[NLA] NIFL Board.

[Hal Beder]

Thanks to Andy for his message.  It's good to know that we have not 
entirely lost him.  The thing that bothers me most about the board 
nominations is that NIFL is not just another bureaucratic government 
agency.  It is ours.  It belongs to us.  The field fought for its 
establishment.  The excellent staff understand adult literacy, are 
passionate about adult literacy and have provided much needed 
leadership.  NIFL has reached out to all of us and has become part of the 
adult literacy community.  It is true that the mission of NIFL is spelled 
out in legislation and that protects the focus on adult literacy to 
significant extent.  However, it does not protect the character of 
NIFL.  Will NIFL become less open and more bureaucratic?  Over time, will 
its staff become functionaries rather than leaders in the field.  These are 
dangers as great as losing the focus.

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