90 Million adults in the U.S. have low literacy skills.

The literacy skills of 90 million adults in the U.S. are considered "basic" or "below basic" according to the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The global competitiveness and economic security of our nation and well-being of our citizens are all negatively affected. Despite the implications of this shocking statistic, government policies and funding are woefully inadequate.

In addition, the success of policies and programs dealing with early childhood education, health care, welfare, retraining the American workforce, and maintaining a strong military with capable recruits are all linked to having an adult population with better literacy skills. 

VALUE believes that everyone has "value."

Regardless of our current literacy skills, every adult has a lifetime of knowledge and experience that can and does benefit others.

"We are your family members; we are your neighbors; we are your co-workers. We are small-business owners; we are first-responders. We are among the working poor; we are millionaires. Few ever know our truth. Because of shame and stigma, we keep it hidden."

When adults with low literacy skills publicly admit this deficiency, some lose their jobs - jobs for which they received good performance appraisals up until their secret was revealed; some lose the respect of their family, friends, and co-workers. Far too few adults with low literacy skills will seek help when faced with these very real threats.

"When we loose jobs, we are unable to transfer to new jobs and new industries, not for lack of desire, but lack of literacy skills. We are people who can't get into job training programs or off of welfare, not for lack of desire, but because of a lack of literacy skills. We are people who want to learn English as the language of our new country, but we can't because of the learning skills we failed to get in our nations of origin."

Attitudes and policies must change.

VALUE is working to bring about this needed social change. You can help make this change happen. 

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