The Multicultural Storytelling Project promotes multicultural storytelling as a unique form of instruction for classrooms and literacy programs through research, publications and programming of storytelling as an art and activity. No other storytelling organization exists with a mission focused on multiculturalism, or educating storytellers on integrating multicultural stories into classroom instruction. This poster will present the organization of the Multicultural Storytelling Project, with attention to its mission statement, objectives, organizational structure and funding, and current and planned activities. Our nation has seen a growing interest in developing greater literacy levels and skills because the need has been demonstrated in the workforce. First Lady Barbara Bush led the cause for advancing literacy before, during and after George Bush s term as U.S. President.
Literacy is a fundamental skill which affects life-long learning skills for individuals.
The U.S. Department of Education has estimated that 26 million Americans are functionally illiterate and as much as another 46 million are marginally literate. Within educational circles, there is a concern for a lack of reading interest among the population as a whole and within the school population. The impact of television and other electronic mediums has reduced the American public s reading habits and interests, especially with the school-age population. Reading activities, including storytelling, are primary tools for advancing literacy. In addition, state populations are rapidly becoming more diverse.