Dear Discussion List subscribers,

As the National Institute for Literacy enters a new fiscal year, we have
taken steps to streamline the way we deliver professional development to our
discussion list members. A major change that will directly affect you is the
merging of the Poverty, Race and Literacy List with the Women and Literacy
List starting November 6, 2006.

We will continue to provide access to discussion archives on our website.

We have chosen to combine the two lists because we recognize that many of
the issues that impact one group also affect the other group, and believe
that many of the topics discussed on one list can benefit the other list.
For that reason, we decided to combine the lists to enhance list members
access to the latest ideas and information available. Race and gender issues
often intersect, and it is most both practical and appropriate to have them
intersect on one combined list.

We know that many members of our two lists view the lists as safe havens
where issues can be raised and discussed. We want you to know that we will
continue to respect your input and will maintain the same high level of
sensitivity and respect we have always shown our list members. In combining
the two lists, Daphne Greenberg will serve as the moderator for the new
combined list. Her experience with women's literacy has enabled her to
moderate the women's list with the right balance of sensitivity and insight
that is necessary for such a list. And we know that in assuming the
responsibility of the new list, she will bring the same balance to the
Poverty, Race, Women, and Literacy list. 

We would like to thank the Poverty, Race and Literacy list moderator, Donna
Brian for her work as moderator for the Poverty, Race and Literacy list.
Donna has worked hard to bring relevant issues to the forefront and to
stimulate discussions that help explore issues of poverty and race and how
they affect literacy acquisition. 

The Institute will be inviting current subscribers for both the Poverty,
Race Literacy List and the Women and Literacy List to the new combined
Poverty, Race, Women and Literacy List.  Once you receive the invitation,
you will need to confirm your subscription to the Poverty, Race, Women and
Literacy List.

We encourage you to be an active participant in the new list by sharing your
unique perspectives to help make the Poverty, Race, Women and Literacy List
a dynamic resource for information and professional development.     

My Linh Nguyen
Associate Director of Communications
National Institute for Literacy
(202) 233-2041
fax (202) 233-2050
mnguyen at nifl.gov