Presenter: Art Ellison

Art Ellison is a native of Vermont. He obtained a BA from Earlham College, a MAT from Northwestern University and an Ed. D. from the University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a road construction laborer, high school social studies teacher, community organizer, local adult education program director and since 1980 as the New Hampshire State Director of Adult Education.

Art is proud of his work as one of the founders, executive producer and actor with the Northern New England Literacy Theatre. Art has also done extensive political volunteer work and has been a successful advocate for the field of adult education.

In 2005 he received a Literacy Leadership Award from the National Coalition for Literacy for his leadership in restoring a $363 million dollar cut in funding to adult education proposed by the Bush Administration.

Currently the Chair of the National Council of State Directors of Adult Education Policy Committee, Art manages the Single Point of Contact network established by the State Directors to build support for adult education funding and policy in Washington, DC. Art’s favorite quote and guidance for life comes from the great labor organizer, Mother Jones, “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living”.

This interactive workshop will focus on the role that adult educators play as effective advocates for and with their students. Each workshop participant will receive a 50 page package of materials that have been used in successful state level advocacy campaigns around the country.

The workshop will focus on the important elements for building an effective advocacy network for adult education at the state level.  Among the topics discussed will be:  Understanding the System, Identifying the Important Players, The Importance of Timing, Constructing the Message, Agreeing on the Message, Identifying the Message Carriers, Finding Allies, Building the Network and the Importance of Political Literacy in Adult Education.  Workshop participants should leave with enhanced advocacy skills and an increased commitment for this work.