It all started with a simple idea. A call for action. Early literacy in Brown County needs community care.
Thus began our work. It started in 2021 when a group of volunteers, called action teams worked towards common goals for early literacy. The team members called for collaboration. This became the first ever Early Literacy Convening.
The Commitment in our Community
What started as a space for volunteer action teams to share updates with one another has grown into something much bigger.
Over time, something shifted. Leaders in our community thought, “why aren’t more people in this room?”
What was once a small team meeting became a gathering of 50.
Then more than 100 community members.
And with that growth came a realization:
this work belongs to all of us.
Learn more about this year’s Early Literacy Convening
Why Early Literacy Matters
We bring the community together because we know that having the ability to read changes everything. We know it starts with early literacy.
It is how children learn to think, to question, and to dream.
It is how they begin to understand the world and their place in it.
Children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school and far more likely to thrive as adults.
Reading is not just a skill.
It is the spark that fuels confidence, curiosity, and possibility for a lifetime.
We convene for our kids. We convene for our future. We convene because we care.
This is Bigger Than Education
Our goal is to bring together diverse voices, expertise and insights.
We know this is not just an education issue.
It is a community issue.
When children cannot read, communities struggle to grow.
When potential goes untapped, we all lose something. Our strength. Our future. Our story.
But there is another truth. We can change this.
Every child is born ready to learn.
Every family wants the best for their children.
And every community has the power to build a future where reading opens doors.
What Happened When We Met Last
In December, the Early Literacy Convening brought together over 100 educators, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, library partners, and community members from across Brown County.
The goal was simple:
move from conversation to action.
And that is exactly what happened.
Participants shared ideas, built connections, and began aligning efforts across sectors. The room was filled with energy, curiosity, and a shared commitment to doing better for kids and families.
Hear some feedback from attendees:
“I appreciated the opportunity to learn about others’ work… we’re not alone in this. We need to come together and share resources rather than silo ourselves.”
“Well done. Super organized. Safe spaces to share.”
“This was a great experience and a wonderful way for Green Bay Area Public Schools to form stronger partnerships.”
“Incredibly well done. I loved the diverse perspectives and the collaborative spirit.”
“I really enjoyed the day… it was powerful hearing from other community partners.”
From a Moment to Movement
What stood out most was not just what was shared, but what followed.
The convening was never meant to be a one-time event.
It is part of a growing movement.
A movement grounded in the belief that:
- Literacy is a shared responsibility
- Community creates momentum
- And when we align our efforts, change accelerates
This initiative exists to bring together the people, organizations, and systems that support children every day.
Because learning to read does not happen in one place. It takes our community!
Inspiring Outcomes
After the convening, new voices stepped up to the plate and wanted to volunteer on an action team.
Right now, volunteers on our action teams are piloting creative literacy projects within our community. These will look like interactive learning at local grocery stores and laundry mats in Brown County.
What’s Next
We are continuing to grow.
From a small team meeting…
to a 50-person gathering…
to over 100 community members…
And we are just getting started. Because this work is not just about children learning to read. It is about all of us learning, evolving, and building a stronger future together.
Join the Movement
The Early Literacy Convening is more than an event.
It is a space where ideas turn into action.
Where connection turns into alignment.
Where community turns into momentum.
And there is a place for you in it.
Early Literacy Convening Details:
Hosted by: Achieve Brown County
- Registration Required
- Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- Time: 9:00–3:30 (Check-in & breakfast starts at 8:15 am)
- Cost: No cost to attend
- Location: Brown County Central Library – Downtown Green Bay