Fall 2004

The Power of Partnerships

In 2002-03, MCL worked with the literacy community to develop a National Literacy Action Agenda – our blueprint for advancing literacy in Canada. Developing Partnerships is one of five interrelated priority areas that were resoundingly endorsed by the field. Our consultations confirmed this vision for developing partnerships:

“An ever-increasing number of nonliteracy organizations and institutions become aware of the benefits of addressing adult literacy, and become active contributors and supporters. All sectors become committed stakeholders in building a learning society.”

The need for a collaborative partnership approach also runs through each of the guiding principles for the Agenda:

• a broad vision of literacy
• community solutions
• respect for culture and language
• prevention (i.e. ensuring that all children develop a strong literacy foundation)
• stakeholder involvement

Because we can’t do it alone … !

Building and supporting an inclusive, literate society will require much wider societal buy-in and support than we have now. Countries with higher literacy rates than ours tend to have a stronger “learning culture” that is part of the social fabric.

There are complex interrelationships between literacy and employment, income support, health, families, crime prevention, offender rehabilitation, youth at risk, and community economic development. Partnerships with these and other social and economic sectors can help advance not only literacy but other important social goals as well.

Partnership Goals

The following partnership goals have been endorsed by the literacy community.

1. help other sectors learn more about adult literacy, and how they can benefit and contribute
2. build a broad intersectoral alliance to increase the profile and strength of the adult literacy movement
3. increase cooperation between organizations to help learners access the supports they need to take advantage of learning opportunities
4. increase employer investment in learning opportunities and support services
5. establish agreements and mechanisms to enable learners to make effective transitions between programs, as well as to employment, community participation, and other areas of life
6. increase private sector investments in literacy and other lifelong learning opportunities

Keep in mind that this list may not be complete,and we still need to develop action steps and consider “who will do what” to advance each goal. The Power of Partnerships ..."

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