Literacy Policy Initiative
Overview
Over the next few years, D.C. LEARNs is embarking on an ambitious effort to create a better public policy infrastructure for the field of adult literacy here in Washington. Our goal is to develop the capacity of D.C. LEARNs members...Announcements
June 02, 2005
Training Syllabus Now Available
As part of its Literacy Policy Initiative, DC LEARNs will be training individuals to become Literacy Policy Liaisons. The attached PDF document is the syllabus for the Literacy Policy Liaison Training Institute. This comprehensive training is broken down into eleven modules, each of which can be presented separately.
Part 1, Adult Literacy at the District and Federal Levels covers: (a) Authorization/Appropriation/ Administration; (b) Processes and Timelines; (c) The Players; and (d) Literacy and the Larger Context.
Part 2, Literacy Policy Education covers: (a) Ways to Educate; (b) Ways to Exert Influence; (c) Nonprofit Lobbying Regulations; and (d) The Information Loop and Collectively Speaking With One Voice.
Part 3, DCL Literacy Policy Initiative covers: (a) Capacity-Building/Infrastructure; (b) Policy Issues; and (c) Vision/Mission/Next Steps.
Training will be conducted over the coming months to meet the needs and schedules of DC LEARNs Literacy Policy Liaisons.
Last updated: 10:47 AM on June 07, 2005
May 05, 2005
Calling Aspiring Literacy Policy Liaisons
D.C. LEARNs is now seeking volunteers from literacy programs in the District to become Literacy Policy Liaisons. As a D.C. LEARNs Literacy Policy Liaison, each volunteer will develop a working relationship with a District Council member and his or her staff. Our vision is that Liaisons will become valuable and trusted resources to Council members, raising the visibility and understanding of adult literacy matters. This role will require only 2-3 hours of work per month.
In addition to general education about literacy in the District, Liaisons will share recommendations for sound literacy policy, developed collaboratively by D.C. LEARNs members. Literacy program staff, board members, volunteers, and adult learners can become Literacy Policy Liaisons. District residency is desirable, but not essential.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Jon Randall (jrandall) or Jeff Carter (jcarter) at DCLEARNs.org or call (202) 331-0141.
Last updated: 03:15 PM on May 10, 2005
Orientation for Literacy Policy Liaisons
Orientation sessions have been scheduled for individuals who would like to become D.C. LEARNs Literacy Policy Liaisons. Feel free to attend either of these sessions:
Tues., May 24, 9-11AM Wed., May 25, 5:45 – 7:45 PM
Both sessions will be held at D.C. LEARNs offices, 733 15th Street, NW, Suite 437
If you plan to attend, please let us know by calling Jon Randall at (301) 588-5304 or sending an email to him at jrandall@dclearns.org.
Last updated: 04:45 PM on May 11, 2005
Overview (Continued)
Over the next few years, D.C. LEARNs is embarking on an ambitious effort to create a better public policy infrastructure for the field of adult literacy here in Washington. Our goal is to develop the capacity of D.C. LEARNs members to advocate for increased government funding and sound adult literacy policy in the District of Columbia.
This area of our Web site is also the first place to look for “action alerts” on adult literacy issues. “Action alerts” are descritions of immediate issues facing the field, with links to resources to help you take action, if desired.
Infrastructure Components
In this infrastructure-building phase of this initiative, D.C. LEARNs will:
- Develop and conduct Advocacy Training Institutes
- Create a Public Affairs Committee
- Build a corps of Literacy Policy Liaisons
- Recruit, train, and task Policy Analyst Interns
Need
Recently, the State Education Organization in the Executive Office of the Mayor (SEO) and the State Education Agency for Adult Basic Education at the University of the District of Columbia (SEA) have made great strides in these areas. However, D.C. LEARNs members believe that with the collective voice of literacy providers, more can be achieved.
Next Steps
Once this first phase is underway, next steps will be developed by staff in concert with the D.C. LEARNs membership. It is likely there will be two thrusts:
- Support and enhance the emergent adult literacy advocacy infrastructure through training, research, and communication tools;
- Determine the needs of the community with respect to advocacy for Child/Youth Literacy public policy and funding
Your feedback and comments are essential! Feel free to use the comments link below.
Last updated: 03:51 PM on May 10, 2005 | Post/read feedback (39).
