The Elaine Bacon Literacy Program’s Conversation Partners option provides a relaxed, personalized approach to informal learning and skill development. A native English speaker is paired with a student seeking to refine their oral communication in English. The partners meet about once a week to chat about topics of mutual interest. They may take walks, meet in coffee shops or libraries, visit parks, or explore other community settings.

At the start, an EBLP board member, currently board member Jan Handler, will introduce a volunteer conversation partner to the student who has requested one. After that, the partners decide together where and when to meet. Some partners enjoy using ESL resources, especially when a question or topic of interest arises, while others simply focus on building a relationship—answering questions, exchanging recipes, sharing ideas, or offering tips about everyday American life. Friendships that began locally while meeting as conversation partners often continue long after the student has moved.

To learn more about the Elaine Bacon Literacy Program or to become a conversation partner, please contact Denise Heikinen at dmh2349@gmail.com or text/call (906) 231-7089.