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| Greater Hartford |
| Literacy Council |
| One Union Place |
| Hartford, CT 06103 |
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(860) 522- 7323
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(860) 522- READ |
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Overview of the Literacy Council in Action
Our Role: The Greater Hartford Literacy Council has identified three primary roles for achieving our mission.
- Partnership Broker
- Source for Literacy Information and Resources
- Catalyst for Change
Our Focus: The Literacy Council released a major report in 2003, Take Action for Literacy: The Status of Literacy in Greater Hartford, outlining an action plan for literacy enhancement in the region. The report followed months of involvement on task forces, focus groups, and through surveys by more than 200 people representing over 140 organizations and departments in the region. The action plan for the region, and for the Literacy Council, is based on the following four, inter-related focus areas which are the basic tenants of a systemic approach to literacy enhancement:
- System Coordination
- Service Delivery Enhancement
- Public Awareness and Advocacy
- Funding for Literacy
1. System Coordination
Collaborations:
Municipal Literacy Liaisons
In partnership with the Capitol Region Council of Governments, creating regional impact by connecting liaisons to appropriate initiatives and Literacy Council services.
Faith-based Partnerships
Raising the profile of literacy with the help of faith-based groups/organizations.
Membership
Working in partnership with the nearly 100 members of the Literacy Council to build upon and strengthen the network of literacy services.
Literacy Information Services:
Literacy Service Information and Referral
Providing literacy service information to providers, parents, learners, and others in need of assistance. Working with stakeholders to determine 1) a central source of literacy information and referral, and 2) a streamlined and effective process for providing information and referral services in the region.
Clearinghouse for Literacy Resources and Data
Establishing a resource and data clearinghouse and developing publications that will benefit providers and other stakeholders. The Greater Hartford Literacy Council provides services and resources that support providers of literacy services from birth through adulthood. Items are available free of charge unless otherwise indicated.
Networking and Communication:
Quarterly Luncheon Meetings
Networking and information-sharing opportunities for providers and other stakeholders.
(See Events for next Quarterly Luncheon Meeting date.)
Service Directories
Enhancing referrals for services and volunteer opportunities by developing and distributing directories. A Volunteer Opportunities Guide and an Adult Basic Education Services Directory are currently available.
Newsletters
Producing quality, informative newsletters in both print (quarterly) and electronic (monthly) versions.
Website
Maintaining and developing a website that provides literacy information and links, information about GHLC goals and activities, provider member service descriptions and links, and a regional literacy event calendar that is updated monthly.
2. Service Delivery Enhancement
Books and Other Resources:
The Literacy Council has developed the Books at Home initiative to guide their book-giving efforts. By identifying new sources of free books, coordinating existing book drives and initiatives, and working closely with literacy programs and libraries in the area, Books at Home can have a significant impact on literacy enhancement for the neediest individuals and families.
Book Drives
Coordinating local and regional book drives with the support of community sponsors.
Annual Distribution of Books
Determining the needs of literacy programs for books and distributing the annual allocation of Scholastic Books we receive as a member of Literacy USA, the National Alliance of Literacy Coalitions.
First Book
Establishing a local advisory board and seeking funding to support a local branch of this national program that provides books for children.
Educational Resources
Distributing and/or lending a wide array of educational materials and source lists of additional resources.
Improving Instructional Services:
Pilot Projects for Uniform Screening and Assessment
Implementing pilot projects that will lead to service enhancements and sustainable best practice models.
Work Groups
Providers and other stakeholders organized around issues and populations to enhance literacy services and Literacy Council initiatives.
Professional Development Opportunities
Addressing the need for a coordinated approach to the professional development of educators and other literacy program staff and volunteers by 1) creating work groups to determine needs and action steps, 2) conducting pilot projects to develop training for uniform screening and assessment, and 3) regularly updating a website calendar of related trainings and seminars.
3. Public Awareness and Advocacy
Advocacy Efforts
Advocating for changes in local, regional, state and federal policies, regulations, and/or legislation that will enhance literacy services in Greater Hartford and statewide. Developing an advocacy alert system, meeting with legislators and other policymakers, and distributing legislative scorecards and other advocacy materials.
Awareness Campaigns and Events
Delivering a variety of literacy events, activities and public relations opportunities that will raise the profile of literacy in the region.
4. Funding for Literacy
Fund Development
Applying for grants to cover operational costs, special projects, and seeking out opportunities for collaborative grants and flow-through grants that would benefit member literacy providers.
Special Events Fundraisers
Conducting periodic special events and an annual funding campaign.
Membership Campaign
Activities designed to enlist new literacy supporters and partners by encouraging GHLC membership.
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