An Artistic Twist to Learning: Artist Shelia Pree Bright Talks to LAI Students

Shelia Pree Bright

On Tuesday September 20, 2011, Literacy Action was honored to welcome Shelia Pree Bright, a professional fine arts photographer from Atlanta.

Ms. Bright's works include Suburbia, Plastic Bodies, Young Americans and In High Def. She has also been featured in many museums, including Atlanta's own High Museum of Art.

Speaking in front of a crowded room of students, staff, instructors and volunteers, Ms. Bright discussed what led her to become a photographer, the inspiration behind her work and the social misperceptions of different races and ages that her work strives to disprove.
Following a brief powerpoint highlighting her work, Ms. Bright opened the floor to questions which sparked a lively discussion amongst students. Students offered their opinion on many topics such as; what is considered beauty within society, how we, as a community, can promote positive and realistic images of beauty and the effects of negative stereotypes and percepections of different cultures.

LAI President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks (Left), Shelia Pree Bright (Center)

Literacy Action prides itself on providing classes and opportunities to its students that inspire them and promote change within their lives and community.  Guest speakers bring with them different perceptions and experiences that provide students an opportunity to engage in open conversation where they are encouraged to express their opinion and insights regarding social topics and many more.

Special Thank You

Shelia Pree Bright

To learn more about Shelia Pree Bright and her work, visit http://sheilapreebright.com/

The Millennials Are Here: Literacy Actions Kicks Off New Young Adult Advocacy Group.

On Thursday September 22, 2011, Literacy Action kicked off its new young adult advocacy group, YELL,Young Empowered Leading Literacy.


Hosted at the Square Pub in Decatur, guests were welcomed by LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and staff. Food and drinks were provided and guests had an opportunity to win a one night stay at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and a Kindle. LAI Board Member, Peter Stewart, addressed guests and offered more information regarding the creation and the importance of YELL.

LAI Board Member, Peter Stewart (Right) with guests

The atmosphere was energetic as guests mingled with each other and LAI staff. Guests took no time in asking in depth questions about the demographic of LAI students, what Literacy Action is doing to fight adult low-literacy and how they can get involved and take action.

YELL's is comprised of supporters ages 21-35 and its mission is to bolster the issue of adult low literacy within the Metro Atlanta community.

Working through Literacy Action, YELL hopes to involve young adults in adult literacy and eradicate the intergenerational cycle of low-literacy by utilizing their ideas, voices and talents.


To find out more information about YELL visit our website at http://www.literacyaction.org/page/yell.

Special Thank you

Square Pub

115 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030

Onward and Upward: Literacy Action Board of Trustees Hold Annual Board Retreat.

On Thursday September 15, 2011, Literacy Action's Board of Trustees met to participate in their annual all day board retreat. Hosted at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Board members began arriving at 8:30AM eager to begin working. The retreat, facilitated by Danielle Rutland of the Southern Company, allowed board members to reflect on the previous year, re-examine the organization and present ideas and goals for the next three years.

LAI's Board of Trustees are dedicated to ensuring that the organization continues to provide excellent services to all the students at LAI. It is imparitive that they continue to stay abreast on the status of the organization and discuss how LAI can continue to provide classes to assist the more than 800,000 low-literate adults in Metro Atlanta.  Board members left the retreat with new ideas and goals for LAI as it continues to move forward.





LAI is lucky to have such a great board who is committed to the work of the organization and the success of our students!


"We are truly doing God's work."
-Chris Miller, Vice Chair

Special Thank You to:

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Danielle Rutland-Southern Company

Denise James-Southern Company