The history of Literacy Services of Wisconsin is one of people in partnership – men and women who shared a vision and worked tirelessly together as tutors, students, volunteers, staff members and supporters. And it started with only two! Extraordinary things happened because Dr. Frank Laubach and Gordon Ralph met in 1964.
As a missionary in the Philippines, Dr. Laubach developed a revolutionary adult literacy philosophy: “Each One Teach One.” According to this philosophy, “each one” who is able to read has the ability and, indeed, the obligation to “teach one.” Dr. Laubach brought his passion and experience back to the United States and developed curriculum and volunteer training workshops. Whenever and wherever possible, he talked about the need for adult literacy education. Gordon Ralph of Wauwatosa attended one of those talks and was struck by Dr. Laubach’s message. A series of meetings followed, and the remarkable saga of Literacy Services of Wisconsin began.
Impressed by the urgency and earnestness of Dr. Laubach’s message, the young and energetic Mr. Ralph wasted no time in convening a Wisconsin Laubach Literacy Coordinating Committee. Before the end of 1964, the First Congregational Church in Wauwatosa hosted thirty men and women at a formation meeting. Participants represented First Congregational as well as other churches such as North Shore Congregational Church.