In celebration of Women’s History Month Pick Up Sticks Jewelry Company is featuring a prominent woman and highlighting the impact she had on the world. And, to add a little more fun to the history lesson, we are selecting jewelry charms that embody each woman’s unique personality and accomplishments. Today we are celebrating Ruth Colvin.
Ruth Johnson Colvin is a literacy pioneer. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she moved to Syracuse in 1940. In 1961, after learning that more than 11,000 people in the Syracuse community were “functionally illiterate,” Colvin took a proactive approach, and in 1962, founded Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc.
A New Approach
Through her training she determined that traditional classroom methods would not work for addressing adult illiteracy, and instead she focused on the development of community networks which empowered learners in new ways. The organization developed tutor training programs, special materials, community support components, and a model that involves people from all walks of life in a community as teachers and mentors.
Going Global
During her more than over four decades of literacy work, Colvin has published nine books and visited or worked in more than 60 countries. In 2006, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush. Colvin traveled internationally for many years to share her knowledge‚ exemplifying the power of one individual to change the world for the better.
Charming Ruth
Pick Up Sticks jewelry charms that capture Ruth’s accomplishments include “Loves Books,” “I’m Reading,” and our “Hourglass” Trinket. “Loves Books” shows a stately woman reading, a large book open in her lap, while the message on the reverse side of the charm states, “Reading is dreaming with open eyes,” a gift that Colvin has spent her life giving to others. “I’m Reading” states, “Shhhh, I’m reading…just one more chapter!”, which captures the joy of being engrossed in a story you just can’t put down. Our “Hourglass” Trinket is a nod to her own words: “Giving your time to another is one of the most valuable gifts you can give.” An apt statement from one who has dedicated her life to the betterment and enrichment of others.
Sources
https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/ruth-colvin/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duqYKEGQims
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Johnson_Colvin
https://proliteracy.org/