On Oct. 10, buy your local newspaper from a volunteer on the street. Your donation goes directly to a literacy program in your community. Join the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and Black Press to promote, celebrate and support literacy initiatives in your community.
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is respected locally and beyond for its leadership in community-based literacy programs, but this success could not have been possible without the partnerships that exist across the region. Partnerships are essential to the work CBAL does and the most effective have been a result of a few key ingredients.
First, an issue or challenge drives communities to seek solutions and participation from traditional and non-traditional partners. Second, a working relationship based on mutual respect, collaboration and open communication must be established among partners. Third, the acknowledgement of a shared goal and the steps to achieve that goal must be identified. These ingredients become the beliefs and values of the partnership and create a forward path to change.
Across the region, partnerships are working to support literacy initiatives. Regionally, CBAL partners with Selkirk College, College of the Rockies, Okanagan College and College of New Caledonia to support adult literacy initiatives. As a result, more adults are able to participate in learning opportunities in non-traditional settings. These programs support the development of parenting, life, workplace and academic skills.
Locally, CBAL programs are partnering daily to deliver programs. Not only does CBAL partner with colleges, but it partners with school districts, libraries and other community organizations. Visit www.cbal.org to see what is happening in your community.
One of the greatest partnerships that have developed from the communities is the community literacy planning committee. These committees focus on identifying challenges and issues concerning literacy, share resources and information and focus efforts on creating a healthy learning community. These committees demonstrate that working together is essential in achieving what we cannot do alone.
You can make a difference in your local community. Participate in the Reach a Reader campaign by purchasing a paper on Oct. 10, volunteering to sell papers, or simply spreading the word as a campaign champion.
To get involved, contact the Creston Valley Advance, or Creston community literacy co-ordinator Linda Steward at lsteward@cbal.org.
—COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIANCE FOR LITERACY