Return-Path: <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id j2UFUtG28833; Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:30:55 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2005 10:30:55 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <0IE6007Q08CHNQF0@vms048.mailsrvcs.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Barbara Garner" <b.garner4@verizon.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1351] VALUE's "SUMMER OF WHY" Campaign X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii X-Mailer: Microsoft Office Outlook, Build 11.0.5510 Status: O Content-Length: 4006 Lines: 89 Here's a posting from VALUE, the national learner organization, about raising awareness of the value of ABE. Perhaps local discussion could also explore the discussion we've been having on this list, about "Why the GED"-- Barb Garner March 29, 2005 The "Summer of Why" Campaign What is the Summer of Why campaign? It is time that we, the adult learner, our families, our friends, volunteer tutors, and teachers, explain in our own words why adult basic education and literacy is important. Why the Summer of Why campaign? Adult learners can and must help shape adult education's uncertain future. Adult learner successes validate their program's importance. Adult learners' belief in adult basic education and literacy make them compelling spokespersons. The adult education field needs to show funders that adult learners are hard-working Americans striving to better themselves - changing the stereotype from their being a drain on society's resources to a vast resource of under-realized human potential to better themselves, their employer, their families, and their communities. We as adult learners must step up and answer the question: "Why is adult education important?" Summer is the best time for this campaign because programs have more time then and the summer is when adult education has its weakest public voice. How will the Summer of Why work? During April and May we would like adult learners to get together with each other, their families, friends, and teachers to discuss why adult education is important to them. We know that is something that is hard to talk about, so we would like them to discuss it in a safe environment with people they are comfortable with. Then we would like them to send a handwritten letter including their name and address to VALUE's National Office by June 1st explaining to us why adult education is important to them. Then at the beginning of the summer, VALUE will hold a press conference where we will be reading some of these testimonials. We will also release some of them to the press. In addition, VALUE will hand deliver these testimonials to legislators, so they can learn how important adult basic education is in the communities they represent. Then all summer long we are asking adult learners to get out into the public - on the radio or television, or in the newspapers - educating the public to why adult basic education is so important. Suggestions include asking their program to host an event, such as a town talk or fundraiser, where the press can meet adult learners to help to get the message out. How can a local program help? You can encourage your students to talk about this topic. You will find that your students want to, but are sometimes afraid to talk. Develop a safe environment for them to talk with each other. Encourage them to write to us. We know that writing is not fun for an adult learner. Maybe you could do it as part of a lesson. Gather the letters from your program and send them to us. This is not just for adult learners; the Summer of Why is also their families, friends, and volunteer tutors/teachers. How can a state organization help? You can encourage programs in your state to participate in the Summer of Why. Help to gather up the letters from throughout your state, and help to coordinate getting press for the adult learners in your state. You could also hold events at the state level to keep the press aware of this issue. How can a national organization help? You can encourage your members to discuss this issue and to reach out to the press all summer long. You can join us for the press conference in Washington in early June and help get adult learners to this event. ================================================== Contact the VALUE National Office for more information: <office@valueusa.org> www.valueusa.org Tel: (610) 876-7625 Fax: (610) 876-1996 VALUE, Inc. 2217 Providence Ave., Second Floor Chester, PA 19013 ==================================================
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