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DescriptionThe Literacy Coalition of Southwest Missouri is a committee of Ozark Regional Alliance and an affiliate of ProLiteracy America. Southwest Missouri is a largely rural area that is experienceing a very rapid increase in immigration. ORA correctly identified learning English as a necessity and the primary goal for newcomers to the region. At the same time, an awareness of chonic low literacy in the area's English-speaking population means that ORA needs to offer or support educational opportunities for all populations in the region. Since many communities in southwest Missouri are small and geographically separated, it makes little sense to create, fund and support individual literacy projects in sixteen counties. The Literacy Coalition, which also serves as the literacy committee for ORA, has a single Board of Directors for fundraising and management, and allows local project directors and advisory councils to determine local program objectives. Purpose The purpose of the Literacy Coalition is to "create and sustain literacy efforts in southwest Missouri through the support of volunteer literacy programs." Projects The Literacy Committee is currently involved in or developing a number of programs, including:
What is Literacy?At the end of World War II, literacy was defined as the ability to read and write at the fourth grade level. Now "literacy" is defined as far more than the ability to read and write. The National Literacy Act of 1991 defines literacy as, "an individual's ability to read, write and speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve on'es goals, and develop one's knowledge and potential." When we address "function on the job and in society, achieve one's goals and develop one's knowledge and potential," we begin to speak of health literacy, cultural literacy (sometimes called cultural competency), financial literacy, workplace literacy, computer literacy, parenting skills, self-sufficiency skills like gardening, cooking with a sound understanding of nutrition and social political literacy. In short, we are speaking of the traditional "how to" approach of Missouri University Extension. ORA's multicultural approach to literacy means that our literacy programs teach people what they want and need to know, whether it is learning English, learning to cook Thanksgiving dinner, learning to help their children in school or learning how to manage employees in their business or on their farm. Literacy puts the "power" in empowerment. For ORA, literacy means having the skills to lead a happy and productive life and contribute to the common good. |
| Ozark Regional Alliance 14548 Highway H, Mount Vernon, MO 65712-8492 (417) 874-1205 * Webmaster Copyright © 2006 Ozark Regional Alliance Ozark Regional Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in the State of Missouri on November 4, 2003. ORA does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs. |