Reasons, Ideas, and Suggestions for Involvement

One of the biggest problems all literacy providers face is informing those who would benefit from assistance to seek it. First of all, since the problem is that the target population is unable to read or read well, we are unable to advertise our free and private services to assist them in achieving this skill. Therefore, it is necessary that these individuals hear by word of mouth that they can do something about their handicap.

Anyone who is aware of an individual who could use and needs help should approach the subject with sensitivity and privately. First ascertain whether the person is open to discussing the situation as it is a private matter. An explanation that being illiterate is nothing to be ashamed of since one in four over the age of sixteen is experiencing limited ability.

The shame is doing nothing about it.

Radio & Television stations should recognize that literacy programs can't advertise their services the same way other charities do by displaying posters because the people can't read. So we implore the media to offer more air time for Public Service Announcements to reach those who are in desperate need to become self sufficient.

For the socially conscience individuals who realize illiteracy is a draining factor in the economy since as tax payers we lose billions of dollars annually to lost revenue, unemployment, welfare, high insurance rates and crime, think about what you can do to help an existing literacy program in your community or to consider organizing one to address the needs of young and old alike.

In order to locate a program, if you have internet accessibility, check to see what your state may have to offer. Or call, sometimes libraries, youth groups or faith based organizations provide assistance. Ask them what needs they have that you might be able to acknowledge. Many states have volunteer centers that list opportunities and in some cases the State Department of Education might prove to be a resource of information and point you in the right direction of programs addressing children, adults or family literacy. Additionally, some businesses also have learning labs for workforce development and local legislators would be aware of what activities are available.

If you're motivated, you might want to attempt to encourage your business, church, service or community group, local school district/ Board of Education to implement a literacy program. Identify those who would benefit and be certain they want the assistance. Many people who can't read come with a myriad of other problems stemming from lack of self esteem, perceptual problems that have never been diagnosed, such as merely needing eye glasses, or perhaps a mild learning disability. The latter doesn't make them uneducable or stupid, it just means it may take a little longer to absorb the material.

And while we're on the subject, many people who are unable to read are very talented in their own right. As an example some have the skills to repair engines and as a result of their inability to read they've honed other skills such as the ability to negotiate and "read" the emotions of other people which assists them in their survival skills. These individuals need to be treated with the same respect we expect for ourselves. Don't assume they aren't aware when someone is being condescending to them. After all, how many educated people are incapable of playing a musical instrument or taking apart a mechanical device and putting it back together? This inability doesn't mean a person is stupid or that we should feel sorry for the individual. They are our equals.

The truth of the matter is that those who are unable to read, lose out on what they are entitled to such as voting since the Voting Rights Act Amendment of 1984 gives non-readers the right to fully exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Any voter who needs assistance to vote by reason of blindness, disability or the inability to read or write may have aid by a person of the voter's choice with the exception of the voter's employer, or anyone associated with the voter's union.

Additionally, those who are unable to read are not in a position to make a contribution back to our society. Furthermore, their off spring will likely mirror the deficiency also perpetuating the problem by having children who will unfortunately carry out this legacy of illiteracy.

The point is there are many charities in existence which might not require funding if people could read adequately to be self sufficient to care for themselves and their families. The Chinese proverb says it all: "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him to fish and he feeds himself and family for a life time." We are all responsible for sharing this burden.

Summary:

1. Begin reading to children when they are young, but have them share in the process and learn from you. Don't do it all for them.

2. Find out what existing literacy programs are already in existence and offer to help in ANY way. Call the library, youth groups, faith based and community groups, schools, departments of education, volunteer centers and local businesses. Call your legislators.

3. Encourage others to get involved and begin an effort of your own. You may know people at work who need help or their children who could use assistance and some of your time.

4. Promote the right to vote and offer assistance to those who need it.

5. And finally, learning does not have to be a dull & boring chore. There are many games that are instrumental in promoting education & reading.  Scrabble, Boggle, Hangman are only a few. Focus On Literacy offers some that can be played outside as well as inside.

Statistics:

70% of the unemployed & 65% to 85% of the incarcerated experience reading problems. 80% of inmates who are not educated while incarcerated return to prison costing the tax payer additionally. One third of the children in 3rd grade are unable to read at this level putting them at risk of becoming our future adult illiterates.