Right to Literacy Declaration July 2010

Publications

the literacy cooperative, call us at 216 615 7190

(Continued)

The declaration proclaims that strong literacy skills, such as the ability to read, write, speak, compute, and problem-solve are critical to the success of individuals, families and communities, and that those skills are a right, not a privilege of all people.

Literacy affects parent-child interactions, school performance, graduation rates, employment opportunities, crime rates, potential earnings, health care, and many other quality of life issues in our community. In Cleveland far too many residents struggle with literacy. The Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development at Case Western Reserve University estimated that 1 in 4 Cleveland residents are at the lowest literacy level. The prospects for this significant share of the population are extremely limited as it is likely that they do not have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and are excluded from all but minimum wage work.

In an effort to seek solutions to the problem of low literacy, the Right to Literacy Declaration outlines reform in five key areas: Building the Community, Strengthening the Family, Ensuring People's Right to Self-Determination, Improving the Workforce, and Transforming the Literacy System. The proposed reform emphasizes that literacy must become a national priority and an integral part of our public policies where collaboration, adequate funding, and a culture of lifelong learning reinforce a comprehensive system of education, training, and assistance; accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Before the declaration is presented to President Obama, you have an opportunity to add your voice to the cause by attending the Literacy for All Rally being held Monday, August 9, 2010, 12:00-1:00 pm at Cleveland Public Library's Main Branch, Eastman Outdoor Reading Garden. Local speakers, music, and light refreshments will usher in the Right to Literacy Declaration's week long stay in Cleveland.

Join us on August 9th –Wear Green for Literacy, Sign your name, and Shout for literacy!

To read the complete Right to Literacy Declaration:

http://www.literacypowerline.com/2009/12/15/declaration-for-the-right-to-literacy/

If you are unable to attend the rally, visit one of these Cleveland Public Library locations for an opportunity to sign the declaration:

Tuesday, August 10

Cleveland Public Library, Main Branch

325 Superior Ave.

10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 11

Carnegie West Branch

1900 Fulton Rd.

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 12

Memorial-Nottingham Branch

17109 Lakeshore Blvd.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 13

Memorial-Nottingham Branch

17209 Lakeshore Blvd.

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Click on the links below to read individual articles or visit our main e-newsletter page:

In this issue...