Getting a reading on literacy efforts

By Jeff Raymond

Published: August 12, 2007

The Oklahoma City Metro Literacy Coalition has come a long way since its launch in September.

Among its accomplishments are the formation of a five-member board, obtaining nonprofit status, beginning the search for an executive director and completing an assessment of literacy services providers.

The coalition was created to be an umbrella that covers and unites these literacy providers, and its research aims to show who is out there doing what.

Initially, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and Junior League of Oklahoma City were examining literacy efforts in the area but were duplicating each other's efforts, said Mary Surbeck of the community foundation.

The two groups combined efforts and resources, and the coalition was born. Its board brought in facilitators, hired a literacy consultant and examined models for literacy coalitions that have worked elsewhere.

From there, task forces examined exactly what was being offered. Findings are expected to be released this fall.

"I think there's a lot of knowledge of literacy organizations, but there's not a lot of knowledge of exactly what they do, who they work for and with,” and how they're funded, Surbeck said.

"I think what it will show is there is a lot of activity, a lot of organizations doing very fine work, but disconnected in their efforts. I think we're just getting to know about each other,” she said.

Surbeck hopes the coalition can link these groups and serve as a referral clearinghouse and education and resources provider.

Reading, Surbeck said, is fundamental to a person's prosperity and participation in economic and civic life.

Nancy Sharrock, who has worked with the coalition since its inception, deals with literacy often in her job overseeing AmeriCorps volunteers, who often tutor children.

Task force participation showed the community was interested in the coalition's efforts, she said, and it was obvious the number of literacy services providers was vast.

"I think it will be really valuable to both students and organizations that are providing the service,” she said.

Of the assessment, she said: "I think it will be new ground.”

Comments