Welcome to the South Dakota Literacy Council Online!

Our goal is to help people receive educational help in a confidential setting.

If you or someone you know is looking for a reading/math tutor—we will try to help you find a volunteer tutor.

You can help. Become a member by contacting any officer or using the "Join SDLC" link.

NEWS ITEMS:

The East Central Literacy Council (ECLC) will hold its quarterly meeting at the Pheasant (corner of Main St and 8th Street South) in Brookings, at 12 noon on November 20, 2009. Attendees pay for their own lunch if they wish to order. We will be discussing important items at this meeting. ECLC plans to host the STATE meeting in January, 2009. Watch for the details—place, date, time and program!

The Literacy Council of the Black Hills will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2008, at the Rapid City Public Library in the upstairs meeting room. The election of officers will take place at this meeting so it is important for all members to attend.

The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. to be followed by a Tutor & Volunteer Appreciation Potluck. The Council will furnish chicken, plates, cups, utensils and drinks. Please RSVP to me at 393-0318 by Tuesday, November 11.

See you there!
Maria T. Niggemann, Communications Chair

Announcement:
Spring Quarterly Meeting
Hot Springs on April 5 from 1-6 p.m
Contact Marilyn Torres at 605-745-3625 for more information.

Raffle Tickets!
Available from any officer or literacy council member. The bracelet and earring sets are hand-made by Judy Sawyer. She uses the finest Japanese fire polished stones. Tickets are $2 for 1 chance or $5 for 3 tickets. See picture the Fall Conference page.

The Madison Area Literacy Council organized the first New Reader Book Club in the state when they decided to read "The Richest Man in Town." They borrowed books from several libraries in South Dakota for those who did not already own their personal copy. They highly recommend this inspirational story of a greeter who worked at Wal-Mart in Brookings. He treated each customer with a special handshake when they went through his checkout line. East Central Literacy Council has purchased a set of books for other councils in the state who would like to start a similar Book Club. Copies will be available at future SDLC Board Meetings for those who would like to purchase autographed copies for just $12.00. Many thanks to Sandy Vostad for this great idea!

This patriotic molded sculpture is a rustic version of the liberty bell, an eagle, and the American flag. It weighs a hefty 2 lbs. 10.6 oz., stands 12.5 inches tall and would love to help guard your home. This decorative item appears to be hand painted. It was donated by Paul and Marilyn Torres, of the Hot Springs Literacy Council, to help raise funds for the South Dakota Literacy Council, Inc. Donations are tax deductible. It is currently listed for sale on Craig's List under the Arts & Crafts category for $25.00.

We have published a book entitled “MEMORIES.” Nearly all of the articles, poems, and autobiographies are written by New Readers. We thank the South Dakota Council on Developmental Disabilities for the grant that made it possible for us to do this project. Through the grant we were able to hold a writing workshop with two South Dakota authors and to cover the expenses associated with the printing of the book. The cover of the book was drawn by one of the writers. See more information about the book on the “News” link.

My Desire to Learn by “Poncho”

The following is a song that I wrote after I joined the Literacy program. I wrote it to hopefully help reading adults understand the feelings and pain that someone like me goes through every day of my life because I do not know how to read and write. Hopefully, it also conveys the joy and hope I had as I started to learn to read.

It doesn’t make sense
This desire I feel.
Why I never could read
Yet, I know that I will.

Your words excite me.
I warm at the sounds.
Your nouns seem to invite me
To stay and learn awhile.

You’re on my mind and in my heart.
I’ve loved you so right from the start.
Though the words will keep us apart.

Is it just a fantasy?
Or do you feel the way I do?
I hardly know how to read.
But I know some day I will.

You’re on my mind and in my heart.
I’ve loved you so from the start.
Though the words will keep us apart.
Though the words will keep us apart.

I can only hope that this has helped someone understand what an illiterate person feels every day of his or her life and that if you know someone who can not read or write, PLEASE try to encourage him or her to get help through their local Literacy Council. Be aware that they will be afraid of anyone knowing that they can not read and write as they could be afraid of being rejected by all.

Published in South Dakota: A Journey Through Time Tutor Tips, Sarah D. Hillner, Ed. (Prairie View Press, 2002) Poncho has also set this poem to music.