Tacoma Area Literacy Council

Mission

To empower lives by providing high-quality, learner-centered adult literacy instruction in Pierce County. 

The Tacoma Area Literacy Council strives to improve the lives of people in our community by helping adults achieve their English literacy goals. Trained volunteers provide free and confidential one-on-one and group instruction to adults in reading, writing, speaking and comprehending English. Tacoma Area Literacy also promotes public awareness of adult literacy needs throughout Pierce County.

TALC has been changing lives for the better through literacy since 1968.

Description

The story of the Tacoma Area Literacy Council (TALC) began in 1967. Two Tacoma women attended a class by Dr. Frank Laubach, the literacy expert famous for the "Each One Teach One" method. They were inspired by Laubach's international success and belief in the power of literacy to established the Tacoma Area Literacy Council in early 1968.

Since then, TALC has been operating as an all-volunteer, privately supported, adult literacy organization. A member of the ProLiteracy Education Network, TALC has continued to further the mission of increasing adult literacy and creating more awareness of the life-changing benefits of literacy. Current statistics show that one in six adults can't read and another one in five at only a basic or low level. This fact affects all of us either directly or indirectly as it hurts the communities in which we live by limiting opportunities and participation.

TALC volunteers complete a comprehensive Training Workshop and are matched with an adult learner. Each pair sets their own schedules and locations. TALC provides an extensive library of workbooks, texts, dictionaries and multi-level reading materials available to both the tutors and learners at no charge. Mentors are available to provide ongoing support to tutors and learners.

TALC's student base covers a wide array of circumstances, whether it be GED preparation, a US citizenship exam, obtaining a driver's license, English as a second language, or just to improve basic reading, writing, and math skills.

In the last 15 years TALC has trained over 850 tutors who have served over 1,000 students.

Recognition

We are grateful for the recognition and support that we have received from generous donors. Organizations, foundations, TALC members and private donors provide our financial support. We could not serve our community without this support both from organizations and from individuals like you!