The Public Affairs Committee will facilitate the development of consensus on District literacy policy and funding issues so adult literacy stakeholders can speak with one voice to inform sound public policy decisions regarding adult basic education.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Identify key public policy issues of concern to adult literacy stakeholders in the District;
• Promote the gathering and public dissemination of information on these issues, including the views of stakeholders;
• Facilitate the development of consensus recommendations on these issues;
• Consult with public policy makers on these issues and Committee recommendations;

Members of the Public Affairs Committee will be appointed by the D.C. LEARNs Board of Directors, and will be composed of three representatives from each of the following categories:

• D.C. LEARNs members that provide adult literacy instructional services
• D.C. Government Agencies providing services to low-literate adults
• The business sector
• The philanthropic sector
• Community-based-organizations providing support services to low-literate adults

The Public Affairs Committee reports to the D.C. LEARNs Board of Directors (or its designee).

The Public Affairs Committee will meet monthly, and will also review information provided by the Policy Analyst Interns and Literacy Policy Liaison Teams.

Regularly invited guests will include representatives from:

• D.C. Council, Committee on Education, Recreation, and Libraries
• The State Education Agency
• Workforce Investment Council
• D.C. LEARNs Board of Directors