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Mailing Address: Phone: Fax: Email: |
The mission of Arkansas Literacy Councils is to
"Empower Arkansas Through Literacy". Purpose: Arkansas Literacy Councils (ALC) is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions may be made to ALC, Inc., for its exclusive use and benefit. History: ALC was incorporated in 1971 as a state organization to provide structure to a network of local literacy councils. These councils recruit and train volunteers to tutor adults who either need help with basic reading, writing, and math skills – or who want to learn English as a Second Language. Services are free. Definition of Literacy: The National Literacy Act (Public Law 102-73, July 25, 1991) defines literacy as an individual’s ability to read, write, and speak English, and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one’s goals, and develop one’s knowledge and potential. Statistics: For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009:
The need: According to the 2000 United States Census, Arkansas has over 1,700,000 residents over age 25. Of this number, 491,000, or almost 25 percent, do not have a high school diploma. Of the 491,000 Arkansans, 162,464 have less than an eighth-grade education. If a person does not have a high school diploma, it doesn't mean they do not have literacy skills. But, countless statistics show that, without a high school diploma, a person’s ability to earn a good salary and get job promotions is greatly impacted. It also sets an example to their children that a high school education is not a priority.
How many adults "can't read?" This is a common question with no clear answers because of the extent to which adults consider themselves literate. Many think they're doing well until something happens that forces them to make a major job or other life change – and they then realize their skills are inadequate. Others have a learning difference or disability that has kept them from acquiring the skills they need. Very few adults are total non-readers, but the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy estimates that 1 of 7 Americans age 18 and over does not have the skills for postsecondary education; getting a job or a better job – and keeping the job; helping their children with schoolwork; navigating day-to-day needs such as paying bills, taking care of health issues and practicing wellness; understanding rental contracts or mortgages – all of which have devastating effects on self-esteem and self-confidence. How can I be a volunteer tutor? Click on the "Local Programs" tab at the top right of this page to locate a literacy council near you. All volunteers, regardless of their educational background – or career – must take a tutor training workshop offered by the council. These workshops vary in length and design depending on the council. You will receive certification upon completion of training and will then be placed with a student. Tutors are asked to devote at least one hour a week to their students. The meeting times and places can vary, but is not allowed in individual homes. The literacy council will provide ongoing support to tutors as they work with students. I want to help a literacy council, but tutoring is not for me. That's ok. Many literacy councils need volunteers for other duties, such as fundraisers or help with office work. You may also want to consider being a member of your council's board of directors. What about English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring? Do I need to know the student's native language to help? Many literacy councils are working to meet the needs of a fast-growing immigration population where many want to learn English. If your council is offering ESL services, and you would like to help someone learn English, you will need to take an ESL tutor training workshop. You do not need to know the student's native language to be an ESL tutor. The curriculum is based on English with instruction beginning as basic as learning the alphabet. I know someone who needs help. Where do they go? Please call ALC between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number in Little Rock is 907-2490. The phone number outside Little Rock is 800-264-7323 – a free call. We will make a referral to the literacy council closest to the prospective student. A staff person will call the prospective student for a time to meet. At that meeting, students are asked about their goals and their education experiences. They will also be assessed to see what materials and instruction are needed to help them achieve their literacy goals. It's not a shame when adults don't have the literacy skills they need. It's a shame they're not doing anything about it. |
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