[NLA] Discussion: Working effectively with the media

[Janet Isserlis]

>  Perhaps some of
>these celebrities might become (or are?) national advocates for adult
>literacy.  Shall we ask them?

Colleagues,

Are we able to ask them in a way that honors adult learners and 
doesn't pathologize "illiteracy" (a term I hate)?  For me, this is 
the crux of the matter.  How to advocate, launch a campaign that 
results in meaningful action, and not in diminishing capable people 
into those who need literacy, as if it is some gift.  Instead, we 
need to find ways to speak to the strengths that many adult learners 
already possess while acknowledging that access to learning is as 
important a human right as life, liberty and the pursuit of 
happiness.

The thing that has made me uncomfortable about other 
literacy/awareness campaigns is that they lack a sort of informed 
message that doesn't create a Stanley and Iris dynamic -- where some 
caring reader helps some brave non-reader.  I don't mean to sound 
cynical - mostly I'm not; I think, though, that a half-way campaign 
is worse than non.

Others?

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