Every time I read the paper or watch the news I am struck by the number of people in need—in need of things like housing and food, routine medical and dental care for self and family, and in need of the basic literacy skills necessary to function well in society. I’m going with a short list today.
In a very wealthy “developed” nation, I find this frustrating and even downright reprehensible. I wonder how such social and economic discrepancies can continue to exist. This is not only a national crisis, of course, but a local one. A quick trip around the city of Milwaukee will make it clear to anyone willing to look.
This is about much more than education, but the role of education in and out of classrooms is an important tool for tackling social issues. I’m not just talking about people going to college to become teachers or social workers or doctors or advocates, although those professions are obviously important. I’m talking about getting to the heart of things in our communities.
If we want more high school graduates, so we can have more college graduates, we need to address the things that interfere with school and quality of life more generally. See the first paragraph for a minimalist list to get started. Consider this too common example: A young mother (or mother to be) with no money and no support might not finish high school, let alone go to college. She may not get needed medical attention during or after pregnancy. She may get no help in learning to be a parent. Our communities are classrooms waiting to happen.
Think about it. Have a few hours on your hands every week? Volunteer! Be a tutor at one of the many literacy centers in the area. If you’re qualified, consider helping out at a health clinic, whether by providing direct care or by helping with educational programming and outreach. Consider being a mentor, a “teacher” of sorts for someone who would benefit from guidance and support. Go to the people who cannot make it to you.
Help others by being educators in ways you might not have thought of. If you have a skill or a passion or just want to make the world a better place, look around and you’ll be amazed at how many ways you can do that. Education matters at all levels. Be open to what it looks like.
