If you can read this ...
You can help someone else read, too

November 23, 2007

As you race through the department-store aisles today, allow us to suggest a gift that is guaranteed to bring joy, a gift that will never be returned as unwanted, a gift that will keep on giving: literacy.

Somehow, we all think of illiteracy as something distant, a phenomenon alien to our middle-class suburban lives. But the census figures put the lie to that assumption. In Suffolk, the estimate is that one adult in seven is functionally illiterate. In Nassau, it's one in five.

On top of the numbers of people who can't read English, even though it's their native tongue, there are legions of new Americans who can't speak, read or write English - and many of them are illiterate in their native language.
Immigrants who can't speak English are easy to spot. In contrast, native-born Americans who can't read can work satisfactorily for years in a job, without colleagues realizing their secret. Admitting to this lack of skill is tough.

Once people summon the courage to tell others they're unable to read, they need guides into the world of literacy. That's your chance to give a lasting gift. Both Literacy Nassau and Literacy Suffolk need more tutors. You don't have to be a grammarian or a teacher. All you need is the willingness to be trained and to meet regularly with one or more eager learners.

The two literacy agencies have new executive directors, a renewed commitment to working together, and a dedication to telling public officials and private citizens alike the story of illiteracy on Long Island. What they need is your help.

As you shop, think of those who might not be able to read - the statistics suggest there's a good chance you'll pass more than one in the stores - then visit literacynassau.org or literacysuffolk.org to sign up. It could turn out to be the most meaningful gift you give this year.

Copyright © 2007, Newsday Inc.