http://blog.ncladvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/TN_WIA_Alert.doc

Our local advocacy network leaders are all out of town this week, so it seemed to make the most sense to hand out paper copies at their association gathering.

Others? Examples on mobilizing from local areas, regions, or states?

Thanks for sharing,

Jackie

I am writing to urge you and your fellow members on the House Education and Labor Committee to reauthorize the Workforce Investment (WIA) Act, Title II (also called the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act) now.

I have been a volunteer GED tutor for eleven years, with all but one year of that time being in East Tennessee. I have also been a paid tutor during a few times when I have been laid off from my job as a civil engineer, as I am now.

I have a Masters degree in Civil Engineering and am a licensed professional engineer. However, I have not even had an interview during the five months I have been laid off.

If I have this level of education and cannot find a job, what hope is there for someone who does not have a diploma or GED? Their only hope for returning to the workforce is to attend the classes funded by WIA Title II and earn their GED.

Many of my students have been laid off from their jobs. Given the glut of unemployed workers, employers have a wide selection of candidates. They have the luxury of choosing only employees who meet all of their qualifications. These qualifications almost exclusively include a GED or diploma.

I hope you will do everything in your power to encourage reauthorization of WIA Title II as soon as possible so the local Adult Education programs can continue preparing adults for the workforce and higher education.

Sincerely,
Jim Whitbeck, PE

—–Original Message—–
From: mltait09@twcny.rr.com [mailto:mltait09@twcny.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2009 10:07 AM
To: help_comments@help.senate.gov
Subject: WIA Reauthorization

To The Honorable Members of the Senate HELP Committee:

I am writing to urge you to reauthorize Title II of the Workforce Investment Act as soon as possible.
WIA has not been updated since it was passed in 1998, and it expired in 2003. The fact that it has not been reauthorized signals that you do not deem it a national priority.

However, the 30 million adults in the US with limited literacy skills and English language proficiency are a vital part of the economic recovery and global competitiveness of the US. With the opportunity to improve their skills, they will achieve stable jobs and family sustaining wages. Without them, we will never reach the President’s goal of graduating more adults from college than ever before by 2020.

WIA Title II is a vital part of the adult education system in the US. By updating and passing new legislation, you will better align labor and education programs nationwide, and ensure innovation and effectiveness of adult education programs across the country.

I urge you to act today. Thank you.
–
Marsha L. Tait
National Coalition for Literacy
Public Policy Committee Co-Chair
Dollar General Grant Manager
315-682-8030
7650 Redcoat Circle
Manlius, NY 13104

So far we’ve heard that advocates from the following states have contacted their US legislators: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Have you made your contacts? If so, please tell us about it here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2firRdE2KIkhA2QISvf5xpA_3d_3d

Also, here is the letter that the National Coalition for Literacy sent to legislators on the authorizing Committees:

http://www.ncladvocacy.org/WIAltrFINAL110309.doc

Feel free to borrow language from it, if you wish, in making your contact.

Other sample letters or information you’d like to share? Please post it here.

Thanks,

Jackie Taylor