By Alison Facey

Literacy flows through and impacts all aspects of modern life. In today’s fast-paced world, literacy is more important than ever. But what do we mean when we use the word literacy?

Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.

Literacy is a common thread woven through resilient and thriving communities. It has a direct impact on issues such as crime rates, poverty, health and wellness, economic prosperity and workplace safety. While many have the appropriate skills needed to function in the modern world, over 500,000 British Columbians have challenges with literacy. This includes having difficulty reading a newspaper, filling out a work application form, reading a map or understanding a lease.

Having strong literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills is positively connected to being part of the labour market. It is also associated with being employed and earning higher wages. People with higher literacy levels have higher earnings. They also have more growth in earnings, over time, than those with lower levels. If people experience literacy growth, they tend to see increased employment and earnings over the same period. With a loss of literacy skills, people tend to see decreased employment and earnings.

Literacy is vital for workplace safety. For example, failure to comprehend written or verbal instructions due to low literacy and language skills could result in improper handling of dangerous equipment or hazardous materials, inability to respond effectively to emergencies or dispensing improper medications or medicating in incorrect doses. In this way, literacy has a direct impact on health and safety.

Literacy is not just the ability to read and write. Having strong literacy skills allows us to be fluent in the language of change. These skills provide us with the ability to understand the rapidly evolving world around us and be able to move confidently through it.

Literacy is a strength – a movement – a commitment to lifelong, life-wide learning. Be part of the conversation.

For more information about literacy programs in Cranbrook or about volunteering in a literacy program, contact Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) @ 250-420-7596.

Social sector articles are brought to you by the Social Planning Society which was formed to identify and develop strategies for more effective ways to collaborate, share and partner. Working together results in stronger outcomes for our community. Anyone is welcome to attend society meetings to find out more and to become involved. Follow our Facebook page www.facebook.com/CranbrookSocialPlanning/ where meeting details and activities will be posted. Have questions or would like more information, please email [email protected].

Taking a break for the summer months our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cranbrook United Church on 10th Avenue. Join us to learn of community issues, activities and explore ways you may wish to be involved.

– Alison Facey is Community Literacy Coordinator with CBAL, Cranbrook

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