Preface

Nineteen-ninety marked the start of what many people are calling the “literacy decade.” So, with funding from the National Literacy Secretariat of the Department of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Canada, a Project Management Group consisting of representatives of the United Way-Centraide Canada, the YMCA Canada, the Movement for Canadian Literacy, the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and The John Howard Society of Canada, looked for ways in which community agencies can have an effect on improving literacy levels in Canada.

Researchers across the country found examples of how community agencies can make sure that people who cannot read and write well can use their services. They also came up with ideas on how these organizations can be an important link between the people who have difficulty reading and writing and the many literacy programs available across Canada.

The research team found that many of the people served by community agencies have trouble reading and writing. Low literacy is often one of many problems faced by people who are poor, sick, out of a job or in trouble with the law.

The research results are reflected in two volumes. Part 1, Taking Down the Wall of Words: Community Agencies and Literacy gives an overview of the problem of illiteracy and the role of community agencies in alleviating it. This handbook, part 2 of the series, is a practical guide to making literacy an integral part of your agency's operation and thinking.

This handbook is addressed to managers and program directors at community agencies and is designed to assist them in implementing literacy activities. We approach this process pragmatically and have resisted making any assumptions about the nature of your agency. Instead, we provide observations and ideas and encourage you to use what is best for you.

On behalf of the Project Management Group, I would like to thank the many individuals and organizations who were so helpful to our researchers. I would also like to express my most sincere thanks to the research team who are identified in the acknowledgements at the end of the handbook. These people from various parts of Canada and from divergent backgrounds provided enthusiasm and competence which made our task much easier.

In the acknowledgements, you will also see a list of the management group. This was a small coalition of national agencies who came together to do this job because they themselves were struggling with what to do in their agencies once they agreed that literacy was important. These people greatly assisted the project through wise counsel and supportive feedback. As well, they facilitated our promotion and distribution. I am most grateful to them.

Special appreciation is extended to the Secretary of State, Gerry Weiner, and the Literacy Secretariat of the Ministry. The staff with whom we have dealt have been unfailingly cooperative, concerned and helpful. It can be truly said that this project could not have been accomplished without their help.