[NLA] Info and Discussion: The NLA List, a tool for advocates

[David J. Rosen]

NLA Colleagues,

For the many new subscribers to the NLA list, but also as a reminder to
long-standing members, I would like to describe what the National
Literacy Advocacy list is intended to do.  I would also like to invite
you to tell us what is happening with public policy advocacy in your
state.

But first, the NLA list is sponsored by no organization.  It is
moderated by me as an individual and volunteer advocate.  It is archived
on  the Literacytent  Website
(http://lists.literacytent.org/pipermail/nla/ ) and also on the NIFL
LINCS Website (http://www.nifl.gov/lincs/discussions/nifl-nla/nla.html)
but neither is responsible for its organization or content.

Of course, the NLA is a forum for the discussion of adult literacy
(including basic education and English language learning) public
policy.  Public policy, as the term is used here, includes laws and
regulations which affect adult literacy in the U.S. at national and
state levels.  Some members of the list  like to explore this from a
broader historical or theoretical perspective, in the context of a
commitment to democracy and education.  Some see the current condition
of adult literacy as needing reform, possibly radical reform, in order
to meet the needs of adults who are not currently being served -- or who
are not being served well.  Some see this as a question of expansion or
improvement of the quality of services.  Some also see  the need to
discuss adult literacy public policy's role in liberatory,
transformational education.  All points of view on adult literacy public
policy are welcome here.

However, the main purpose of this list, when I created it in 1994 -- and
still -- is adult literacy public policy *advocacy.*  The list is
intended as a tool to help build a community of advocates and to provide
them with the information they need to carry out their work.  I also
hope that those who subscribe to the NLA to "listen in" will become
engaged in advocacy, that they will see its importance to the field in
their state, and will learn from others on this list how to be effective
advocates.

We have entered a time of economic downturn in our country.  I have
heard that in several states gains to adult literacy of the past few
years may be threatened.  More than ever, we need to have information
and support in the struggle to maintain our meager gains, and to expand
adult education and literacy (including English language learning.)

In my own state, Massachusetts, a budget was voted by the legislature
yesterday (for the *current* fiscal year) which slashes funding for
adult basic education by 44% and threatens the very existence of
publicly-funded adult basic education.  If this is not changed,
Massachusetts will be the only state without a publicly-funded adult
basic education system since we would also lose all our federal funds in
the following year because we failed the required (90% of the state
funding of the previous year must be in place) maintenance of effort.
This would be nothing short of a disaster for tens of thousands of
adults currently enrolled in literacy, basic skills, secondary education
and English instruction.

So, what is our response?  Will we accept this?  Are we packing up to
move on? Absolutely not.  Massachusetts is mobilizing for protest:
students, teachers, volunteer tutors, administrators,  curriculum
developers, researchers, librarians, friends of adult literacy -- all
will be asked to join a campaign to reverse this unwise cut.  We have
already begun, and -- like bulldogs -- we will not let go until these
funds are restored.  We have the benefit of good leadership in the field
and in the administration of adult education.  We have the benefit of
years of experience in organizing through our statewide adult education
professional organization and its dynamic public policy committee.  We
have tools in place such as a working and updated telephone tree, e-mail
lists, and fax lists.  We have good relationships with many legislators,
built up over the years, and they respect us and our work. So I think we
are prepared for what we need to do, and I believe we will succeed in
reversing this short-sighted, but catastrophic cut .

I wonder if other states are prepared for the battles which may lie
ahead for them, or if other states are already experiencing threatened
or actual cuts in state or local funds for adult education and
literacy.  I wonder if you, as advocates, are familiar the important
tools which are available to you in your struggles (the federal adult
education maintenance of effort regulation, class action lawsuits, basic
community organizing tools, etc.)  I would like to see the NLA list used
to discuss public policy advocacy strategies.

So let us know what's happening in your state and how you are
responding.

David J. Rosen

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