What is USCAL?
The United States Conference on Adult Literacy (USCAL), sponsored by ProLiteracy, is a biennial national conference seeking to forge new partnerships, while also providing expert professional development and training opportunities for programs and providers from adult literacy and education, family literacy, workforce development, library, corrections, and social service organizations in order to expand and improve services.
Why is USCAL important?
In response to the adult literacy crisis in America that impacts upwards of 90 million people, a diverse cross-section of national and regional organizations representing business, safety, volunteers, and workforce development are joining forces to host USCAL. The formation of USCAL was in acknowledgement of tightened travel and conference budgets. By bringing together key partner organizations, conference participants can discuss and create powerful solutions for a variety of new issues—from decreased funding and contingency planning to the increased need for advocacy and social entrepreneurship--that can impact our day-to-day work.
What topics will USCAL cover?
USCAL will span such interconnected sectors as libraries, workforce training, correctional education, consumer safety, workforce job development, English language learning, and adult literacy and basic education. Specific topics will include:
- Creating successful collaborations and/or community linkages to expand and improve services
- Improving instruction in adult literacy, basic education, or English language learning programs
- Raising awareness and advocating effectively for adult literacy work in communities, libraries, corrections, and workforce development programs
- Recognizing literacy as a human right and the connections between literacy, social justice, and social change
- Looking at adult literacy in global contexts
- Supporting learner leadership in programs, workplaces, communities, and advocacy efforts at all levels
- Leading and managing programs in tough economic times
- Using technology to enhance learning and digital literacy provide new services, and solve problems
- Transitioning adult learners to new learning environments, the workplace, and post-secondary education
What are people saying about USCAL?
“Conference is great! You learn more every time you attend.”–Emma Torrez
“Conference was excellent, sessions were great, presenters were on spot. Looking forward to 2013.”–Jackie Taylor
“Really good sessions, great connections, learned many new things. Overall great opportunity.”–Marie Cora
“What an amazing event and opportunity. Let me begin by saying it be impossible to sum up everything I experienced, but it was truly inspirational and motivational; a feeling I am sure was felt by all in attendance.”–Della Morales
Who are the USCAL partners?
USCAL national and regional partners to date include:
- Academy of Hope
- American Association of Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE)
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD)
- The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
- Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL)
- CLASP
- Correctional Education Association
- Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy
- Home Builders Institute
- Interweave Solutions
- Jobs for the Future (JFF)
- Kentucky Educational Television (KET)
- Literacy Council of Montgomery County, Maryland
- Literacy Council of Northern Virginia
- Literacy Funders Network
- Literacy Powerline
- Literacy Volunteers and Advocates
- National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs (NAASLN)
- National Coalition for Literacy
- National Forum on Information Literacy (NFIL)
- ProLiteracy Council of State Organizations
- Reading is Fundamental
- Senior Service America
- TESOL International Association
- The Coalition of Lifelong Learning Organizations (COLLO)
- VALUE USA
- Women Expanding Literacy Education Action Resource Network (WE LEARN)
- World Education
- YWCA National Capital Area
When and where is USCAL taking place?
USCAL 2013 is taking place October 31-November 2, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
What is Capitol Hill Day?
Capitol Hill Day takes place starting at 12:30 p.m. on October 31, 2013. Registration is $15 and includes advocacy training and lunch. Congressional appointments will be coordinated by ProLiteracy. All Capitol Hill Day participants will receive an orientation and information packet that explains pertinent issues and talking points to use when making your visit. Logistical assistance will be provided to/from the House and Senate office buildings.
What is included in registration?
Registration for USCAL 2013 includes:
- Admission to more than 90 workshops focusing on adult literacy
- Admission to the exhibit hall of more than 30 adult literacy vendors and resources
Registration add-ons:
- Capitol Hill Day
- Opening session on October 31—celebrate the opening of the USCAL national conference. Admission is free.
- Student recognition lunch—an awards ceremony celebrating adult learners featuring a keynote speaker. Admission $15.
- Annual banquet—recognition for adult literacy programs, keynote speaker, and entertainment. Admission $25.
Preparing for USCAL
Sessions
Information to come
Exhibit Hall
Vendors will be happy to share information and products that may be useful to your organization. A free continental breakfast will be provided on Friday. There will be a Computer Café available for use by USCAL attendees.