FAST FIVE: Come read with Kat Gilmore!

Meet Kat Gilmore, Founder of the Literacy Project of North Idaho

Kat Gilmore, the founder of the Literacy Project of North Idaho, has always had a love for learning. From teaching her dolls to read as a child, to tutoring adults in literacy as an adult, Kat’s passion for education has never wavered. With a background in philosophy and English, Kat saw a different world through a class focused on adult literacy during her college years. This experience opened her eyes and heart, leading her to volunteer for an adult literacy program while completing her graduate studies.

Kat’s dedication to adult literacy has taken many forms over the years. She has served as a volunteer tutor, certificated trainer, English as a second language instructor, and board member. Currently, she is an English professor at North Idaho College and continues to volunteer and serve on the board of the Literacy Project of North Idaho. In addition to her work in literacy, Kat enjoys running, spending time with her grandchildren, and reading countless books.

1) What motivated you to establish the Literacy Project of North Idaho?

Kat established the Literacy Project of North Idaho because there was no existing adult literacy program in the area. She recognized the need for support among adults who struggled with reading, and was determined to fill this gap. Having worked with adults from various backgrounds and communities, Kat understood that low literacy rates were a widespread issue. Nationally, one in six adults cannot read above a third-grade level. It was unimaginable to Kat that there was no place for these individuals to seek help and improve their literacy skills.

2) Why is reading important and what impact does literacy have on us as individuals and on society as a whole?

Reading is not just a hobby, but a vital skill for survival in our world. Without the ability to read, adults face numerous challenges in their daily lives. They cannot understand letters from teachers, complete medical forms, read prescription labels, comprehend menus, access banking information, or fill out consent forms. Illiteracy restricts job opportunities and hinders community participation. The stigma associated with low literacy often leads to fear and isolation. In fact, Forbes Magazine estimates that low literacy costs America $2.2 trillion annually. This is a problem that can be completely solved, and addressing it would have a significant positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

3) Any organization news or events coming up that you would like to share?

The Literacy Project of North Idaho is excited to announce that they are now offering English language classes based on proficiency levels. This is a new initiative aimed at helping community members improve their English language skills. Currently, there are no adult language classes available in North Idaho, so the Literacy Project is proud to fill this need. Additionally, the organization has hired Holly Edwards as a part-time executive director. As a nonprofit that does not qualify for state or federal funding, the Literacy Project relies on the generosity of the community. They were honored to receive the Women’s Gift Alliance grant, which will fund the executive director position for one year and support continued growth. The Literacy Project believes that when a program benefits the community, the community will find ways to support it.

4) What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

One surprising fact about Kat is that she moved to North Idaho because of her love for running. She initially visited the area 11 years ago to participate in a trail race in St Maries with her husband. Both of them instantly fell in love with the region and decided to make it their home. Kat’s passion for running has been fulfilled by the incredible trail running community in North Idaho, while her husband enjoys the breathtaking views of the area.

5) What is your all-time favorite book or author or genre and why?

Kat’s all-time favorite book is “Wuthering Heights.” She admires the author’s ability to create empathy for unlikeable characters, which she finds to be a masterful skill. However, her favorite genre is detective fiction. In fact, she will be teaching a class on Raymond Chandler and the legacy of the hard-boiled detective at NIC during the spring semester. Kat encourages all readers to join her in exploring the world of pulp noir novels. She believes that community college is for the community, and there is no better way to spend the winter than reading and discussing captivating detective stories.

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.