[NLA] Info: New Jersey Advocacy News

[David J. Rosen]

NLA Colleagues,

We welcome news from the states about state-level adult literacy 
advocacy. Here's some news from New Jersey. I believe we'll soon have 
news from Pennsylvania. Any other states planning to report in on 
state-level advocacy activities?

David J. Rosen
NLA List Moderator


New Jersey Advocacy Update
October 2002

New Jersey adult educators have been working together in the past year 
to try some new strategies for adult literacy advocacy. We recognize 
that collaborative, well-organized efforts are needed if we are to get 
the planning, investment, collaboration at the state and local levels, 
and committed leadership needed to create and sustain an effective adult 
education system.

The New Jersey Association for Lifelong Learning and Literacy Volunteers 
of America - New Jersey joined forces this year to take the following steps:

* In January 2002, we prepared an advocacy message summarizing concerns 
and recommendations for state policy makers 
(http://www.easternlincs.org/njall/whatsnewarchive/basicskills.htm ).

* In April, we held a joint three-day Institute with NJ Teachers of 
English to Speakers of Other Languages - NJ Bilingual Educators. This 
attempt to join forces to build expertise (including in EFF), discuss 
policy issues, and build a broader constituency for adult education was 
a success 
(http://www.easternlincs.org/njall/whatsnewarchive/smashingsuccess.htm ).

* NJALL and LVA-NJ representatives are participating in state- and 
local-level decision-making bodies, including the State Council for 
Adult Literacy Education Services (a state-level adult literacy advisory 
body), New Jersey Reads (Verizon's corporate literacy initiative), and 
local Workforce Investment Boards.

* In September we held a Legislative Luncheon at the State House, where 
adult educators, adult learners, and other supporters of adult education 
met with legislators and public officials. We celebrated International 
Literacy Day and educated policy makers about the need to invest in 
adult education, 
http://www.easternlincs.org/njall/whatsnewarchive/advocatesmeetlegislators.htm 


* We've refined our communications channels, opening up our listserv to 
any interested supporters of adult education in the state and including 
an "advocacy" section on our Web site 
(http://www.easternlincs.org/njall/advocacy.htm ).

NJALL and LVA-NJ are talking about further collaborative efforts, 
including another joint Institute in the spring and the possible hiring 
of a policy advocate (who would help us prepare policy papers, reach out 
to policy makers, and train our members as advocates).

We welcome ideas and support from inside and outside New Jersey. Contact 
NJALL President, David Kring, at dkring at rcn.com .


Paul Jurmo
NJALL Past President, 2001-2002


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