Over the past months, our nation—the world—has been witness to many tragedies. Not just in New York or Washington, but continued strife in other countries. Israel and Palestine. Thailand. Russia. The list is endless, and the problems we face seem endless as well. Following September 11th, for a brief moment, people seemed gentler and more thoughtful of one another. Tolerant, even forgiving. While the images of September 11th will be with us always, our ability to see others the way we wish to be seen is something I often think about. The manner in which I treat others, think and consider others—should that not be an extension of how I want to be treated?
     As a literacy community, we are committed to serving those who possibly are not seen as ‘equals’ in society, due to low literacy skills. I recently returned from the American Library Association convention in Atlanta where I had the opportunity to take part in discussions, panels, and workshops. Two workshops I attended included adult learners as panelists or speakers. As I listened to their words, I saw their pride and heard how literacy has changed their lives forever. They spoke of freedom and empowerment. They were grandmothers, brothers, husbands, and children who had accomplished what (many times) I take for granted: the ability to read and write; to comprehend what I read and be able to articulate my thoughts on paper. As I listened to their words, I felt immensely proud to be part of the literacy profession. They are whom I work for: someone’s child, brother, husband, wife, mother, and grandmother. I thanked them for their determination and spirit. I had never felt so proud of what literacy programs and libraries do.
     Before I left Atlanta, I took time to visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. I had the opportunity to view the traveling exhibition of the Declaration of Independence.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness….”

The last time I read this document in its entirety was (most likely) in grade school; the significance it held for me during my stay in Atlanta was unforgettable. As I read it, I wept. I am proud of the service we—programs, tutors, volunteers—provide to empower others, and how we strive to honor and value our differences.
     I encourage you to use, read and/or discuss portions of the Declaration of Independence in your sessions. (I hope to create a Declaration workshop for Project Read.) May it remind us all of the rights we have as people, as educators, and as Americans.