UA Literacy Advocacy Group’s Campaign Kicks Off Monday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Literacy is the Edge, or LITE, a student- advocacy group dedicated to ending functional illiteracy in West Alabama, will launch its 2011 campaign Monday, Nov. 7, at the Ferguson Center on The University of Alabama’s campus.

The campaign aims to raise funds and produce communication materials for the Literacy Council of West Alabama to support efforts to make literacy a priority throughout West Alabama.

LITE will produce Public Service Announcements, feature stories and presentations that complement the local literacy council’s efforts to build a stronger, more literate West Alabama after the April 27 storms devastated the region. Nearly one in four Alabamians is functionally illiterate — meaning they lack basic reading, writing and math skills.

Kristin Brown, LITE’s 2011 vice president of community outreach and special events, said the theme for LITE’s 2011 literacy campaign, “Empower Literacy,” is meant to emphasize literacy’s role in improving life and community. She said the campaign has a two-pronged fundraising and recruiting approach that begins Nov. 7 and lasts until Nov. 16.

“We will have a table at the Ferguson Center to recruit volunteers and raise money from Nov. 7 until Nov. 10 and again at Quidditch on the Quad, Nov. 13.

Those who donate via cash, check or ACT card will receive a chance to win a free iPad for every dollar they give. Students and faculty will have another chance to donate to literacy efforts on Nov. 15 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. by eating at Zoe’s Kitchen, located at the south entrance at Bryant-Denny stadium, Brown said.

Fifteen percent of profits from the night will go toward the LCWA’s literacy efforts. The drawing for the iPad will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16.

About LITE

Formed in 2008 by graduate students in the advertising and public relations program in the College of Communication and Information Sciences, LITE is directed by Dr. Bruce Berger. Each year his students become the officers and members of LITE and work to raise awareness of literacy issues affecting West Alabama communities.

“LITE started as a small class project and has grown into a vibrant student program that supports the work of the Literacy Council of West Alabama,” Berger said.  “I’m thrilled at the incredible energy, talent and passion our students bring to this cause.”

To get involved and join the conversation on Twitter, use the hashtag #WinIPAD4Literacy or search “Literacy is the Edge.” Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiteracyIsTheEdge.