About
The Center for Literacy is the nation’s largest community-based literacy provider, operating in 81 sites throughout Philadelphia and Delaware counties, serving more than 4,000 annually. All services are free to end-users. Philadelphia is suffering from an epidemic ignored for too long. This epidemic infiltrates all facets of life not only in Philadelphia but also in the nation.
· The epidemic—low literacy affects the lives of an astonishing 22% of Philadelphia’s workforce
· Eighty-two thousand youth drop out of Philadelphia high schools annually
Public awareness is essential in generating political will to address the crisis, and to attract critical funding from the government and private sectors. In June 2009, a report was released describing a crisis in Philadelphia regarding the absence of a sufficiently educated workforce. The implications for the future health of Philadelphia are dire. Low literacy, the lack of a skilled workforce, and the demand for higher order skills call for urgent collaborative action among leading organizations from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. CFL plays an important role in helping develop and implement the complex solution.
In an effort to generate greater awareness and support around this issue and for the services that strengthen the skills of those marginalized by low literacy, CFL has a sweeping plan that includes an innovative publicity stunt (of sorts) aimed at getting thousands of people to pause and reflect on the need to provide life changing services. CFL is planning to convene hundreds of individuals in a highly public place and have everyone freeze (motionless) for a few minutes while appearing to read something.