Literacy Tribune Newsletter: September 2013

Literacy Tribune: September 2013
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

UnitedLiteracy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.


Main Story: Simple Steps to Improve Your Credit Score: A good credit score has more benefits than you may think. Kristina Bergner, Simplicity Bank

A Reason to Remember: International Literacy Day

Six Years and Running: With this issue, we enter our sixth year of publishing The Literacy Tribune, a publication of United Literacy.

A History Lesson: “I Have a Dream” Speech by Martin Luther King Jr.

Technology Watch: Computer Troubleshooting

By Daniel Pedroza, President & CEO of United Literacy


The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
Your road to literacy
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: May 2013

Literacy Tribune: May 2013
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

UnitedLiteracy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: The Irlen Method: Reading with Color

Simplicity Bank: Don't Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam: Phishing (pronounced fish ing) is a form of online identity theft.

A History Lesson: The U.S. Constitution

Member Spotlight: Eva Dominguez (Azusa Literacy)

"If they can teach me, then maybe I can teach my son."

My Unforgettable Vacation: by Mary Kouzayha, Volunteer Tutor, Learn to Read Program, ManchesterCity Library, Manchester, New Hampshire - Guest Writer

Technology Watch: Windows 8 Update

By Daniel Pedroza, President & CEO of United Literacy


The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: March 2013

Literacy Tribune: March 2013
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Tips for Saving Money
-How much money do you save each month? Is it enough?

A History Lesson: John Adams, First Vice-President of the United States
-George Washington was elected as the first President of the United States. John Adams became his Vice-President.

Member Spotlight: Leonard Baca
-big man on campus…all-around athlete… varsity player in three sports… Allstate Tackle on the football team – four years in a row.

The Day My Life Changed by Francisco Ronquillo, Guest Writer
-My name is Francisco Quinones Ronquillo. In 2003 I was in a big rig accident. I rolled over my truck on the 57 Freeway four times.

Technology Watch: 3 FREE Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop
By Daniel Pedroza, President & CEO of United Literacy
-Two weeks ago I was asked, “Is there an alternative to Adobe Photoshop.”

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: September 2012

Literacy Tribune: September 2012
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Presidential Election is Around the Corner
The people of the United States will once again go to the polls to elect a president on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Establishing Healthy Eating Habits
Julia Pusztai, Guest Writer
In past issues, we have talked about exercise and the need to maintain a healthy weight. So what is the next step to improve your health?

Camping – A Great Outdoor Pastime
Armando Martinez, Guest Writer
California allows for a number of great outdoor summer pastimes, but your choice depends on what you consider recreational fun.

My Collection
Tungaa Khasbaator, Guest Writer
I came here to the U.S.A. six years ago. I like it here. It is nice and different to me.

Member Spotlight: Shadena Lutin
is a student in the STEP UP program at the American River College in Sacramento, California.

Technology Watch: Nexus 7 Tablet
Have you heard the latest buzz? Google finally release its own tablet

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
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You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: July 2012

Literacy Tribune: July 2012
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Getting it off & Keeping it off: First Steps: By Julia Pusztai, MSN RN, Director, The Neighborhood Wellness Center

A History Lesson: The Social Security Act of 1935
On June 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt told Congress that he wanted to start a program for social security.

Member Spotlight: Joe Buford
Learning to read and write has changed everything for Joe Buford, an adult learner of the Nashville Adult Literacy Council.

Technology Watch: LibreOffice for Students and Non-Profits
It is at the top of my list of “must-have” software. It's free. You get a complete office suite

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
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Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: January 2012

Literacy Tribune: January 2012
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Overcome Hurry Sickness in 2012
There is a sickness that you probably have not heard of, but you may have it. It is called Hurry Sickness.

A History Lesson: Benjamin Franklin, America’s First Postmaster General followed his own advice. He wrote things worth reading, and he did things worth writing about.

Organization Spotlight: South Coast Literacy Council
this California program which covers the southern portion of Orange County.

Member Spotlight: Jerome Nick
“Del Norte Reads staff and tutors are awesome,” says Jerome Nick, an adult learner who volunteers at the literacy program’s office, “They help me out a lot in the schooling part.”

Technology Watch: Google Chrome Extensions
Google Chrome is a free web browser. To use its extensions, you first need to have Google Chrome on your computer

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
Your road to literacy
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Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: September 2011

Literacy Tribune: September 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: A Close Look at the United States Budget
A budget is a plan. It is a plan to manage money.

A Letter to ReadersBy Daniel Pedroza, President of United Literacy, Inc.
Dear Readers,
This issue of The Literacy Tribune marks our fourth anniversary. I, along with the staff and board of United Literacy, want to thank you for your support.

Organization Spotlight: Project Learn of Summit County
Project Learn of Summit County (in Akron, Ohio) is a leader in technology use among adult education and literacy programs.

Member Spotlight: Nicholas Munguia
Is learning more now than he ever learned in school.

