Literacy Ambassador Program Highlights

Speeches, presentations and interviews, oh my!

The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) recently held it’s annual Literacy Ambassador Program in Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.  During this 1.5-day training, adult learners participated in activities relevant to preparing speeches, presentations and interviews.  Now, Florida has 9 new Literacy Ambassadors that will be working hard to promote the importance of adult and family literacy!

Established Literacy Ambassadors Monica Nelson & Nelson Pino guided the adult learners through several lesson plans and tactics they can use to prepare for speaking engagements and media interviews.

Monica Baxley & Nelson Pino

Tammie Fields, WTSP Weekend Anchor

Tampa Bay’s Channel 10 TV anchor, Tammie Fields, visited the Ambassadors during their training and provided information on what it’s like to work with the media.  She also gave program representatives tips on gaining the attention of TV media professionals.  These tips included:

• Send information to the media via email (using the “Contact Us” page of the website v. calling the newsroom)
• Provide a hook – explain what makes your news/event important, timely and worth covering.  This can include an Ambassador’s peronal story/experience.
• TV coverage requires video – it’s helpful if you have something (i.e. an event) that can be filmed or someone that is passionate about  your cause that can provide an interview with emotional appeal.  If going the interview route, offer to coordinate the interview for the reporter.

FLC couldn’t be more proud of the Literacy Ambassador class of 2010!  These students have accomplished amazing feats during their time in Central- and South Florida-based literacy and adult education programs.  We are excited these students are motivated to take on new leadership roles within their organizations and will be sharing their success stories, in their communities, to promote the adult literacy cause.

Literacy Ambassadors Class of 2010

Literacy Ambassador Program Benefits Learners & Programs

FLC’s annual Literacy Ambassador Program is a beneficial professional development opportunity for both adult learners and literacy programs.  Scheduled for Oct. 15-16, 2010, this is an opportunity for adult learners to become more comfortable speaking in public, to the media and about the success s/he has achieved since enrolling in a literacy program.

During the 2-day event, adult learners will be coached by Monica Baxley and Nelson Pino.  Both instructors are experienced Literacy Ambassadors, have successfully completed adult literacy programs, and are well versed in what it means to be a Literacy Ambassador.

In the past, Monica has been featured on ABC News and currently holds a position on the Florida Literacy Coalition Board of Directors.  Nelson is currently an ESL tutor, and the volunteer and marketing coordinator for DePorres P.L.A.C.E., Inc. – an adult literacy center in Riviera Beach, Fla.

The adult learner sessions will include instruction and tips on:

• Introduction to Effective Public Speaking
• Developing and Making Presentations
• Adult Learner Involvement and Leadership
• Conducting Interviews with the Media
• Adult Learner Advocacy

A special session will also be held for literacy program representatives on Friday, Oct. 15.  Greg Smith, executive director of FLC, will highlight effective public relations and marketing strategies programs can use for publicity.  Promotional initiatives that Greg will discuss are important to incorporate in order to let people know your program exists, what it does and how people can become involved in your mission.

Don’t hesitate to register as seats are limited.  The training is free of charge to both adult learners and program representatives.  The training will take place Oct. 15-16, at the Holiday Inn Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.  (Pinellas County; Clearwater area).  Attendees will be eligible to be reimbursed for mileage, meals and lodging according to state guidelines.  Pre-approval is required for travel expenses exceeding $300.  Lodging will be reimbursed if traveling over 50 miles to the event. Registration and travel funds are limited, so apply today.  Contact Yari Payne via email, payney@floridaliteracy.org, with any questions.

Are you a Literacy Ambassador?  Have you attended a previous Literacy Ambassador training?  Let us know your thoughts about the training by commenting below.

This training is sponsored by Florida’s Adult and Family Literacy Resource Center.  This event is made possible through the support of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Career and Adult Education.