Guides and Information

• Count Me In: Census Guide 2020 by NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, focusing on increasing Black community participation to mitigate the risk of underrepresentation.
• Count on Your Census Podcast Series by Asian Americans Advancing Justice, offering insightful discussions to ensure fair representation of hard-to-count communities and communities of color.
• Fighting 2020 Census Rumors by the U.S. Census Bureau, providing responses to common misconceptions and debunking hoaxes and scams.
• Why the Census Matters for Women and Girls fact sheet by Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, emphasizing the importance of accurate census data for gender equity.
• 2020 Census Fact Sheets by the U.S. Census Bureau, offering comprehensive information on various aspects of the census.

Operational Insights

• Census Operations Series by Census Counts, covering topics such as mail distribution, technology FAQs, and methodologies for counting different populations.
• What to Expect in the Mail timeline by the U.S. Census Bureau, guiding recipients through the census process.
• Census Jobs information by the U.S. Census Bureau, offering opportunities to join the gig economy while contributing to the census effort.

Community Engagement

• Resources for Programs by the New England Literacy Resource Center, aiding in community outreach through toolkits and program resources.
• Digital Organizing Training Series by Census Counts, equipping organizers with digital skills for effective census outreach.
• Hagase Contar! by NALEO Educational Fund, providing training materials and social media kits for engaging parents, teachers, and hard-to-count populations.
• Census Toolkit by Census Outreach, facilitating outreach efforts to hard-to-count populations.

Data Access and Advocacy

• How to Access a Data Profile About Your Community Using Census Data video by the U.S. Census Bureau, empowering communities with data-driven insights.
• Census Messaging Strategy Report by Census Counts, offering effective strategies for reaching underrepresented populations.
• Counting for Dollars 2020 by George Washington University Institute of Public Policy, highlighting the impact of census data on federal fund distribution.
• Census 2020 Hard to Count Map by City University of New York, providing an interactive tool for identifying hard-to-count areas.

Educational Initiatives

• The 2020 Census Matters for Every Student by the National Education Association, emphasizing the educational significance of census participation.

Advocacy and Awareness

• The Census Project Blog, providing updates on advocacy activities and census-related news.
• Stakeholder Toolkit by The Census Project, equipping stakeholders with resources to promote census participation.

In conclusion, these resource links serve as invaluable assets in promoting awareness, facilitating engagement, and ensuring the accurate representation of all communities in Census 2020. Let’s stand together and be counted!

The post Census 2020 Resource Links appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Here are some past recipients of the award:

2012:

• Senator Jim Webb
• David Baldacci, author and founder of the Wish You Well Foundation
• Ruth J. Colvin, Founder of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse and Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. (now ProLiteracy)
• The Save Adult Ed Campaign, a Los Angeles-based adult education advocacy group

2011:

• Representative Jared Polis
• John Corcoran, former adult literacy student and founder of the John Corcoran Foundation
• The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, representing the National Literacy*AmeriCorps program
• U.S.A. Learns

2010:

• Senator Thomas Harkin
• Representative John Yarmuth
• Kentucky Education Television (KET)
• McDonald’s English Under the Arches program
• Archie Willard, Adult Learner Advocate and Leader

2009:

• Representative Raúl Grijalva
• Senator Patricia Murray
• Home Safety Council President Meri-K Appy
• Brenda Dann-Messier, President and CEO of Dorcas Place
• Calvin Miles, Adult Learner and Advocate
• Gretchen Wilson, Recording Artist and GED Graduate

2008:

• Representative Rubén Hinojosa
• Better World Books
• The National Council of La Raza
• Dr. John Comings, former Director of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

2007:

• Representative Michael Castle
• Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
• David A. Perdue Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Dollar General
• Dr. Irwin Kirsch, Director of the Center for Global Assessment, Educational Testing Service
• The UPS Foundation

2006:

• The American Library Association (ALA)
• Senator Olympia Snowe
• Representative Dale Kildee
• Andy Brown, former Executive Director of Public Affairs and Policy Communications at Verizon
• Jackie Taylor, a Tennessee-based volunteer literacy advocate

2005:

• Representative William F. Goodling
• Senator Edward M. Kennedy
• The Dollar General Literacy Foundation
• Art Ellison, New Hampshire State Director of Adult Education
• Garrett Murphy, Former New York State Director of Adult Education

These recipients exemplify the spirit of dedication and passion for literacy, contributing significantly to the advancement of literacy efforts across the nation.

