Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Authors for Adult Literacy

My publisher, Midnight Ink, recently made their authors aware of ProLiteracy, a nonprofit that champions the power of literacy to improve the lives of adults and their families, communities, and societies. As of today, there are over 30 million adults in the United States alone, and 774 million adults worldwide, who are illiterate. It's much more likely that the children of these people will also be poor readers, the effects of which are felt for generations.

I have recently signed their Statement of Adult Learner Rights and will be participating in their Authors for Adult Literacy Circle (AAL). Also, I asked my hubby website guru to add a link to their website at the bottom of the Links page on my author website, where I list the causes I support as an author.

I encourage everyone who is interested in promoting a love of reading in adults as well as children to check out the ProLiteracy organization, and if you can, give generously. They also have a cool "Find a US Program" page where you can find local volunteer programs near to where you live that you can become active in.

5 comments:

Mason Canyon said...

Sounds like a wonderful program. Thanks for passing the information along.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Anonymous said...

Beth - Thanks for taking action in that very important cause. Have you ever read Jonathan Kozol's Illiterate America? I admit, in some ways it's dated now. But it's a haunting portrait of illiteracy in the U.S.. I'm happy you're passing this on, and kudos to Midnight Ink.

Beth Groundwater said...

Thanks for the book recommendation, Margot! I'll look into it.

JournoMich said...

How fantastic...Thank you, Beth, for spreading the word and giving of your time. I can't imagine a world without reading...but so many live that way!

Michele
SouthernCityMysteries

Ricky Bush said...

Yes, Beth, thanks for the info. I second the kudos for Midnight Ink's involvement. I taught high school for 29 years and know first hand that reading needs to be mucho promoted.