Issues Coalitions Face (Dialogue of the issues of social justice)

Issues of Inequity Systemic barriers Access Disparities Access to materials Limited culturally competent staff

Issues of Inequity Access to transportation, childcare, healthcare etc. No instruction for those least skilled Lack of funding support Capacity development is often not available for programs located in underserved and poor communities

Issues of Inequity Suburban-urban special education Distribution of resources Huge differences in resources & supports for students Systemic differences in responses & supports Racial inequities

Issues of Inequity Tax base different in city/suburbs Suburban taxes go to education City taxes go to services Undocumented residents unable to benefit from services

Issues of Inequity Client awareness and access provision (site location_ Power solutions Client fears program Accountability vs Client confidentiality Balancing needs & priorities of smaller & larger providers

Responding to Inequity Social Justice infusion role of coalitions Advocacy should be a central purpose Social Justice should be discussed and articulated in “value statement” Involvement of adult learners on staff and board – making learners central to work, thought and action! Acknowledge and try to look with learners’ barriers to linear participation

Responding to Inequity Ensure coalition creates a network of service providers and publicize to community Transportation, childcare for 2 nd shift workers Labeled as drop-outs - not seen as taking break in study – change language and attitudes In our own work be genuinely inclusive of learners and their communities Promote Social Justice

Responding to Inequity The learners are central and must have a central role in all aspects of our coalition work Work with learners to educate general public about social injustice How can literacy coalitions promote social justice with members and in community Infuse social justice into curricula Central tracking of issues and solutions

Responding to Inequity Teaching students of all ages and lobbying for and with them – offer tools for providers Treat coalitions employees fairly & offer decent pay/benefits - serve as role model Have workshops at coalition open to community Host social justice issues/forums Facilitate story-telling by students Hire students on staff

Responding to Inequity Help learners think out their own power analysis to see forces that may have constrained them Encourage coalition to fund and support development of programs for immigrants Community building/development Relationship building/dialogue