[NLA] Why NIFL matters

[Debbie Yoho]

My greatest concern about the situation regarding NIFL is the potential
loss of a viable, direct, and on-going connection between the national
level and us locals in the field.  It isn't only that  LINCS that has made
it possible for the leader of a small CBO like mine to have a part in the
national dialog.  In all my associations with NIFL, concern for what is
happening at the grassroots  has been paramount.  I know of no federal
agency, certainly not the Deptarment of Education, that has ever approached
research, dissemination, and communication with such an eye for openness
and inclusiveness, and, I might add, the work of a number of volunteers. 
>From time to time there has been concern expressed on this list that a few
seem to dominate, but I have never found this to be true. My own
professional development, little 'ole me down in South Carolina, has been
profundly affected in many ways by NIFL's many activities, and anyone
anywhere can participate in the same way.    I think it is possible for
NIFL to function in similar fashion also in the area of children's
literacy, but not without a substantial increase in resources.  Children's
literacy and adult literacy are truly integral parts of one another, but
each area presents massive challenges.  The two together, it seems to me,
would indeed require that NIFL reinvent itself, and the support to do this
without sacrificing the strengths of the Institute do not seem to be there.
The argument over what to put first would be endless, so long as the
finances are inadequate.  

This reminds me of a number of occasions when I declined to apply for a
grant becuase it was obvious the funders wanted something created out of
nothing.  Perhaps this is such an occasion for NIFL.       

Deborah W. Yoho
Co-moderator, NIFL-Health  and
Executive Director
Greater Columbia Literacy Council
921 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC  29205
803-765-2555   Fax  803-779-8417   dwyoho at earthlink.net



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