Identify an adult learner in the community who would be willing to be interviewed
by a local reporter about his or her positive experiences in a literacy or
adult education program. If a learner can be found, contact reporters
and offer to arrange an interview. Provide background information
on community literacy achievements and needs.
Draft an op-ed, or encourage a community leader to draft one, that notes
the celebration of International Literacy Day and describes community/state
literacy needs, activities, and achievements. Op-eds are usually 850
words or less. Contact the op-ed page editor of your local newspaper
at least a week before International Literacy Day to ensure the paper is
interested and will have room for the op-ed on September 8.
If the local newspaper runs a story about International Literacy Day or
a related issue, encourage learners in literacy programs to write short
Letters to the Editor responding to the story. Even if the letter
appears after September 8, it will help promote a dialogue about literacy
in the community.
Smaller weekly newspapers may have guest columnists who write
on particular community issues. Contact the paper as far ahead of
International Literacy Day as possible to see if there’s interest in having
a guest columnist – perhaps a literacy organizer, community leader, or adult
learner -- write about literacy.
Try to set up a meeting with the local newspaper’s editorial page staff
and ask that a special editorial message be written for International Literacy
Day. Offer to provide background information.
Create a guide or directory of literacy services in your community designed
to be clipped and posted in workplaces, libraries, churches, school offices,
and as a take-home for K-12 school students. Encourage news organizations
to publish the guide as a special insert or in a section with fall course
offerings.
Consider writing a special feature article about an adult learner in your community. Include the personal story of the difficulties of everyday life that the learner faced before going back to a literacy or adult education program. Discuss how literacy skills have helped on the job, with family life, and with general self-esteem.
Meet with the editor of your local newspaper and ask that a special editorial message be written for International Literacy Day.
Ask the newspaper to send a photographer to take a photo of the planning committee at work or create another visual to increase interest in your story about events.
Ask for a news photographer and television reporter/camera coverage of events.
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