Literacy Summit 2008: The Next Chapter 12:45   Workplace Literacy: How to Structure It and              Have Willing Partners                   Roberta Reiss, Literacy Program Coordinator,                   Collier County Public Library
If you build it, they will come?? Barriers: Schedule conflicts Transportation challenges Changing work schedules Immediate supervisor resistance Advice: Approach the employer as a salesperson selling a product: your product is an educational program to benefit the employer and employees.  Focus on bottom line benefits: reduced employee turnover; better customer service; fewer errors; improved communication. Establish a personal contact.  A good choice would be a human resources manager, a training director, or activities director.  Make sure the top management is on board.  Remind management that mid-level supervisors are vital to the success of the project. Send the contact a letter.  Include an individualized cover letter and an outline of your proposed services.  Mention in your letter that you will follow up with a phone call in a week to request an appointment with the appropriate manager. Prepare a folder to give your contact at your meeting.  Label the folder with the name of your program and staple your business card to it.  Your contact is more likely to keep the information if it is ready to file.  Loose papers get tossed or lost. Fill the folder with pertinent information.  Include brochures, news clippings, a list of your organization’s board members or administrators, references from existing partners, and your mission statement. Follow up with a phone call.  Within a week of the first meeting, offer to answer any outstatndin question.  If your contact is ready to proceed, offer to meet with the employee or employees who will be overseeing the program. Literacy is good for business! What has worked for Collier County: Hotel:  Experienced volunteer tutor is trained to work with small groups—offers classes once a week on site to groups of 10-15 associates. Larger Institutions or businesses:  Employees trained as tutors work with fellow employees. Small businesses: Instructor offers 8-10 week classes tailored to the employer’s needs/type of business. Assisted Living: Residents trained to teach English to their caregivers.
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