The Macon-Bibb Mayor’s Literacy Alliance (MBMLA) will host The Family Learning & Empowerment Literacy Series, a free six-session workshop designed to help families build literacy-rich homes, strengthen school partnerships, and develop habits that support academic and personal success.
The sessions will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, March 24. All sessions will be held at the Bibb County Professional Learning Center (2003 Riverside Drive) except for April 28, which will be held in the conference room by the Board of Elections in the Macon Mall (3661 Mercer University Drive).
Families should be able to attend all six sessions as each builds on the previous one. Session descriptions and full schedule are below. Space is limited, so families can reserve their spot by emailing info@mbmla.org.
Each participating family will receive literacy and leadership curriculum materials, writing and reading workbooks for children, resilience and leadership curriculum for adults, family discussion tools, and one-year access to an Online Curriculum Club House featuring games, videos, tools, and other resources.
“This will be a fun and engaging way in which we can strengthen entire families and help children succeed both in and out of school,” says Jim Montgomery, Executive Director of the MBMLA. “We want to increase the amount of literacy activities at home, improve parent engagement, and strengthen family routines.”
“Literacy is at the very core of being successful, whether it’s in school, in a career, or in life,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “It touches on our ability to read, to comprehend information, to plan for our financial future, to using ever-changing technology, and so much more.”
This initiative advances MBMLA’s commitment as a Georgia Certified Literate Community Program and a Family Learning Community endorsed by the National Center for Families Learning to build literacy capacity within families while supporting long-term academic success and community stability.
The Macon-Bibb Mayor’s Literacy Alliance (MBMLA) is a countywide collaborative dedicated to advancing literacy for children, adults, and families throughout Macon-Bibb County. As a designated Certified Literate Community and one of a limited number of communities nationally recognized as a Family Learning Community by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), MBMLA is committed to implementing evidence-informed, multigenerational strategies that strengthen educational attainment and family stability.
Through strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, local government, and higher education institutions, MBMLA leads a comprehensive Family Learning System that integrates family literacy, family engagement, and family leadership development. This coordinated approach builds literacy-rich home environments, strengthens family-school collaboration, and supports sustainable academic and community outcomes.
Welcome & Foundation Building
Tuesday, March 24
Bibb County Professional Learning Center
Families are introduced to the series, establish goals, and complete a pre-assessment measuring literacy routines, engagement habits, and leadership practices. This session builds relationships and sets expectations for shared learning and accountability.
Building Connections Through Language & Routine
Thursday, March 26
Bibb County Professional Learning Center
Families strengthen communication through daily conversations, storytelling, and structured routines that promote stability, vocabulary growth, and academic readiness. Parents gain tools to reinforce predictable learning habits at home.
Discovering Meaning Through Print & Positivity
Tuesday, April 28
Macon Mall
Families develop comprehension strategies and explore how print carries meaning. The session reinforces gratitude, optimism, and resilience while connecting reading to real-life experiences and intergenerational literacy.
Letters, Learning, & High Expectations
Thursday, April 30
Bibb County Professional Learning Center
Families focus on foundational literacy skills while establishing high expectations through goal-setting, persistence, and advocacy. Parents practice communication strategies that support school engagement and achievement.
Writing Our Story: Responsibility & Expression
Tuesday, May 26
Bibb County Professional Learning Center
Families use writing as a tool for communication, accountability, and leadership. Parents and children engage in reflective writing activities that strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and collaborative goal setting.
Celebrating Growth: Motivation, Culture, Confidence, & Program Reflection
Thursday, May 28
Bibb County Professional Learning Center
The final session integrates reflection, celebration, and post-assessment. Families review progress, complete post- surveys, and participate in a Literacy Showcase highlighting accomplishments in reading, writing, engagement, and leadership growth.
Families take part in a “Gratitude Circle” recognizing achievements, receive certificates of participation, and develop a sustainability plan to maintain literacy routines and leadership practices beyond the series. This culminating celebration reinforces confidence, cultural connection, motivation, and continued family engagement.