The Task Force works in concert with the Schools
and the Library. The group helps promote the Library’s
longstanding English Language Learners (ELL) Program
that meets every Tuesday from 7-8:30 pm at the Main
Library and is organized by Task Force member Carolyn
Steiner. The ELL class attracts 20-30 participants
weekly, focuses on small group teaching, and uses the
comprehensive reading curriculum known as Magic
Reading Patterns (MRP) for beginning learners. The ELL
Program is always on the lookout for volunteer tutors.
An English Language Conversation Club at the Main
Library meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the
month as well.
The Task Force also spreads the word about
community events, including events designed to be
fun and those meant to address challenging topics.
For example, at a recent meeting, Colin Compton, the
City’s neighborhood and housing specialist, provided
information about a Black History Month event on
equity in the school district – a dramatic production
“Here and Now?” organized by Monica Boone and
the Moreland Theatre. The Task Force also discussed a
cooking group/community cookbook, and the possibility
of holding “Garage Band/Garage Sale” events to
raise money for Roots of American Music, a music
education non-profit, by combining garage sales with
performances by local bands.
As a testament to the Task Force’s collaborative
spirit, this meeting was attended by representatives of
the Library, Schools, and City, including Mayor David
Weiss and Council Member Carmella Williams.
Plans are underway for additional Task Force
initiatives, including a Global Ambassador Training,
which is a “call for residents who want to serve as
mentors or welcoming ambassadors to international
newcomers,” says Malone. “We have a growing number
of international newcomers, particularly around the
Shaker Square neighborhood, and we’re hoping to
create a list of residents who have language skills and
are willing to volunteer to help international newcomers
acclimate to Shaker and assist with things like applying
for a driver’s license, signing their kids up for school, or
catching the Rapid.”
One of the highlights of the Task Force’s work to date
was participating in the 2019 Memorial Day Parade.
“I was so impressed that a bunch of residents on the
Task Force decided they wanted to be in the Memorial
Day Parade,” says Malone. “They took the idea and
ran with it by designing a banner, recruiting high school
kids to participate, and providing their own music. I
think they wanted to send a message. The banner read
‘Shaker Welcomes the World,’ but we’re also welcoming
our neighbors from the City of Cleveland who want to
move into Shaker…and our own neighbors here. It was
really kind of inspiring to come together around an
idea. I hope our involvement in the parade becomes an
annual event.”