Bay Area Literacy (BALIT)

http://www.literacynet.org/balit/
maryannemc@mailathena.com
1-888-740-READ (7323)

Introduction

BALIT represents 24 library-based adult literacy programs in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. Programs are located from Lake County in the north to Santa Clara County in the South, and from the Coast east to Livermore. All of the literacy programs are part of the California State Library Literacy Services system and receive funding from the State Library, as well as local government, foundations, individuals and other sources.

Through these programs adults have access to free tutoring to help them meet their literacy-related goals. “Learners,” the adult literacy students, are paired with volunteer tutors, with whom they meet weekly. These services are confidential for learners and lessons are personalized to their reading and writing levels and goals. The library-based adult literacy programs listed here enable adults to read to their children, fill out a job application, pass a driver's test, gain confidence in medical settings, and reach a number of other personal goals allowing for greater independence.

In addition to one-on-one tutoring, many literacy programs have programs for families, book groups of tutors and learners, and basic computer and financial literacy training. Some also tutor incarcerated adults.

Volunteering

The literacy programs are able to offer free tutoring to adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills because we train volunteers from the community to act as tutors. Training varies from program to program, but is usually 12-16 hours in length. A variety of methods and materials are reviewed so the volunteer feels equipped to begin. The volunteer tutor then works with one adult 2 times a week, for approximately 1 1/2 hours a session. The time and place where they meet are flexible. The volunteer will fill out a form with their available times and any preferences regarding the type of adult they would feel comfortable with. Most programs do ask for a 6 month commitment after training. This is because the bond that takes place between a tutor and learner is very important for trust and learning to develop. Program staff provides ongoing support in planning tutoring sessions.

A few of the programs offer ESL tutoring, but the majority of the programs work with English speaking adults. Most programs also have a Families for Literacy component, teaching parents how to help their preschool children be ready for school.

Additional volunteer opportunities include help with special events, office tasks, publicity and outreach, and fundraising.

Please call your local literacy program listed below or 1-888-740-READ (7323) for information about the reading program in your area.