History of the San Diego Council on Literacy
The San Diego Council on Literacy was founded in 1986 by San Diego Union-Tribune publisher Helen K. Copley, then County Supervisor and former U.S. Congressman Brian Bilbray, and five community literacy programs: the Carlsbad City Library, Laubach Literacy Council of San Diego, Literacy Volunteers of America, National City Public Library and the San Diego Library. The vision of these dedicated individuals was “Literacy for All”. And this vision rings true today as the council strives to increase public awareness of literacy needs and services and provide leadership for cooperative literacy efforts throughout the county.
Addressing this vision on “Literacy for All”, the council works to establish and coordinate partnerships with institutions and individuals to better utilize community resources, assist in the formation and growth of literacy programs, increase awareness and access to literacy services, and serve as the “voice” of literacy in our communities and to our local, state, and national communities. As our San Diego communities and neighborhoods expand, the council works diligently to expand its reach in an effort to address the increasing need. The council currently has twenty two literacy program partners. In the 2005 service year, these partners served 105,527 individuals, both adults and children. Through the council’s literacy hotline, potential volunteers are connected with literacy programs and interested adults are informed about free literacy programs available in their community. Through the generous support of individuals, corporations and community partners, the council continues to strive to meet the growing needs of the literacy programs and bring literacy and its importance to the forefront.
Today in San Diego County, it is estimated that more than 450,000 adults are having difficulty with basic daily tasks such as locating an intersection on a map, balancing their checkbook or reading a utility bill.
There is much work to be done! With your support, as a volunteer, a spokesperson, a contributor, we can empower people to improve their quality of life and the lives of their families by bettering their literacy skills.