Overcoming Barriers

Should you lobby for adult education and literacy? Should you build a base for grassroots advocacy?

Some people believe that their voices will not matter; that “Someone else will do it, why should I?” or “What difference can my phone call make?” Some aren’t really sure how to sell adult education or believe that it takes away from instruction, so it’s not that important. Others may not receive federal funds so they do not understand how federal advocacy will benefit adult learners in their programs. Or, some may be afraid to advocate, for any number of reasons. Do these or other barriers resonate with your experience?

• What are the barriers you or others face in advocating for adult literacy?
• What strategies have you found effective in overcoming these barriers and galvanizing your community for change?

By April 15, 2009, submit one or more barriers you would like to see addressed in the NCL Advocacy Clearinghouse and Toolkit. If you have effective strategies for overcoming these barriers, please share those as well and explain how you know that they are effective.

Then in May, the top five barriers will be listed here with information and resources to address them.

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