University of Dayton Literature & Literacy Forum: Engaging Literacy and Social Justice
December 2025
August 8, 2025 | Dayton Metro Library – Main Branch
The University of Dayton proudly launched its first Literature & Literacy Forum on August 8, 2025, themed “Engaging Literacy and Social Justice to Create Sacred Circles.” The forum was the brainchild of Mary-Kate Sableski, Jennifer Adams, and Elisabeth Friel, who envisioned a space where educators, librarians, and community partners could explore how literacy can transform classrooms into inclusive, justice-centered learning environments.
Over 60 participants from more than 20 schools and organizations across the Miami Valley attended, including K–12 teachers, university faculty, graduate students, and public librarians. Key partners included Carroll High School, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School, St. Helen, St. Luke, Ascension School, Stebbins High School, and multiple Dayton Metro Library branches.
The full-day program featured four keynote presentations and six breakout sessions, covering inclusive literacy, civic engagement, and the social dimensions of reading and writing. A central highlight was the Interactive Read-In, where participants explored curated diverse texts from the Dayton Metro Library, reflecting on how inclusive literature helps students see themselves and others in the stories they read. Each participating teacher also received a free book to take back to their classroom, helping them put these insights into immediate practice. One attendee noted: “The Read-In reminded me how powerful it is to put the right book in a student’s hands — a book that says you belong here.”
Leadership and Facilitation:
Jennifer Adams, along with other forum facilitators, played a key role in leading workshop sessions, guiding reflective dialogue, and supporting participants in applying socially just literacy practices in their classrooms. Her facilitation helped connect theory with hands-on strategies that educators could immediately implement.
Participant Feedback:
Post-event surveys reported 100% overall satisfaction. Educators described the forum as “inspiring,” “grounding,” and “professionally restorative.” Participants especially valued the focus on belonging, practical classroom strategies, and collaborative reflection. Testimonials included:
“This event reignited my sense of purpose in teaching — it reminded me why representation in texts matters.”
“I left with concrete ways to make my classroom a space of inclusion and connection.”
Looking Ahead:
The 2026 Literature & Literacy Forum, planned for August 6–7, will focus on “Social Justice through Storytelling: Rooting Literacy in Language,” building on the sacred circle concept to foster empathy, identity, and collective healing in classrooms and communities.
Through this forum, the University of Dayton, along with Jennifer Adams and her co-facilitators, continues to highlight the power of stories — and the people who tell them — as catalysts for justice, joy, and meaningful change in education.
Put Books in the Hands of Children, Families, and Educators
Across all our programs, Wren Works has seen firsthand the power of books to inspire curiosity, strengthen literacy, and build lifelong learners. This year, we aim to expand book distribution to:
Children attending camps and family literacy events
Educators participating in professional learning workshops
Families building home libraries at the Lebanon Food Pantry