Mobile Literacy Coalition, Inc.

Lisa Brazelton
c/o Volunteer Mobile
1050 government Street, Suite 201
Mobile, AL 36604
Phone (334) 433-4456
FAX: (334) 433-4460
lisabraz@mobilecan.org

Year Incorporated

2000

Vision and/or Mission

The goal of the Mobile Literacy Coalition is to collaborate in providing literacy services to the Mobile community. This effort will include:

Awareness of Services

Recruitment of volunteers

Coordination among providers

Establishment of referral services

History

Existing literacy organizations found a need to work collaboratively to avoid duplication of services and to achieve common goals: outreach in the community, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment.

Founding Leaders

Seven founding members from six literacy provider organizations.

Early Successes

Produced an initial brochure that was sent to all 99 public schools for Parents Day.

Began formal information-sharing among stakeholders.

Early Challenges

Funding for 501(c)(3) and staffing.

Promoting public awareness: making the coalition successful and supported by the community in its mission.

Accomplishing goals without paid staff.

We're still in the start-up phase!

Turning Point

When we became incorporated!

Current Size

10 member organizations (all direct service providers).

No paid staff.

No budget.

No location - coalition uses the address of a member organization.

Recent Accomplishments

Provides free books and reading material received through the Scholastic book grant.

Provides referrals to member programs.

Promotes special events that highlight literacy awareness such as National Family Literacy Day and the public schools' Parents Day.

Next Steps - Managerial

Complete application requirements for 501c(3) nonprofit status.

Recruit an intern and find funds to hire a staff person.

Define and refine roles within the organizations and procedures.

Pursue grants and other funding opportunities.

Next Steps - Programmatic

Push/promote the dissemination of information through brochure stands placed in prominent areas such as libraries, public schools, bookstores, retain businesses).

Host a formal reception to introduce local dignitaries and the business community to the coalition.

Develop a website and newsletter.

Be the first line of referral for literacy services in Mobile County!

Advice to Other Coalitions

One of the strengths of our coalition is the members' willingness to be flexible and compromise. All individual members have worked extremely well towards accomplishing the goals of the organization.

Last Updated

May 2001