The Literacy Initiative – A Regional Plan for Regional Action
Modeled after initiatives by seven cities that have implemented regional literacy plans, The Literacy Initiative successfully assessed the literacy needs of Central Alabama and determineed what priorities should be addressed to realize our goal of a community that is 100% literate.
Led by a sixty-member leadership committee co-chaired by Vulcan Materials CEO Don James and state education board member Dr. Ethel Hall, 300 volunteers from all segments of the community – corporate, non-profit, government, and education – met and formed ten task forces that addressed the following areas of literacy:
– Children’s and Family Literacy
– Adult Literacy
– Financial Literacy
– English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
– Learning Disabilities and Differences
– Civic and Social Justice
– Workforce Development
– Health Literacy
– Developing Literacy Resources
– Marketing Literacy Services
Download more information about The Literacy Initiative, including a summary of task force findings.
To meaningfully address the priorities outlined in The Literacy Initiative, The Literacy Council is focusing on the most urgent needs.
In 2009 and 2010, The Literacy Council will focus on:
- 1. Equally emphasizing literacy in urban and rural areas.
- 2. Developing the workforce through GED readiness programs.
- 3. Strategically coordinating and collaborating with organizations that provide financial literacy services.
- 4. Collaborating with community stakeholders to create systemic change in working with children and adults with learning differences and disabilities.
- 5. Developing and sustaining quality ESOL programs.