Detroit Area Lifelong Learning Coalition (DALLC)

Daphne W. Ntiri
Wayne State University
College of Lifelong Learning
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
5700 Cass Ave. #2142
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-4612/4613
FAX (313) 577-8585
dntiri@aol.com
www.dallc.org

Year Incorporated

1987

Vision and/or Mission

The Detroit Area Lifelong Learning Coalition (DALLC), formerly the Detroit Literacy Coalition, is a partnership of organizations in southeast Michigan devoted to helping adults read, write, and acquire the basic skills for success in today's world. DALLC believes in a fully literate society and functions to support, promote, and ensure the availability and accessibility of literacy through the collaborative efforts of its members. The DALLC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

History

A state initiative surveyed urban populations and reported that the largest need for literacy services was in Detroit. This survey, and census data, prompted a State Literacy Initiative from the Michigan Department of Education which provided the Coalition's first grant. The DALLC is presently sponsored in large part by the Michigan Department of Career Development and funds from corporations and foundations.

Founding Leaders

The first chair and president of the Coalition came from the Michigan Education Association which also housed the Coalition and offered many in-kind services.

Early Successes

Distributed funds to organizations with a limited funding base.

Assembled local literacy providers to exchange views and harness resources.

Initiated a Walk-a-Thon that invited corporate support and created public awareness.

Mobilized people and connected with major institutions in the locale.

Early Challenges

Maintaining funding.

Developing effective infrastructure.

Meeting staffing needs.

Developing the board.

Providing outreach and service to the community.

Turning Point

The DALLC addressed a dire need for adult literacy services in the community by awarding small-size grants to local literacy providers. This act elevated its status in the community. Our position also was helped by collaborative work with corporations and agencies to promote community programs such as volunteer breakfasts, the Walk-a-Thon (walk for literacy), literacy forums and community lectures with keynote speakers. When we were able to attract funding from corporations such as the Knight Foundation, Scripps Howard Foundaiton, Oscar Mayer, United Way Community Services, banks, and others, we knew this was a viable and necessary organization. A part-time director was hired to increase the program's viability and sustainability.

Current Size

Members are primarily libraries, rehabilitation centers, neighborhood agencies, faith-based organizations and other lliteracy stakeholders.

Part-time paid executive director and in-kind staff assistance from Wayne State University.

Offices at Wayne State University.

Budget currently at $68,000.

Recent Accomplishments

Sponsored Literacy Volunteer Breakfasts and Awards ceremonies.

Conducted research and published papers on literacy issues such as evaluation, assessment, and participatory literacy.

Produced two full-length videotapes through a partnership with Public Broadcasting Services on strategies to promote reading and writing as part of instructor/tutor training. Tapes are entitled: Multiple Intelligences: Theory and Instruction and Participatory Literacy Instruction Training.

Presented Literacy Community Guest Lectures with speakers that have included Manning Marable, Phyllis Cunningham, and Christopher Grenholm.

Collaborated with Headstart Family Services, Mariner's Inn, and United Community Services.

Fostered the promotion of an Annual Literature and Writing Workshop for young writers.

Next Steps - Managerial

Enhancing the board with more skilled professionals such as a legal expert and accountant.

Strengthening the infrastructure.

Holding major fundraisers.

Securing funds to have a full-time director.

Increasing the funding base.

Identifying new partners.

Next Steps - Programmatic

Launch poetry and writing contests for adult learners.

Launch a literacy exhibition of writers: create a traveling wall of adult learners' writings to be placed in and around the city.

As part of a collaborative with Wayne State University, encourage non-traditional students to enroll for courses that teach literacy tutoring.

Develop more training courses for adult education teachers and tutors.

Foster programs that provide adult learners with career awareness and exploration.

Foster literacy programs that increase diversity awareness.

Foster literacy programs that lead to employment.

Advice to Other Coalitions

For organizations starting out, try to develop and build the organizational infrastruture before trying to provide a wide range of services to the providers. Identify supportive literacy providers to give vision and direction to the growth of the coalition.
Also, make sure that personnel and space issues are in place before attempting a broad range of programs. In other words, the internal working of an organization, particularly a coalition, is vital to external success.

Last Updated

May 2001