The Chicago Literacy Alliance, a non-profit organization located in the West Loop, seeks to meet the literacy needs of people all over the city of Chicago. Comprised of over 120 member organizations, this association offers a variety of programming opportunities and literary resources to people of all ages, identities, and educational backgrounds. Operating out of the ‘Literacenter,’ on West Lake Street, the CLA provides support to over 18 million people each year.
Programming at the CLA ranges variously, but all of the opportunities offered are rooted in a deep commitment to improving literacy skills. The overarching organization of the CLA offers programs including “LiteraSkills,” “LiteraCircles,” and “LiteraLeaders.” Each offers a means for exploring different topics within the literary world through creative and effective collaboration. The separate member organizations of the CLA offer more specific programs and opportunities on a rolling basis.
In the winter of 2018, I had the opportunity to intern at the Chicago Literacy Alliance. Not only were the staff members incredibly passionate about their work, but they were incredibly welcoming to me as an inexperienced intern. I specifically served as a social media and events intern with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, one of the individual groups which makes up the CLA. My time working in this space really invigorated me as a writer and showed me how truly empowering literacy can be.
For more details on the Chicago Literacy Alliance, visit their website!
