So far, we have collected a few possible ideas for a united adult literacy effort in Katrina hit areas. I am listing them below, and wonder if I am forgetting any, or if anyone has more ideas to add:

A website or document that can be linked, describing the adult literacy situation and needs, that can be shared with our various contacts.

Encouraging a learner, teacher or administrator to submit a story to the upcoming issue of The Change Agent (www.nelrc/changeagent) Deadline is Sept 4th and students receive 50 dollars for their published work. The Change Agent is especially looking for photos, drawings and/or writings that show how people have encouraged each other in recent times. 

Creating a coordinated literacy effort with The Literacy Alliance and their local programs who know what it is that the people need and want. 

Supporting local recommendations with some advocacy action and involving the major national organizations charged with this kind of work, such as: the advocacy agendas of National Coalition for Literacy, The National Council of Directors of Adult Education, La Raza, ProLiteracy, NCFL, COABE, and CLASP.

The National Institute for Literacy, Department of Education, and Department of Labor are planning and funding activities in workforce development and they should quickly be contacted to plan a massive basic skills and vocational/job training skills master plan for New Orleans and surrounding areas. The National Center for Adult Learning and Literacy might be 
considered for keeping track of what is done and evaluating the intergovernmental activities at federal, state, and local levels. 

Having a presence at adult literacy conferences through presentations on adult literacy post Katrina.

Having adult literacy experts volunteer their time to help with planning and coordinating efforts.

Daphne