller at WE LEARN.