Technology Watch: Songbird Music Player
By Daniel Pedroza, Managing Editor
Most people will agree that iTunes is one the best free music players on Mac and PCs. But Songbird is a great alternative to iTunes

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
Your road to literacy
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Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: July 2011

Literacy Tribune: July 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Labels, Learning Disabilities, and Reading
- Do people say you have a “Music Disability” because you can’t sing very well . . .

A History Lesson: Songs of Patriotism
- It’s July, and the start of some of our nation’s most beloved customs – picnics, barbeques, parades, fireworks, and outdoor concerts.

Member Spotlight: Gloria Murray, Guest Writer & Learner
- My speech is called “Ideas on ALLI.”

Organization Spotlight: Literacy Volunteers of Tucson (LVT)
- The year was 1961. Betty Frey, an educator in Tucson, Arizona, went to talk with her assistant pastor about what she could do to help the community.

Technology Watch: What to Do After Buying a Brand New PC Laptop
By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
- Just bought a new laptop? Wondering what you have to do before you can use it?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
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You can write about:
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Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: May 2011

Literacy Tribune: May 2011The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Rising Gas Prices – Where Will They Stop?

History Lesson: Memorial Day
was first celebrated on May 30, 1868

Financial Literacy: Got a Budget?
Been thinking about money?

Member Spotlight: Jefferson Vidal
Age 43, just got his driver’s license. He found the Literacy Volunteers of Monmouth County in Long Branch NJ

Technology Watch: Mozilla Firefox 4: a web browser.
By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
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Literacy resources you like

You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune: March 2011

Literacy Tribune: March 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Are you at risk for cardiovascular disease?
By Ruth Pereira, MPH, CHES, Health Program Coordinator

A History Lesson: César Chávez
By Cathay Reta, Senior Writer
“Sí, Se Puede,” is the slogan made famous by labor union activist César Chávez

Finance Literacy: Earned Income Tax Credit – Check It Out
By Cathay Reta, Senior Writer
It’s tax time again! The April 15 deadline is almost here

Organization Spotlight: Alaska Literacy Program
By Cathay Reta, Senior Writer

Technology Watch: Nook Color Tablet
By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
Thinking of purchasing an electronic book (e-Book) to read on your smart phone?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
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You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune: January 2011

Literacy Tribune: January 2011
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story:
Which Came First: Reading or Writing? by Bud Pues
What does the word “read” really mean?

A History Lesson:
Franklin D. Roosevelt by Alison Werner
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, often known simply as FDR, was born in Hyde Park, New York, on January 30, 1882, to a wealthy family.

Member Spotlight:

Taking That First Step: Milton Whitley
Admitting you need help with anything is hard. Asking for help can be even harder. But making the decision to ask for help can change one’s life, as many adult learners have discovered.

Technology Watch:

Dropbox by Daniel Pedroza
Ever wonder what would happen if your computer was stolen or damaged? How would you recover your files? Dropbox is a great option for protecting your computer files.

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write about:
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: September 2010

Literacy Tribune: September 2010
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Back to SchoolSeptember marks the beginning of a new school year.

A History Lesson: The Great Depression
The Great Depression began on October 24, 1929—“Black Thursday.

Member Spotlight: September 8: International Literacy DayEvery day, around the world, adults like you are learning to read. And every day, around the world, adults are struggling with illiteracy as you once did. Illiteracy is not only an American problem. It is an international problem.

Organization Spotlight: A Letter to ReadersThis issue of The Literacy Tribune marks our third anniversary. I, along with the staff and board of United Literacy, want to thank you for your continued support

Technology Watch: Ninite Websiteby Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner

Ninite is a service that lets users install popular Windows applications automatically.

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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Literacy Tribune Newsletter: July 2010

Literacy Tribune: July 2010
The Adult Learner Network Newsletter

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: The Gulf of Mexico Oil SpillFor decades, hundreds of oil wells have been drilled into the ground in the Gulf of Mexico.

Member Spotlight: Milton Whitley
In July 2007, at the age of fifty-two, Milton Whitley began working with a basic literacy tutor at the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) in Maryland.

Organization Spotlight: Washington County SOARwill celebrate its first anniversary this August

A History Lesson: Woodrow Wilson

Technology Watch: Apple's iPad
by Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
One of the hottest pieces of technology today is Apple’s iPad

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: May 2010

Literacy Tribune: May 2010

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Time to be CountedThis year, the United States government will conduct a census.

Member Spotlight: a Personal Essay By Maria Arvizo
I have a dream that one day I will speak, write, read, and understand the English language fluently.

Organization Spotlight: Whittier Area Literacy Council

A History Lesson: A Woman’s VoteWomen in the United States did not have the right to vote until 1920.

