We also realize and appreciate that tremendous diversity exists between rural counties and communities. Rural communities differ in their geography, proximity to urban areas, general prosperity, and in their outlook. Yet in other communities, barns are falling down, main street storefronts are empty, and, as pointed out by one affiliate director, rural cemeteries house greater numbers than those living in town. Although we are in the midst of many different projects, the information generated is proving valuable in providing technical assistance, developing trainings, pilot projects and grant proposals. Affiliates have voiced that there are special needs, challenges and issues because their area is largely rural.
Isolation places additional demands on literacy programs.
There is a need for better communication, within the literacy network and within communities. Funding is inadequate. Poverty in communities has a large impact. Our collaboration is not only to identify the challenges and advantages of providing literacy services in rural communities, but also to suggest solutions. This article may be freely distributed as long as this notice remains intact.