So often – including right here on this website – we talk about adult and family literacy in terms of deficit.
“Adults without a high school diploma struggle to find employment.”
“The 43% of Americans who read at or below basic level are more likely to live in poverty.”
“Families where the caregivers are at or below the basic level of literacy are less likely to be able to help children with homework, and perpetuate the cycle of low literacy.”
“Low-literate adults are more likely to have health issues, less likely to eat nutritious food, and more likely to be incarcerated.”
All of the above are true, but none of this focuses on the possibilities. Just think of Texas – of America – of the world – if everyone was fully literate.
More people in high-paying jobs, with more money both for necessities and as disposable wealth to spend in their local communities.
Kids lifted out of poverty and families on their way to creating generational wealth and ongoing prosperity.
Higher self-esteem for millions of people, and shame around learning left behind.
Improved critical thinking and analytical skills, applied from everything to workplace problem-solving to science literacy to mortgage choices.
Expanded vocabulary and conversational skills.
Imagine living in a society where ALL your neighbors could flourish. It would be a society with less crime, greater health, more life satisfaction, more volunteerism. ALL of these things are linked to literacy and all of them are achievable.
Throughout September, we’re focusing on what’s possible when we prioritize literacy. Please join us! You can:
- Join with COABE during AEFL Week to amplify messaging for more support of adult and family literacy
- Find your representatives and tell them why it’s important that they prioritize adult literacy funding and support
- Keep an eye out for the 2022-23 Literacy Texas Needs Assessment (coming very soon!) and tell us how we can help you best
- Purchase literacy swag from the Literacy Texas store to have your own literacy conversation-starter all year round
- Plan your literacy training calendar for the coming year and connect with a local literacy program as a volunteer
Further reading on this topic, and the sources of some of the info above:
Why We Should Invest in Getting More Kids to Read – And How to Do It
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