Literacy Network
LITERACY NETWORK
of The Library Foundation of Martin County
INVEST IN STRENGTH
An Initiative to Reduce and Eliminate ILLITERACY by Advancing Literacy Services in Martin County
The Literacy Network of the Library Foundation of Martin County is passionately and eagerly committed to working to reduce and eliminate illiteracy in Martin County. By building on the strength of the Library Foundation and existing literacy services in Martin County, this goal is achievable and compelling. We have just begun to meet with employers, non-profits and community volunteers who are also deeply concerned about this issue.
The Facts
Like most communities, we have a portion of our population whose ability to read, write and speak English is very, very weak. This group is comprised of:
- English speaking adults
- Non-English speaking adults
- School age children
- Preschool age children
The Library Foundation of Martin County is committed to excellence. It has a proven track record of assembling strong boards, special event committees and donor groups who are passionate about the library and related causes.
Existing Efforts
There are currently many literacy programs in Martin County operated by individuals, IRSC, non-profit organizations, churches, neighborhood groups, schools and the Martin County Library System.
Regrettably, residents who need these literacy services often have no way of knowing where to look for these programs. In addition, most programs lack enough volunteers and high impact materials leaving students without the opportunity to actually learn to speak, read and write English.
Our Perspective
At its core, this initiative is about realizing human potential; the potential of individuals and of humanity. Our premise is based on a belief that the foundation of a thriving democratic society depends on an educated populace. It is the changed attitudes and behaviors of a unified community along with efficient infrastructure and tools that will raise literacy levels permanently.
Our Approach
Ours is a consensus-building initiative intended to unite the community around the importance of literacy, provide economies of scale to existing organizations to efficiently service those in need and provide hope to residents and employers for sustainable change and an improved future.
Our Intentions
- We intend to centralize information about literacy agencies and their programs and all other literacy events in the community.
- We intend to identify areas of unmet need and work with existing providers when prudent to fill these gaps.
- We intend to offer volunteers a well organized opportunity to make a significant difference in a life and a community.
- We intend to provide donors with a high impact, results-driven home for their philanthropic dollars targeted toward this issue.
- We intend to enable existing literacy programs to serve more people in Martin County, thereby significantly and permanently decreasing illiteracy.
Through the combined strength of existing programs, committed individuals and the full support of the Library Foundation of Martin County, our goal is achievable. The early stages of this initiative are underway as of October, 2010.
Join us and Invest in Strength to reduce illiteracy.