FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Michele Bellso, ProLiteracy via Syracuse Woman

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Michele Bellso, ProLiteracy

Syracuse Woman: 8.01.2019

Tell me about ProLiteracy. What is your mission?

Michele Bellso: It may be a surprise to you that every American has most likely interacted in one way or another with an adult who has little to no literacy skills.

About 36 million adults in the U.S. (that’s 1 in 6 adults) struggle with basic reading, writing and math skills. These individuals may not be able to read a menu, fill out a job application or read a bedtime story to their children. And contrary to popular belief, the majority of these people are very smart, and many have high school diplomas, despite their low skills.

Low literacy skills have stark ramifications for the next generation and our communities. The children of parents with low literacy skills are more likely to live in poverty as adults and are five times more likely to drop out of school.

For more than 60 years, ProLiteracy, the largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation, has been working across the globe to change lives and communities through the power of literacy.

How do you attempt to accomplish that mission?

To make our vision a reality, we support over 1,000 member programs in the U.S. and 32 countries worldwide that provide adult literacy instruction.

We advocate for awareness, funding, and support to increase access to educational resources for adults who want or need to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. We provide professional development to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of adult literacy programs and instruction. We create and produce more than 400 customized print and digital instructional tools for tutors and students.

Can you provide some information about adult illiteracy? Why are your services so necessary?

Adult literacy can change everything. Health. Income equality. Poverty. Every important social issue is impacted by low literacy. When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math, and use technology, they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, find and keep sustainable employment, and ultimately improve their lives.  READ MORE >>