Help us help Artesians!

While the need for literacy in our everyday life grows and grows, the functional literacy of Artesians goes down. Now more than 30% of people in the surrounding area are functionally illiterate. These are NOT stupid people; in many cases, they are even educated, but they cannot complete an application or read and use an instruction manual. One would think that using a smart phone or a tablet would promote literacy; actually, they do not. Most of the interaction on our "smart" devices is visual, but not written. Even on-line forms will "prompt" you for your choices. Few of us have actually read much of anything lately.

The students of the Artesia Literacy Council often come to us needing to work on the various skills of reading (identifying the main idea, sequencing, finding supporting details, etc.). Whether a English Language Learner or a Pre-GED student, most need to refresh or acquire all or part of these skills.

We are not receiving federal or state funding directly. We do receive grants from various foundations, local corporations, and individuals keep us running. So if you receive a donation request letter, please don't just throw it away! A donation of any size will be appreciated. We are working out an on-line payment option where you could make smaller monthly contributions instead of a once-a-year

large donation, which might be tough at this time.