Literacy for Freedom was created in the fall of 2019 by 4th Grade teacher Keenan Jones of Hopkins Public Schools (Tanglen) located in Minnetonka, MN. It is a new 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization for African American males in grades 7-12. Literacy for Freedom seeks to dramatically improve academic and life outcomes for African American male students in the Twin Cities metro area.
Strategic Priorities
- Help foster a love for literacy to improve literacy rates for African American males in grades 7-12, provide them with strategies to improve comprehension, and teach them to think critically about different types of text
- Emphasize the importance of postsecondary education and/or career pathways by assisting scholars with tools needed to prepare for those options through seminars, virtual tours, speakers
- Foster youth development socially, emotionally, and psychologically using social emotional learning curriculum and professional mental health support from community resources
- Develop identity as African American males in America using critical literacy and critical media literacy strategies through the LF Mentorship Group
- Provide consultation to educators/administrators about interventions to improve African American male achievement with key topics such as literacy instruction, access to post-secondary pathways, reducing special education placement, and culturally relevant teaching strategies
- Collaborate with parents/guardians on academic and career goals to guide scholars through the education system and beyond
Skills
Literacy for Freedom is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Board Governance
- Fundraising
- Management and Leadership
- Strategic and Business Planning
Information
- Number of members currently: 2
- Number of board members needed: 3
- Meeting time and frequency: 2 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Minneapolis
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 5 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: No
- Service on Committee Required: Yes
- Committees: Executive, Other
- Length of Term: TBD
- Renewable: Yes
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? No