Technology Watch: Ultimate Phonics By Daniel Pedroza, Writer and Learner
Say the word moon. Now say the word book. Hear the different sounds /oo/ makes in these two words?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune Newsletter: January 2010

Literacy Tribune: January 2010

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: 7 Keys to Spelling by Sylvester Pues
~Correct spelling uses a combination of techniques.
Member Spotlight: Johana Trevino by Alison Werner
~her nightmare started in 2nd grade when she was supposed to start learning to read.
Organization Spotlight: ProLiteracy by Alison Werner
~the world’s largest organization of adult basic education and literacy programs.
A History Lesson: Theodore Roosevelt by Alison Werner~born Oct 1858 into a wealthy family living in New York City.
Technology Watch: Google Chrome by Daniel Pedroza, Writer & Learner
~a web browser is likely the most used program on any computer.

Daniel Pedroza will present a workshop on the Literacy Tribune @ the

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Annual Tutor / Learner Conference

February 27 @ the Buena Park Holiday Inn

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
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Literacy Tribune: November 2009

Literacy Tribune: November 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Road Safety
~ In 2006, motor vehicle traffic crashes were the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 3-34.

Member Spotlight: Henry Barnes III
~ 10 months ago, Henry Barnes III walked into the Second Start Adult Literacy Program at the Oakland Library in California and asked for help. He wanted to learn to read better.

A Learner's Poem
~ Good Feeling by Rodolfo DiazOrganization Spotlight: Start Adult Literacy Program
~ The Second Start Adult Literacy Program has been teaching adult learners in Oakland, California to read for 25 years.
A History Lesson: William McKinley
~ the 25th president of the United States, was born in Niles, Ohio on January 29, 1843.
Technology Watch: Picasa
~ Digital cameras make taking photos easy. But keeping all those photos organized on your computer and editing them can be daunting.

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

Are you an adult learner ?
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Your road to literacy
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You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
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Literacy Tribune: September 2009

Literacy Tribune: September 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Understanding Dyslexia - Sylvester Pues~ Dyslexia is a language-based learning problem. People with dyslexia have problems with language skills like reading or writing and processing that information.A Learner's Poem~ Good Feeling by Rodolfo DiazMember Spotlight: Henry Winkler
~ Henry Winkler is many things: actor, producer, director, author, and dyslexic developer all before he learned to read at age 48.
Organization Spotlight: VALUE
~ Voice of Adult Learners United to Educate is a nationwide nonprofit founded to give adult learners a voice and improve adult literacy education in the United States through adult learner leadership and involvement.
A History Lesson: The Indian Wars~ On December 29, 1890, 500 troops from the U.S. Army’s 7th Calvary surrounded the Pine Ridge Reservation of Sioux Indians near Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota.
Technology Watch: Operating Systems~ the most important program on your computer. Without an operating system, your computer will not work. The operating system performs basic but important tasks.

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

You can write about:
Your road to literacy
Your literacy organization
Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune: July 2009

Literacy Tribune: July 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Neighborhood Watch
~ Whether you live in a city, suburb, town, or rural area, crime is a concern.
A Learner's Poem
~ Good Feeling by Rodolfo Diaz
Member Spotlight: John Corcoran
~ graduated from college, became a high school teacher, and a successful real estate developer all before he learned to read at age 48.
Technology Watch: Buying a Netbook
~ Over the last 15 years computers have shrunk in size.
A History Lesson: The Reconstruction Amendments
~ When the United States ratified the Constitution in 1788, slavery was a common practice.

Call for Writers !
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
You can write about:

Your road to literacy
Your literacy organization
Literacy resources you like
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything !

Literacy Tribune: May 2009

Literacy Tribune: May 2009

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: Protect Yourself from the Flu
~ The current outbreak of swine flu has everyone thinking about the flu
A Learner's Poem:
~ I'm a Silent Old Tree by Rodolfo Diaz
Member Spotlight:
~ When Juan Munoz, 28, counsels a student with a learning disability, he understands what they are going through.
Technology Watch:~ Mac OS X Desktop BasicsA History Lesson: The Civil War

Call for Writers !
Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?

The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.
You can write about:
Literacy resources you like
Your literacy organization
Your road to literacy
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything

Literacy Tribune: March 2009

Literacy Tribune: March 2009 issue

United Literacy, a non-profit organization, provides resources and support to adult literacy learners in the United States. Its aim is to make literacy education accessible and worthwhile for adult learners.

Main Story: 5 Steps to Your Resume
~ The number of Americans who are unemployed continues to grow. Today, finding a job can be difficult.
Member Spotlight: Jesus Trevizo
~ of South El Monte, California, realized he had a reading problem in first grade.
A Learner's Poem~ A Special Place By Rodolfo Diaz
A History Lesson: Abraham Lincoln
Technology Watch:
~ Installing and Uninstalling Software on Mac OS X

Call for Writers !

Are you an adult learner ?
Do you want to write ?
Do you want to publish your writing ?
The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learner writers.

You can write about:

Literacy resources you like
Your literacy organization
Your road to literacy
You can write book reviews, poetry, short stories
You can write articles about health, finance, or technology
You can write just about anything