Dear Friend,
Most of us take reading for granted. From our "ABC's" to actuarial tables, from Limericks to Leviticus, we know how much reading informs our intellects and lifts our spirits. We are fortunate beyond imagination.
Millions of Americans cannot read this letter. If fact, they cannot read the menu at McDonald's·or their child's report card·or the letter from the HR Department explaining why they are being terminated.
Ozarks Literacy Council exists to address this serious problem. Serious - not glamorous, no medals and glory for fighting the battle - just plain serious. Low literacy problems impact over a third of our population, and hence our economy, and in fact the very concept of a well-informed citizenry making decisions for this great nation in a troubled world.
We invite you to review the following material and, as you read it, keep in mind the millions of Americans who cannot do so. We then invite you to join with us not just to work for improvement, but to work for victory. For illiteracy is a problem that can be solved, step by step, person by person. Whether you can help with your time as a tutor or your pledge as a donor, we appreciate the care and concern for our community that you have already shown simply by reading this. Won't you help us share this simple joy?
On behalf of all our volunteers, tutors and learners, we thank you. Please do not hesitate to contact any board or staff member with any question you may have.
Sincerely,
Mollie Adams Michael Sowers
President President-Elect
LITERACY:
The ability to read, write, speak in English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, achieve one's goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential.
-- National literacy Act of 1991