Thank you to those who participated in our survey this August, and an additional round of thanks for your personal feedback/ideas in the last two questions. It is clear that our local publishing community feels strongly about the importance of literacy, though we may not always have the time, energy, or resources to help as much as we’d like.

The closing of Oregon Literacy, Inc. after 40 years of critical service leaves an even greater responsibility on our shoulders for filling in where they can no longer. Ink & Paper Group has compiled a list of resources that allow for participation on a variety of levels, and we invite you to take a look to see where you might fit in.

We Portland publishing folks are clearly a resourceful, ambitious, and cooperative group, and we can leave our mark on Oregon literacy—now and in the future—just as much as we already do via our books throughout the world.

Onward with our mission, and onward with the survey results!

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1. Do you think that we have an obligation as publishing professionals to be on the forefront of the fight to remedy literacy?
Yes: 100%
No: 0%

2. How interested are you in being directly involved in helping to boost literacy in Oregon?
Very interested: 50%
Somewhat interested: 36%
Interested but too busy: 14%
Neutral: 0%
Not interested: 0%

3. Who do you think is most influential in a child’s life when it comes to literacy?
Parents: 79%
Teachers: 36%
Society / Current Culture: 7%
Government: 0%
All of the above: 14%
Other, please specify: 7% (librarians, friends, family)

4. Is there anything you do now to aid in the fight for literacy?

  • Annual book drive to benefit both children and adult readers, volunteering as a publishing mentor for WiPP, reading to my nieces and nephews
  • Through Bowler Hat Comics, I seek to promote literacy through graphic storytelling.
  • I volunteer at an elementary school, reading with kids.
  • I edit, I talk about books, and I write about editing and books on two blogs. But that’s peanuts compared to what should be done.
  • Up to this year, was active in parent academic booster club at high school, and support Stand for Children
  • Attend book groups
  • Try to write interesting books
  • Encourage reading
  • Yes. I volunteer in my daughters’ schools, participate in book drives, do volunteer editing with youth and adults, and support our library system. I model reading (voraciously!) for my children, and I encourage them to particpate in book groups, writing groups, and literary events around Portland.

5. What’s THE ONE THING you can do with your current lifestyle to improve literacy in Oregon?

  • See above. . .
  • Donate new and used books to agencies that promote literacy
  • I’ve long felt I should volunteer for SMART (www.getsmartoregon.org). But I’m shy and scared of the commitment, I guess.
  • Hmmmm . . . good question. I’m actively working on studying, understanding, and publishing in new text formats (primarily electronic) to be sure my publishing efforts can reach consumers regardless of their format preference.
  • Keep better track of the kids in my neighborhood/life.
  • Move to Oregon and get involved.
  • Try to keep my friends reading and talking about what they’ve read; try to be “contagious.”
  • Unsure
  • WiPP book drive
  • Vote Democrat