How do I start a Family Literacy Center in my community?

As Hester Rippy and many others would say, starting a Family Literacy Center is a rewarding experience that can change a community one individual or family at a time. The mission of Family Literacy Centers, Inc. is to facilitate the creation of local, independent, and self-funded learning centers. This document should help anyone interested get started.

Establishing a successful Family Literacy Center requires thorough preparation and planning. A number of steps are required for almost all centers, though procedures differ somewhat. For example, procedures involved in setting up a library or civic literacy center vary from those involved for a school center. Home schools and penal institutions have their own requirements. In developing an initial plan for a Family Literacy Center, consider answers to the following questions:

• Who can assist me in organizing a center?
• Who can make presentations to gain support?
• How much money will be needed for start up? For continuing operation?
• How much space will be needed? Where are potential spaces located? Contact person?
• Who would be good candidates for a governing board?
• Who will write the initial draft of a proposal? When will it be written?
• Are there any organizations to coordinate with? Schools? Churches? Libraries?
• What strategies would be useful in obtaining volunteer tutors?

• Form a relationship with Family Literacy Centers, Inc. The main center provides information and answers questions over the telephone or by email. In some instances staff members are able to visit your site and help with presentations and training.
• If at all possible, visit established centers to talk with directors and staff members. You can observe their daily operation, examine materials, study office management techniques, and speak to students and parents. A few days spent watching and interviewing will help you solidify your own plans.
• Study materials provided by FLC Inc., including manuals, other printed materials, and Video instruction.