Why I'm Participating in the Virtual #BigHouse5K: Erin Howarth
4/2/2020 9:35:00 AM | Features, Community Engagement
The 2020 Big House 5K presented by Toyota will benefit six local, non-profit organizations selected based on the support they provide to our Washtenaw County community in key areas like housing, healthcare, the arts, youth programming and social services. In the weeks leading up to the race, MGoBlue.com will share stories from people inspired to participate this year because of one of the beneficiaries.
Please note: The University of Michigan Athletics Department and U-M health professionals are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting impact on our communities. In alignment with the University's protocols, we have canceled the 2020 Big House 5K. However, the 2020 race has moved to a virtual format. In the interest of "social distancing," we are encouraging our registrants to support our beneficiaries and participate in our Virtual #BigHouse5K.
By Erin Howarth
During weekly two-hour lessons, Washtenaw Literacy's volunteer tutors teach to their adult learners' goals. Sometimes it's reading, sometimes speaking -- whatever it takes to help them improve their lives. By making our lessons relevant and choosing authentic materials, we keep learners motivated to continue coming to tutoring sessions and improving their basic skills. Our learners thrive when they understand that what they're working on with their tutors directly and profoundly impacts their roles as parents, workers and members of our shared communities.
In addition to their desire to learn basic skills, improve job performance and eventually attend college, some of my learners have healthy living goals that we've incorporated into our lessons. We've read stories about improving their diets, developed recipes to practice writing and learned nutrition vocabulary words. Now, I'm encouraging them to join me in the Virtual #BigHouse5K and we'll complete the course together.
For over 20 years, Washtenaw Literacy has been in my thoughts during nearly every run. I rely on running to reach my own health goals and relish the hours spent outdoors in rural Sharon Township, where we regularly spot more deer than cars. I spend my solo runs planning lessons, developing math games and practicing workshops. Before every tutor training, I rehearse the entire session on a long run to make sure I can comfortably present the material without notes. Miles fly by when I'm focused on how to best help my learners. With my longtime running partner Judy Gentz, we often chat about community resources and brainstorm ways to resolve challenging tutoring situations.
Running plays an integral role in my volunteering with Washtenaw Literacy, and I look forward to sharing that piece of my life with learners and other tutors during the Virtual #BigHouse5K.
About Washtenaw Literacy
Founded in 1971, Washtenaw Literacy is Michigan's largest and oldest literacy council. A root cause of poverty, low-literacy contributes to homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, poor health outcomes, poor civic involvement, and weak parenting skills. Illiteracy is a hidden cost of living we all bear. Washtenaw Literacy serves adults, 16 and older, who need to improve their reading, writing, numeracy or communication in English.
Our three core programs:
• Skills First - basic skills in reading, writing, math, English communication, and digital literacy
• Education Now - educational attainments such as high school or GED, post-secondary or certificate programs
• Workforce Ready - workforce competencies for job-seekers and under-employed adults
By training and supervising over 600 volunteers annually, Washtenaw Literacy serves nearly 2,000 learners each year through one-on-one and group tutoring at locations throughout Washtenaw County.
For more information, visit washtenawliteracy.org
