In Georgia there had been no central mechanism for sharing information and advocacy resources outside of the Certified Literate Community Programs (CLCP) that functions under the umbrella of the Technical College System of Georgia.

1 st Planning Meeting – November, 2007 David Rosen facilitated discussions The Goal was to bring together all adult literacy providers from across the state to advocate for adult learners.

GALA’s mission is to increase awareness, support, and funding for adult literacy needs and efforts in Georgia. Our vision is a literate Georgia with accessible learning opportunities for all adults.

Carla DeBose Technical College System of Georgia Emily Ellison Literacy Action, Inc. Daphne Greenberg Georgia State University Judy Venable Cobb Literacy Council Ryan Hall, Co-Secretary Doctoral student at Georgia State University Laura Hauser DeKalb County Public Library Billie Izard, Vice Chair Certified Literate Community Program Victoria Kingsland Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta Debbie McIntyre Decatur County Certified Literate Community Program Sherri Perry Winder-Barrow Coalition for Adult & Continuing Education Paige Pushkin, Chair Literacy Action, Inc. Meghan Welch, Co-Secretary Georgia Public Broadcasting

Approximately 100 people from across the state attended the first event held by GALA for the Georgia General Assembly.

Adult Literacy providers from across Georgia nominated state Senators and Representatives who had been supportive of literacy efforts in their districts. 10 elected officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, were honored for their commitment to Georgia’s adult learners.

Ron Jackson, Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, and GALA Chair Paige Pushkin with honored officials

A Literacy Powerline initiative in support of the Declaration to the Right to Literacy. Goal was 1 million signatures on traveling scroll by this past summer. Scroll went to the White House September 2010.

100 Signatures were added at the February 17 Legislative Luncheon.

Getting the message out!  236 legislators saw our name in print at least 5 times last year. Prepared with a plan, a board, and new members. Have a model for engaging legislators. Have a model for training students to be advocates

Engaging Legislators in Ryan Hall Students as Advocates Middle Georgia Tech Representatives