The Nashville Adult Literacy Council’s mission is to help Nashville adults with the reading, writing, and English-speaking skills they need for the life they want. Learners at NALC reach their goals through literacy.
Currently one in five Nashville adults is at the lowest level of literacy. Literacy is the foundation for a better life. Adult literacy rates impact every part of Nashville: employment and poverty levels, healthcare costs, K-12 school performance, family and community relationships, and general dependence on systems for support. NALC offers multi-generational independence through literacy.
NALC’s vision is for all Nashvillians to experience the transformative impact literacy has in creating an engaged, independent, and confident adult life.
NALC provides a safe place for adult literacy students to learn and grow, supported by a vast community of dedicated volunteers and partnerships. We ask each of our stakeholders to join us in upholding the following value statements:
Literacy matters.
Literacy is how we all understand and are understood in the world. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are essential – and remarkable – acts of human connection. Literacy transforms the experience of living.
Curiosity leads to confidence.
When we work hard and stay focused, we can achieve our goals at any age. It can be difficult, so it’s okay to feel frustrated, but when we stay patient and curious, we can keep improving.
Learning can be fun.
This is a safe place where there is no shame in our mistakes, because mistakes are just part of the process. They show we are trying. Instead, we try to have fun with our lessons, because laughter makes learning a joy.
Everyone is different.
We are all individuals with unique strengths and needs. We are encouraged to ask for what we need so we can make progress.
Every goal is important.
We value and prioritize each individual’s reason to learn, including – but not limited to – working toward a new job, earning a degree, obtaining healthcare, shopping independently, making friends, helping a child with homework, or writing a love letter for the very first time.
Together is better.
This all works because we don’t do it alone. We partner through mutual responsibility, accountability, respect, trust, and kindness.
We are all lifelong learners.
Students, employees, volunteers, and supporters of NALC all remain open to new learning experiences. Using data, we enthusiastically and continuously question what we know and how we do things so we can grow our impact. Together, we share the angst and the thrill of learning new things that make the world better.
History
Since opening our doors in 1982, NALC has trained thousands of volunteers who have taught thousands of adults to read and succeed. We have received eight national awards and two regional awards for outstanding program, staff dedication, and student achievement, including having been selected as a model of best practices for dealing with a waiting list, and receiving an Innovation in Action Award for volunteerism. The dedication of our volunteers is the backbone of our program.