ProLiteracy believes that literacy is essential in improving the lives of adults and their families, communities, and societies. This nonprofit organization is driven by four basic principles:

• Literacy has power to end poverty, injustice, discrimination, and violence.
• Literacy empowers adults to make a better life for their families and the world.
• Adults who read raise children who do better in school and life.
• Literacy helps families be healthier, support themselves through work, be better citizens, and create a just society.

ProLiteracy works with local, national, and international organizations. ProLiteracy helps illiterate adults achieve literacy through many programs. First, this group provides professional and development programs, along with technical assistance, in helping teachers gain accreditation for literacy teaching. Along with this traning, ProLiteracy publishes numerous educational materials and newspapers, and is always at hand to provide teachers with the resources they need. Working internationally with NGOs, ProLiteracy is on the frontlines in developing countries in creating literacy programs through sustainable projects. The international program, called Literacy for Social Change, is focused upon the environment, economic self-sufficiency, health issues, and conflict resolution.

ProLiteracy is an advocate for literacy, and lobbies politicians to get the government to support literacy programs. Finally, ProLiteracy sponsors an annual conference that features workshops, updates on the latest research and instructional techniques, and an exhibit hall with the latest adult literacy products. The conference is also an ideal place for educators to network and coordinate their individual programs.

ProLiteracy Worldwide, Inc. was created in August 2002, when the two leading adult literacy organizations merged. Laubach Literacy International grew from the work of missionary Dr. Frank Laubach in the Philippines; Ruth Johnson Colvin formed Literacy Volunteers of America.

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