NLA Comment: Capturing Archie's Spirit

[cathering king]

For Archie Lovers:

Please forgive if this has already been said here.

Whatever plans evolve out of this dialogue about adult education, they
should include what is so obvious about Archie:

The joy of giving back what has been received from others.

The issue is linear/circular?  One major difference between children and
adults is that children are not "equal" in the same way that adults are
equal.  Children rightly receive and go on; whereas, adults may feel much
better about educating ourselves if we can see that we need not always be on
the receiving end; and that we may "pay back," and therefore right the
social balance that has been disturbed in our relationships to other adults.
This is paying homage to VERY old tribal, psychic, but true, notions about
interpersonal relations.

Archie is such a good example of this.  He gives us (1) the beauty of
educating oneself FOR oneself--an imperative if education is to have someONE
to "transform;" and (2) the "righting the balance" power of helping others
do what he and all of us are doing--continuing our education.  Or,
completing the moving circle.

Having some vision of helping others in the future may be a balm to the
"shame" associated with illiteracy.

Ultimately, education is first for ourselves alone.  But it always has this
"later" effect on others.  If we can't begin by loving ourselves enough to
value our own development--or to think, "I am worthwhile"--then perhaps a
vision to help others, like Archie is doing, can help draw others into the
circle?

Archie, your spirit is full in this way.  I always learn from what you have
to say, and from what you are doing.

Catherine King
Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy
   and Ethics
Farmville, Virginia


> -----Original Message-----
> From: nla-approval at world.std.com [mailto:nla-approval at world.std.com]On
> Behalf Of Archie Willard
> Sent: Sunday, January 24, 1999 7:00 PM
> To: nla at world.std.com
> Subject: NLA Info: Literacy Day
>
>
>
> Literacy Day, Wednesday September 8, 1999, will be here soon. This day
> means a lot to people who have struggled with the written and spoken
> language. It is a day to celebrate our victories and successes. Adult
> learners have been given a second chance in life and have been able to
> find freedom within ourselves. Many lives have become happier and more
> productive. Adult learners are fitting into society and are giving
> back.  We have formed an adult learner organization called Voice for
> Adult Literacy United for Education (VALUE).
>
> It is wonderful to see that there are so many in this country who care
> about the people who are struggling to keep up with the pace of life.
> The literacy field has moved forward, but we need to be looking ahead to
> see where we want to be at this time next year.  It will be hard to keep
> up and to measure the progress that has been made.
>
> I would like to thank everyone for all their help and efforts.  To all
> the tutors who meet with adult learners one-on-one, the teachers who teach
> adult classes for little or no pay, the program directors who work hard to
> maintain quality programs: You are the ones who have made successes happen
> in the field of literacy.  There are many other individuals in this field
> who have made contributions to literacy, working in the various literacy
> organizations, doing research, speaking out about literacy. We need you
> and all your help. The coordination of the National Institute for Literacy
> and the U.S. Department of Education helps keep the literacy field
> together. THANK YOU ALL from the members of the VALUE Organization.
>
> We will succeed and we can make a difference not just for adult
> learners, but for children who are having difficulties in school.
>
> Archie Willard, Chairman
> VALUE
>
>