The submissions we received explore how different communities define literacy, how some practices create literacy barriers, and how literacy can be a means to make organizations and communities more equitable and inclusive. The articles about Essential Skills and employment preparation ask, “Do literacy education and workplace training have anything in common?”

We think this collection of articles raises interesting questions about how literacy and community are, or could be, woven together. They also touch on ways in which literacy is kept apart from the realities of many people’s lives. These articles are a starting point. We want to continue to explore questions such as:

• What happens when literacy barriers are removed?
• If literacy is everywhere, what is the role of literacy programs?
• Do literacy in community and literacy conceived as skills for jobs have anything in common?
• Can plain language resolve inequality?

We want to know what you think about these questions and connections. What’s more, we want to know what questions the articles raised for you.

The discussion started on Monday, November 7th and ran for three weeks.

Click here to see readings for the reflective numeracy practice forum.
Click here for the discussion archive - choose community.at.literacyjournal.ca.