Build the capacity and effectiveness of adult, family, and children's literacy services in Washington, D.C.;

Mobilize resources to support literacy in the District of Columbia;

Advocate for effective public policy that benefits District residents at the lowest levels of literacy and the organizations that provide services to them.

History

In response to a budget crisis, the D.C. government in 1996 eliminated all appropriated city money for adult education. The defunding not only eliminated city-funded grant money available to local literacy programs, it also threatened the federal matching grant for adult education. Several local providers, joined by several public agencies, came together to rescue the adult education delivery system in D.C. The providers decided to incorporate as a non-profit to work on this and other goals.

Founding Leaders

Eight literacy program leaders and the D.C. Public Library.

Early Successes

Local providers arranged for their combined private sources of funding to be the match needed for the restoration of federal funds - worth $900,000 a year.

Provided technology training to members.

Set up a listserve.

Started a newsletter, The Coalition Builder.

Early Challenges

D.C. LEARNs was seen as challenging, if not threatening, to the state education agency despite all the coalition's efforts to truly work collaboratively.

Some providers really understood the coalition/collaboration concept. Others just didn't get it or trust that it could lead to more for all.

Knowing how to make the case for a coalition to non-members and funders was a real challenge. We were trying to do something new in a city where "doing one's one thing" was the rule.

Keeping an infant organization afloat with little or no money was a huge challenge. What we had going was the commitment, talent, and good will of the core providers and several key volunteers and a base at the D.C. Public Library.

Turning Point

We can't say that we have yet entirely arrived. We are getting there but much still depends on several key people. The hope is that within two years, we will have the resources and be truly moving into the institutionalization stage.

Current Size

40+ member organizations (primarily literacy service providers), xx individual members.

No paid staff, occasional paid consultants.

$85,000 budget.

Shared offices within the D.C. Public Library.

Recent Accomplishments

Sponsors an annual book drive that in 2000 distributed more than 20,000 books to children and families (with cosponsors Starbucks and the D.C. Public Library).

Hosts "Reading through the Seasons," a series of family literacy events featuring celebrity readers such as James Earl Jones (with Verizon and the D.C. Public Library).

Sponsors an annual city-wide adult learner essay contest.

Launched in March 2001 its website that includes a unique, specially designed section for adult learners.

Will publish this spring a citywide needs assessment

Next Steps - Managerial

Hire a salaried executive director.

Develop the board and the budget.

Find unshared space for coalition offices within the D.C. Public Library.

Next Steps - Programmatic

Launch a Youth Literacy Clearinghouse.

Host a major public awareness event.

Implement the pilot phase of the Star Project (STatistics, Accountability, and Reporting) to help literacy programs obtain the software/hardware they need to collect operations data and to aggregate data for citywide analysis of literacy services.

Advice to Other Coalitions

No matter how committed all the founders may be, someone or a few someones are going to have to do the bulk of the work unless there is money to pay a person. Without a core group of committed people or organizations and a clear and compelling vision and mission, little will happen.

Last Updated

May 2001