The post Literacy Leadership Awards appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Our Pledge To Be Counted! (PTBC) campaign invites you to be a part of this crucial effort. PTBC, led by NCL and its member organizations, focuses on achieving a complete Census count with special attention to adults facing literacy, numeracy, and digital skill challenges. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Take the Pledge:

• Individual teachers, tutors, and staff: Take the Pledge To Be Counted.
• Adult education programs and libraries: Take the Pledge To Be Counted.
• State and local adult education associations, literacy councils, and organizations: Take the Pledge To Be Counted.
• NCL member organizations: Take the Pledge To Be Counted.
• Census Ambassadors: Take the Pledge To Be Counted.

2. What We Offer:

• NCL commits to providing informational webinars and conference presentations on the Census’s relevance to adult education.
• Free access to online classroom lessons and materials, including a special issue of The Change Agent magazine and a simulation site for practicing online Census form completion.
• A curated list of online Census teaching and learning resources.
• A reference list of online Census information resources.
• Customizable, printable flyers to promote Census completion within your program or organization.
• A social media toolkit with sample graphics, tweets, and Facebook posts for community outreach.

3. Recognition and Rewards:

• NCL will recognize and reward individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding outreach efforts relative to their size. Prizes will include teaching and professional development resources.

By taking the Pledge To Be Counted!, you join a nationwide movement dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard in the Census count. Together, we can make a difference and ensure equitable representation for all. Join us in this crucial initiative and make your pledge today!

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1. The 2020 Census and Adult Education: Adapting to COVID-19 Challenges

• Date: April 1, 2020, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
• Highlights:
  • Addressed recent changes in the census data collection process due to public health concerns.
  • Provided strategies for delivering census-related assistance and instruction amidst program suspensions and remote learning.
  • Offered insights on teaching materials, outreach methods, and supporting online census completion.
• Webinar Recording: [Link]

2. Census 2020 Activities for Adult Education Classrooms and Programs

• Date: January 28, 2020, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
• Highlights:
  • Presented resources and activities aimed at mobilizing adult education students and communities for census participation.
  • Shared teaching resources covering census basics, addressing past data misuse, and engaging students in program-wide campaigns.
• Webinar Recording: [Link]
• Slide Decks:
  • Heather Ritchie: Program-wide Mobilization
  • Stephanie Kriebel: Census Ambassador Training
  • Jennifer Gagliardi: Preparing Beginning ESOL Students
  • Andy Nash: Stand Up and Be Counted Resources

3. Census 2020 and Adult Education: Call to Action

• Date: December 4, 2019, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
• Highlights:
  • Provided insights into Census 2020 directly from Census Bureau representatives.
  • Discussed the unique role adult education can play in ensuring an accurate census count.
  • Outlined strategies for mobilizing communities, incorporating census education into programs, and fostering participation.
• Webinar Slide Deck and Recording: [Link]

4. Census 2020: Preparing Your Adult Education Program, Participants, and Community

• Date: October 11, 2019, 2:00 PM Eastern Time
• Highlights:
  • Emphasized the critical importance of Census 2020 for communities and resources.
  • Highlighted California’s campaign to prepare adult education learners and connect them to census jobs.
  • Shared insights and resources from Neil Kelly of the California Adult Education Program and John Werner of Sequoia Adult Education.
• Webinar Recording: [Link]
• Webinar Slide Deck: [Link]

5. Preparing Adult Education Programs for the 2020 Census

• Date: June 4, 2019
• Highlights:
  • Conducted an overview of preparing adult education programs for Census 2020.
  • Featured insights from Judy Mortrude, Deborah Kennedy, Kristin Lahurd, Heather Ritchie, and Andy Nash.

The post NCL Census Webinars appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Upcoming Presentations:

No upcoming presentations are currently scheduled.

