CLICK HERE to view the latest presentation on literacy or download the powerpoint file.

CLICK HERE to view the PowerPoints of the presenters for the first Literacy Summit held in March 2008.

Agency Resource Directory Registration CLICK HERE












 

Welcome to the Literacy Initiative Website!

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, along with many other community partners, embarked on this initiative in 2008 to address our community’s illiteracy problem. A regional Summit was held to raise awareness and the Literacy Council of West Alabama was born.

The Literacy Council was set up as a coordination and support agency for all efforts already going on in our area. The board (listed on this site) and advisory group include representatives from the business community, media, school districts, institutes of higher education, community-based organizations, as well as literacy providers.

Counties served in our region are: Tuscaloosa, Hale, Lamar, Greene, Pickens, Fayette, Bibb and Sumter.

A 2009 Action Plan has been outlined and is available on this site.

Special Event:


"Crimson Literacy-Up Close & Personal"
Sponsored by The Literacy Council of West Alabama
Friday, June 26, 2009
5pm-6:30pm at Barnes & Noble.
Multiple authors' signing and open house. Open to the public.
6:30pm-8pm at I.O. Metro. VIP & authors' reception with music, food, silent auction. Ticketed event.

More details to come. For more info, call 391.0560 or email johnnie@tuscaloosachamber.com.

The Effect On Tuscaloosa

Numerous studies underscore the fact that educational achievement is the most fundamental, clearly established pathway to increased earnings and a higher quality of life for all citizens. At the same time, however, the level of illiteracy in Alabama continues to be a significant and tragic issue.

“Adult education is a vital factor in improving the economic and social condition of our state, and West Alabama in particular,” says Dr. Fran Turner, director of Shelton State Community College’s Adult Education Program. “We are very excited about the Literacy Summit and believe it will make a positive impact on our community and region by developing an understanding and awareness of literacy programs, resources and services that exist and that could be developed.”

 

FACT:

75% of small business owners in Alabama report that many applicants for job openings do not have basic reading, writing and math skills.

Learn more…

”People are the common denominator of progress. So, no improvement is possible with unimproved people, and advance is certain when people are liberated and educated. It would be wrong to dismiss the importance of roads, railroads, power plants, factories and the other familiar furniture of economic development. But we are coming to realize…that there is a certain sterility in economic monuments that stand alone in a sea of illiteracy. Conquest of illiteracy comes first.”

-John Kenneth Galbraith, The Affluent Society

 
 

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