Community voice is crucial to change community systems.
At Achieve Brown County, we often say, “This work doesn’t happen in isolation.” And in June 2025, more than 50 individuals from across our community proved just that.
Educators, healthcare providers, nonprofit leaders, parents, and library staff came together—virtually—to help shape a tool that doesn’t just collect data but reflects the real experiences of Brown County’s youngest learners: the Early Literacy Dashboard.
It’s Not Just About Reading—It’s About Readiness
Literacy isn’t just a skill. It’s a signal.
Can a child make meaning from a story? Ask questions about the world? Express themselves? Those early abilities are the building blocks of a future filled with possibility—and we can’t afford to leave them to chance.
That’s why our Reading for the Future Strategy Team is co-creating a dashboard that tracks not just outcomes, but the conditions that shape them. From home reading routines to assessment tools, library programs to multilingual support, this dashboard is about painting the full picture—not just the test score.
Reading for the Future Strategy Team
“We’re not here to present a finished product. We’re here to build it together.”
– Atithi Ghimire, Data Manager, Achieve Brown County
Listening Is a Form of Design
The community input sessions weren’t just about collecting feedback—they were about honoring it. Over three sessions, participants shared what they’ve seen, what they’ve tried, and what they need. And their message was clear:
- Data must be actionable, not just aspirational.
- Birth-to-five matters—a lot.
- Cultural relevance, language accessibility, and equity must be non-negotiables.
One participant put it simply: “Learning to read isn’t just about schools. It’s about families. It’s about the whole community.”
Another participant added: “I’ve worked in early childhood for 15 years, and this is the first time I’ve seen such a thoughtful effort to collect input before building something. It makes a difference.”
And perhaps the most encouraging takeaway? The sense of shared purpose.
“It’s really a testament to our community’s desire to create a better world for our young people by having so many people come together around a common goal,” said Kaelyn Ahola, Communications Manager at Achieve Brown County and session facilitator. “You could feel the energy. Everyone truly wants to make this work count.”
Want to see a high level summary of the input gathered?
Shared Goals, Shared Responsibility
Creating a community-wide dashboard means more than aligning on indicators. It means agreeing that literacy is everyone’s business and that supporting young readers starts long before third grade. These sessions sparked energy, connection, and real-time collaboration. People shared programs they know, gaps they see, and ideas for what’s possible when we align our efforts.
Participants weren’t shy about pushing for bold, equitable solutions.
“Representation matters. If we want to support all families, the dashboard needs to reflect all families—language, culture, access, everything.”
Others were excited about the potential for new partnerships.
“I’m already thinking of ways our organization can plug into this once it launches. It’s refreshing to be invited into the conversation so early.”
It’s this spirit of shared ownership that will carry this work forward.
Where We Go from Here
These insights are already shaping the dashboard. Next, the Reading for the Future Strategy Team will refine the list of indicators and begin building. The first version of the dashboard is expected to launch by the end of 2025.
The Bigger Picture
This dashboard is one piece of a much larger puzzle: building a Brown County where all young people, regardless of race, income, zip code, or circumstance, have the support they need to thrive.
We believe in systems that work for families, with families. And that begins by listening. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and helped us take one more step toward a community where reading—and thriving—is a right, not a privilege.
Want to see a high level summary of the input gathered?
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Together, we’re shaping systems so every young person can thrive.