Acknowledgements

from B. W. Powe

What does it mean to be literate in the twenty-first century?

How could we involve people in an exploration of the philosophy of literacy?

In the processes of learning how to read our world, how could we free the mind, lift the spirit, open perception, and forge connections? What are multiple literacies?

These were the questions that drove the creation of a unique conference dedicated to the ideals and ideas of literacy.

This book presents the print record of that event we called Living Literacies, an occasion that took place in Toronto at York University in November of 2002. The speakers who are gathered here contributed their work for free; I’m grateful to them all for their concentrated efforts in shaping their oral public presentations into the finely crafted literary expressions you will find here. These pieces represent a powerful intellectual engagement with the issues that surround that one word, “Literacy.” In a sense, the event, and then this book, were both moved by a word.

Living Literacies was the result of the committed, inspired, imaginative, and tenacious actions of a small band. Special thanks must go to Professor Eric Willis, the Master of Stong College, who put together the organizational team: his patience and far-sightedness, his enthusiasm and his profound conviction that this must be done — all ensured that the conference would be a success. Lianne Vardy, Heidi Liepold, and James MacLaren at the National Literacy Secretariat and HDRC were the most ideal of supporters: they made sure we were well financed, and made sure the federal agencies that backed us were always there, present when we needed their advice. Robert Bishop; Lara Ubaldi; Colleen McLean; Ross Mayot of the Chum-City group; Lynne Payette for transcribing the proceedings; Kim Michasiw, Chair of the Department of English; Gail Vanstone; Michael Jackel of the York Bookstore; Frances Flint; the staff at Stong College and in the York English department — all these people contributed essential work; nothing would have happened without them. Special thanks to the professionals at Canadian Learning Television and BookTelevision for creating the Living Literacies television series for national broadcast. Bridges were built between people and institutions, alliances formed, structures planned, energies synchronized.