Literacy USA conference holds wealth of ideas

The summer meeting of Literacy USA was held August 4 through 6 in Cleveland , Ohio . Approximately 25 literacy coalitions from all over the country were represented by about 37 coalition directors, presidents, board members and Literacy USA staff.

The first presenter was a representative from Pfizer Pharmaceutical, sharing what the company is doing to make health information easier to read and to increase the awareness of health professionals so they can ensure that their patients understand the directions and the reasons for the doctor’s advice. Pfizer has begun printing their brochures and posters at a sixth-grade reading level. They also suggest that doctors consider a person’s reading level as the newest “vital sign” that should be checked at every visit. More information about their initiatives can be found at www.phizerhealthliteracy.com.

The Partnership for Clear Health Communication has developed the “Ask Me 3” program to encourage patients to ask:

• What is my main problem?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important for me to do this?

More information about this program is available at their Web site, www.askme3.org. There is currently legislation at the national level addressing health literacy and health disparity.

Cleveland Reads, the host coalition, invited representatives from five agencies that support and connect to their coalition to explain their agencies. We heard from United Way , the Center of Community Statistics , the Library, The Workforce Investment Act, and Invest in Children. I was particularly impressed by the Center of Community Statistics , which researches data, analyzes trends and advocates for public policies based on their research. All the data is then available to all of their funders.

In another session, participants grappled with determining the value and guiding principles of Literacy USA, i.e. what do we believe in that makes us take action? The GMLC has previously decided to delay that process, but perhaps this is something we need to consider working on to guide our goals and strategic plan.

The luncheon speaker, Tom Sticht, shared a little of the background of adult literacy in his talk, “The Shoulders We Stand On.” In a topic that could be boring, he added enough humor to keep the audience interested. I am sure we will find him a dynamic presenter when he comes to Milwaukee in February.

Perhaps the most enlightening topic was “Best Practices,” in which six of the coalitions shared some of the programs they have developed to promote awareness of literacy issues and to generate funds. I will be sharing some of those ideas and many others with the board and membership in the near future.

Mary Moze

Literacy Services Of Wisconsin Celebrates Its 40th Birthday  

Literacy Services combats illiteracy, as 1 of every 4 adults in the City of Milwaukee cannot read.

Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) is celebrating 40 years of helping adults learn to read. According to the National Institute for Literacy (www.nifl.gov), 27% of individuals over 16 years of age in the City of Milwaukee are functionally illiterate. They cannot read the label on a bottle of medicine or fill out a job application. “Literacy is every bit as important now as it was in 1965,” says Barbara Felix, LSW’s Executive Director. “Lives are diminished, families fail and our entire community suffers due to illiteracy. You cannot succeed if you cannot read.”

The event will celebrate the rich history of LSW by recognizing those who saw the need to teach literacy here in Milwaukee 40 years ago. “A group of concerned citizens recognized the need and established this organization in 1965. This is a night to pay tribute to the dedicated students, staff, volunteers, visionaries and donors who have passed through LSW,” said Leif Nesheim, president of LSW’s Board of Directors.

The positive economic impact of literacy training is enormous. “For every $1 invested in tutoring, students experience $33 in economic gain,” says Leif

“High school graduates are nearly twice as likely to work and stay employed, and they earn 42% more than those with less education.”

The community is invited to celebrate Literacy Services of Wisconsin’s 40 th birthday. The party, complete with balloons and birthday cakes, will take

place on September 22 at 6:00 pm at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Cultural Center, 9200 W. Congress in Milwaukee . The cost to attend is $25. Reservations can be made by calling Literacy Services at (414) 344-5878.

Literacy Services of Wisconsin is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps adults learn to read. Students work individually with specially-trained volunteer tutors in three main program areas: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and General Educational Development (GED) Preparation.

Services are free to students who pay only for books. The organization receives no government funding. It is privately funded through gifts from individuals, service clubs, religious organizations, corporations, and foundations.

For more information: www.literacyservices.org

Contact: Barbara Felix
E-mail: barb@literacyservices.org
Phone: (414) 344-5878