Return-Path: <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h67HgQC07389; Mon, 7 Jul 2003 13:42:26 -0400 (EDT) Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2003 13:42:26 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <A72CA5ABC3BFD411A12800508BEA264B0118307C@AQUINAS2> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Gaye Horne <ghorne@archlou.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-family@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:1605] RE: The family literacy elephant X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2650.21) Status: O Content-Length: 3475 Lines: 82 I can certainly agree with Betsy Rubin's concerns. I am somewhat afraid to write on the listserv without upsetting those involved. I tend not to stray into political arenas, but I am not sure what might or might not be deemed appropriate. I am sure this new policy has made us more voyeuristic than participatory. > -----Original Message----- > From: Noemi Aguilar [SMTP:naguilar@famlit.org] > Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 9:16 AM > To: Multiple recipients of list > Subject: [NIFL-FAMILY:1604] The family literacy elephant > > > > Posted at the request of Betsy Rubin > > Sandra Baxter states that "concerns had been raised" about certain > postings > to the listserv. The very existence of the listserv appears to be in > jeopardy because some participants in the discussion have strayed into > lobbying territory--a violation that could result in the end of funding to > NIFL's discussion lists. > > I understand that NIFL itself cannot lobby or take a political stand. > However, I do not understand why individual users of the list cannot make > statements regarding literacy funding and other policy issues. These users > do not represent NIFL. > On the other hand, whether we like it or not, there may be only one > possible > legal interpretation--that NO user of the list may urge others to contact > their representatives. But does that mean, too, that there may be NO > mention of funding or policy? > > For example, in a posting to the list, may one simply state FACTS about > upcoming policy decisions or appropriations? May one note whether funding > has been cut, or is at risk of being cut, for a government program that > supports family literacy? > > It is very difficult to separate policy from other "critical issues" in > the > field of family literacy. Practitioners in the field wish to discuss > matters > such as curriculum or professional development or family involvement when > they have a program to run. To state the obvious, no one can run a program > without funding. Every administrator, every teacher, every professional or > volunteer in the field has an interest in whether funding for his or her > particular program will continue. > > And most practitioners are interested in the entire field of family > literacy, not just their own programs. They believe that family literacy > services are vital to the future of the nation and the world as well as to > the success of individual families. Thus, practitioners have a direct > interest in policy. And funding is a central aspect of policy. > > Clearly, federal funding is not the only source of family literacy > funding, > but it is an enormous source. Most states are dealing with severe budget > crises, and many private foundations are cutting or restricting their > giving. Without at least one major federal or state grant, it is difficult > to keep any program solvent. > > Professionals in family literacy wish to exchange information on all their > concerns, from curriculum development to public policy. To mix a couple > of > metaphors, it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room and fiddle while > Rome burns. It is hard to get a discussion going if participants may not > speak their minds about the entire literacy effort. > > > > > Noemi Aguilar > National Center for Family Literacy > 325 West Main Street, Suite 300 > Louisville, KY 40202-4237 > > Phone: 502/584-1133 ext 168 > Fax: 502/584-0172 > E-mail: naguilar@famlit.org > > >
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