The American Dream - 2009
Literacy is at heart of dream effort
By Dr.Pat Bauer

The American Dream Congress, created to bring together childcare practitioners, educators and other members of a caring community, has these simple goals: to foster networking relationships, maximize limited resources and foster communications among the delegates. Realizing that literacy empowers people and is essential for community development, this year’s delegates will bring reports on their organizations’ efforts to address illiteracy.

Pat Bauer, Rotary District 6950 Literacy Chair, will report to the congress on Rotary literacy projects, focusing on global as well as local efforts. Each year, Rotarians carry out thousands of projects to: expand and improve early childhood literacy; improve the ability of teachers to teach and empower; increase access to adult learning programs for men and women; reduce barriers to literacy; and promote positive community environments for literacy.

Rotary International recognizes that programs that address the issues of literacy and education, water, health and reducing child mortality can be much more effective if partnerships are formed. Rotary collaborates locally with schools, libraries, and literacy councils. Rotary’s international literacy partners include: the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the International Reading Association; and ProLiteracy Worldwide.

UNESCO first established International Literacy Day in 1965 with the purpose of concentrating attention on the need for worldwide literacy. Rotary clubs across the world observe this special day with programs designed to educate members and their communities on literacy. This year’s theme was “Literacy and Health.” In particular the celebration on September 8, 2008, had a strong emphasis on literacy and epidemics with a focus on communicable diseases, such as HIV tuberculosis, and malaria, some of the world’s most important public health concerns. An estimated 800 million adults lack minimum literacy skills; one in five are illiterate, two-thirds of them women. UNESCO’s report “Global Monitoring Report on Education for All” shows a clear connection between illiteracy and countries in severe poverty, and between illiteracy and prejudice against women.

ProLiteracy Worldwide, another important Rotary literacy partner, advocates for adult learners in international, state, and local arenas, and supports the organizations and agencies that serve them. Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, ProLiteracy consists of three divisions: ProLiteracy America, the U.S. programs division with a network of 1,200 members in all 50 states and the District of Columbia that provide adult learners with instruction in English reading, writing, math, and comprehension skills; International Programs Division that works with 125 grassroots organizations in 65 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East to advance global literacy and development initiatives; New Readers Press, the award-winning publishing that works with authors, educators, and consultants to develop instructional materials and resources supporting instructors and volunteer tutors who work with ELS students and older teens and adults at basic literacy through GED levels.

Rotary’s affiliation with The International Reading Association allows clubs to benefit from the experience of local and global literacy professionals. The IRA seeks to improve the quality of reading instruction and disseminate research and information about literacy through a network of 300,000 educators in nearly 100 countries. In addition, the Dollywood Foundation is working with Rotary clubs across North America and the United Kingdom to support early childhood literacy through its Imagination Library program, established to put books in the hands of young children.

Whether donating dictionaries, acting as tutors, collecting books for a book drive or sponsoring an event to raise funds for literacy, Rotarians partner with many organizations in efforts to reduce illiteracy. The Literacy Resource Group, a network of Rotarian volunteers supports and encourages Rotary club and district participation in literacy activities worldwide.