Past Presentations:

1. The 2020 Census and Adult Education
   • Presented by Michele Diecuch, Kristin Lahurd, Silja Kallenbach, and Deborah Kennedy
   • Venue: ProLiteracy Conference, San Diego, CA
   • Date: September 27, 2019
   • Presentation Slide Deck: [Link]
2. The 2020 Census and Adult Education in Florida
   • Presented by Deborah Kennedy
   • Venue: ACE of Florida Summer Symposium
   • Date: June 10, 2019
   • Presentation Slide Deck: [Link]
3. Census 2020: Important Ways to Get Your Program Ready
   • Presented by Judy Mortrude, Deborah Kennedy, Kristin Lahurd, Andy Nash, and Heather Ritchie
   • Venue: COABE Conference, New Orleans, LA
   • Date: April 2, 2019
   • Presentation Slide Deck: [Link]

These presentations have served as valuable platforms for discussing the significance of the census within the realm of adult education. They have addressed various aspects, including the importance of participation, strategies for program readiness, and specific considerations for different regions. Attendees have gained insights crucial for effectively engaging their communities in the census process, thereby contributing to a more accurate representation of diverse populations.

As we reflect on these past presentations and look forward to potential future engagements, it’s evident that the adult education sector plays a vital role in ensuring the success of Census 2020 initiatives.

The post NCL Census Presentations appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Congressman Roe expressed optimism about the caucus’s potential impact: “As we continue to strive to revive our nation’s economy, the importance of educating and training adults who have been out of school for years will become increasingly significant to meet evolving workforce demands. I am hopeful that through the Adult Literacy Caucus, we will be able to amplify the voices in Congress of those who require additional assistance and education.”

The Challenge

For millions of adults across the country, enhancing basic literacy skills is fundamental to achieving a promising and prosperous future. Literacy serves as a catalyst for transformation, breaking the cycle of illiteracy, poverty, and social inequity.

According to the PIAAC report titled “Time for US to Reskill?,” 36 million US adults possess low skills; with 1 in 6 US adults having low literacy skills and 1 in 3 possessing low numeracy skills. Many individuals affected by this struggle with poverty, lack a high school diploma, and face challenges in securing and retaining employment that provides a livable wage. Moreover, children of parents with lower literacy levels start their educational journey at a disadvantage, perpetuating inequality throughout their schooling and beyond.

Nearly half of the adults in the United States experience difficulty comprehending and utilizing health information, hindering their ability to make informed health decisions and resulting in higher healthcare costs.

The post House Adult Literacy Caucus appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

AEFL Week Dates and Activities

In 2022, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is slated from September 18 to September 24. NCL’s AEFL Week agenda centers on the pivotal role of adult education in facilitating equitable access to societal resources, employment opportunities, and full engagement in community life.

Ways to Participate

Utilize the AEFL Week logo in your social media posts, website, and print materials to show support. Share NCL’s latest Adult Education Fact Sheet and NCL Fact Sheet to disseminate valuable information. Access literacy quotes and explore maps and data on adult literacy through NCL’s Adult Literacy page. Explore exemplary programs, delve into adult learners’ stories, and access toolkits and resources for advocacy planning during National AEFL Week. Extend invitations to local, state, and federal policymakers to visit your program and meet adult learners firsthand. Organize activities or events to raise awareness about adult education and family literacy within your community.

National AEFL Week traces its roots back to 2009 when the National Coalition for Literacy collaborated with then-Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to establish a Congressionally-recognized designation aimed at highlighting the importance of adult education and family literacy. Since its inception, NCL has spearheaded National AEFL Week annually in September, advocating on behalf of its members and the broader field. Through resolutions in the Senate and the House of Representatives, NCL has sought official recognition of the week, further cementing its significance in promoting adult education and family literacy nationwide.

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Adult Education, Jobs and the Economy:

• Workers with a high school diploma and above are less likely to rely on government support, saving states & federal government money. #AEFLWeek #adulted
• The college degree gap needs to be filled by adults currently in the workforce. There aren’t enough high school grads to meet demand. #AEFLWeek #adulted
• Adult Education supports jobs and the economy. #AEFLWeek #adulted

Adult Literacy:

• 36 million adults need to improve basic reading and math skills.
• Between 50-80% of adults in #adulted may have a learning disability, explaining in part why they were not successful in public schools.
• Approximately 85% of all people with learning disabilities have difficulty reading (National Institute of Child Health & Human Development).

Family Literacy:

• A mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing all else.
• There is no substitute for the parent’s/primary caregiver’s role as a child’s first teacher, best coach, & most concerned advocate.
• Teach the parent; reach the child. Support family literacy programs.

