Tennessee Organizations
Center for Literacy, Education, and Employment:
Located at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Center focuses on research, innovation, advocacy, and training.
Literacy Mid-South:
Literacy Mid-South directly addresses literacy needs with the help of over 250 volunteer tutors. They achieve two main objectives to increase adult literacy and to motivate continuous learning in the community through their respective programs: the Adult Literacy Program and the Smart Memphis Coalition.
State of Tennessee Division of Adult Education:
Adult Education operates under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The Division operates Adult Education programs in every county in partnership with local entities such as school systems or community colleges.
National Organizations
Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE):
COABE is a national organization providing leadership, communication, professional development, and advocacy for adult education and literacy practitioners in order to advance quality services for all adult learners.
Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL):
CAAL focuses on research, policy analysis, leadership and development activities. The resulting “talks and essays” from CAAL’s work are available on their website.
Literacy USA:
Literacy USA provides support through email advice or information to literacy coalitions.
National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL): The mission of the NCFL is to create educational and economic opportunity for the most at-risk children and parents. NCFL hosts an annual Family Literacy Conference in March.
National Coalition for Literacy (NCL): NCL is an alliance of national adult and family literacy organizations that focuses on public awareness and collaboration at the national level to foster advancement in adult education, language and literacy in the United States.
National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL): Although no longer operational, the NCSALL used to work to make research relevant to adult learning available to practitioners. At their website, they still host articles and resources.
ProLiteracy: ProLiteracy is an international non-profit organization based in Syracuse, NY, that was formed in 2002 by the merger of Laubach Literacy and the Literacy Volunteers of America. ProLiteracy American represents 1200 community based volunteer and adult basic education affiliates in the US. The Tennessee Literacy Coalition is a state organization affiliate.
Voices for Adult Literacy United for Education (VALUE): VALUE seeks to strengthen adult literacy efforts in the United States through learner involvement and leadership. They also host the National Resource Center on Adult Learner Involvement and Leadership, a database of best practices by state for including adult learners in organizational leadership.