Funding:

• Preserve and invest in adult education. #AdultEd drives economic mobility for adults & families and economic recovery for America.

Health and Health Literacy:

• Health literacy programs raise adults’ understanding of medical problems before they become critical, resulting in medical cost savings.

High School Dropouts:

• Students who drop out tend to earn less and have a lower quality of life. #AEFLWeek
• Many high school dropouts must work multiple jobs just to support their family. See more adult literacy facts

Poverty:

• #AdultEd lifts people out of #poverty: Higher salaries, good job opportunities, higher savings, better working conditions.

Return on Investment of Adult Education:

• #AdultEd benefits the economy: Increased tax revenues, business productivity, consumption, decreased public assistance.
• #AdultEd benefits people: Higher salaries, better job opportunities, higher savings, improved working conditions, professional mobility.

Workplace Literacy:

• Adult workplace literacy programs help workers gain new levels of skills as new demands arise.

Join us in spreading awareness and advocating for adult education and family literacy during National AEFL Week.

The post Social Media Activities and Messaging appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Toolkits for AEFL Week Planning:
Access a range of toolkits developed or linked by NCL to facilitate AEFL Week planning in your state or program. These toolkits provide valuable resources and guidance for organizing activities and outreach efforts:

• Activities Designed to Promote AEFL;
• NCL Communications Handbook;
• COABE Media Outreach Toolkit;
• ProLiteracy Adult Education And Family Literacy Week Toolkit 2016;
• International Literacy Day and National AEFL Week Toolkit 2015;
• MAACCE 2015 NAEFL Week Mini Toolkit;
• National Adult Ed Week Activities;
• COABE “Engaging the Media” Webinar.

AEFL Week Fact Sheet:
Discover a newly created fact sheet by NCL, linking adult low literacy to income inequality and parenting. This resource serves as a valuable tool for organizations and individuals seeking to raise awareness about the impact of adult education and family literacy.

Customizable Messaging:
Tailor NCL’s messaging for various audiences, including direct service providers, prospective donors, and policymakers. These customizable messages can be distributed to amplify the significance of AEFL Week and its objectives.

Additional Resources:
Explore student stories and resources from NCL member organizations, shedding light on the crucial link between adult/family literacy and economic opportunity in the United States. These resources include insightful reports, educational materials, and inspiring success stories from adult learners:

• COABE: Keys to Success in Adult Education;
• Education Development Center: Tuning in to Adult Literacy;
• MAACCE: GO GREEN mini-cards-wristband;
• World Education: We Are Adult Learners and The Well Adult Education blog;
• Achieving the Dream and AEFL Student Success Stories;
• Student’s “insanely cool” literacy experience.

For further insights and updates about AEFL Week, be sure to explore World Education’s blog, The Well, featuring informative posts dedicated to adult education and family literacy. Unlock the potential of AEFL Week with these invaluable resources and empower individuals through literacy and education.

The post AEFL Week Resources appeared first on National-Coalition-Literacy.

Marking the calendar for National AEFL Week: In 2020, National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week is scheduled from September 20 to September 26. During this time, activities and initiatives led by the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) will underscore the foundational role of adult education in addressing the multifaceted challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, recession, and widespread unemployment. In 2021, National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week will take place from September 19 to September 25.

Engagement opportunities during AEFL Week: To actively participate in AEFL Week, individuals and organizations can leverage toolkits and resources provided by NCL to plan advocacy efforts focused on adult education and family literacy. Additionally, customizable social media messaging can be shared to engage various stakeholders, including direct service providers, policymakers, and donors. Hosting awareness-raising activities or events within communities serves as another impactful way to highlight the importance of adult education and family literacy.

Unveiling the backstory of AEFL Week: The inception of AEFL Week dates back to 2009 when the National Coalition for Literacy collaborated with Congressman Jared Polis (CO), Senators Patty Murray (WA), and Lamar Alexander (TN) to establish a Congressionally-recognized designation. This initiative aimed to spotlight the critical role of adult education and family literacy. Since its inception, NCL has spearheaded AEFL Week annually in September, rallying support from its members and the broader community. Through concerted efforts with Members of Congress, AEFL Week has garnered recognition through resolutions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

As we embark on National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, let us unite in advocacy efforts to champion adult education and family literacy, empowering individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

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