Established in 2007 this page's content is from the site's 2013 archived pages.
Use the below information as historical information which was accurate at the time.
About Us
About United Literacy… a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, United Literacy strives to bring literacy and technology together to better serve and support adult learners and local literacy organizations throughout the United States.
Our lives are filled with words. We read newspapers for news, freeway signs for directions, product descriptions on food packaging for nutritional information, and books for entertainment and education. For the 30 million people in the United States over age 16—14 percent of the adult population—these simple tasks are difficult, if not impossible. According to ProLiteracy, adult low literacy skills can be connected to almost every socio-economic issue in the United States. Low literacy’s effects cost the U.S. over $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.
However, literacy is not only about the ability to read. It is the ability to write, compute, and use technology at a level that allows an individual to reach his or her highest potential as a parent, employee, and community member. Computer literacy does not mean that a learner has to know how to write software or network a computer. Computer literacy is knowing the basics—how to save and open a file, how to write and send an email, how to use a search engine, how to update a computer’s software or virus protection. It means being comfortable around computers and knowing how to use them to accomplish simple tasks required in a personal, education, or job setting.
As both the education and workforce sectors become incredibly dependent on technology, adult literacy learners are being left behind. Traditional literacy programs do an excellent job of teaching adult learners how to read and write. Learners conquer newspapers, books, street signs, instructions, and advertisements. However, traditional literacy programs often do not have the expertise or resources to provide computer literacy instruction leaving learners at a disadvantage for educational and career advancement. United Literacy wants to eliminate these disadvantages and round-out the literacy education adult learners receive so that they can become productive students, parents, employees, and community members.
I established United Literacy in September 2007. Eleven years earlier, I walked into my local literacy organization and asked for help. I had tried to order a birthday gift for my girl friend, who was a big Batman fan and frequently wore a Batman hoodie. She even had a little Batmobile model on her desk. When she told me she wanted a Batman Begins t shirt, I started looking and found the complete Batman shirts catalog online and was embarrassed when I couldn't read the description or understand how to place the order. I could spell certain words like "Batman" and "Dark Knight" and "t shirt" but I had to rely on the pictures and had to ask for help finding the right size. That's when I decided that I wanted to learn to read. During the course of my traditional literacy program, I was introduced to computers and the Internet, resources that had been intimidating and confusing previously. However, I embraced them and soon saw those tools improve my literacy skills. BTW, I am now able to buy those Batman shirts completely on my own! Seeing my own success, I wanted to share what I learned with other adult learners struggling to not only become literate, but computer literate in a society that requires those skills for success.
United Literacy uses technology to better support and educate adult literacy learners throughout the country while preparing them to fully participate in today’s high-tech society. In addition, UL provides technology support to non-profit local literacy organizations to improve their community outreach and, most importantly, to better serve their learners.
Mission Statement
United Literacy, Inc., is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to provide information and supplementary educational resources for adults who have low-literacy skills. United Literacy provides these services through print materials and web-based resources such as newsletters, workshops, and conferences, and makes these services freely and easily available to learners throughout the United States. In addition, United Literacy provides an Internet support network for learners that makes learning accessible and worthwhile.
Board Members
Daniel Pedroza
President & CEO
Gary Miller
Vice President
Martha Acosta
Treasurer
Cassandra Rosales
Secretary
Membership
Literacy Organizations: If your organization provides literacy classes or tutoring for adult learners, please join United Literacy. By joining us, your organization's information will become part of our national database. The database will provide learners with a comprehensive source of information about programs in their area. In addition, United Literacy offers member organizations technology support to help build their web presence and learner and community outreach. As a member, organizations will enjoy discounts on United Literacy sponsored events and discounts on materials. Membership is free. Click here to join. Coming Soon!
Learners: If you are an adult literacy learner, we invite you to become a member. Your membership will include discounts on United Literacy events. You also will receive an email copy of our bi-monthly newsletter, The Literacy Tribune. Membership is free.
Become A Writer
Call for Writers!
- Are you an adult learner?
- Do you like to write?
- Do you want to publish your writing?
- Do you want to share your story with other learners?
The Literacy Tribune is looking for adult learners who want to write. The Literacy Tribune is a bi-monthly adult learner newsletter. You can write about:
- Your road to literacy.
- Your literacy organization.
- Your favorite literacy resource.
You can also write book reviews, poetry, short stories, or articles about health, finance, and technology.
The Literacy Tribune is your newsletter! We want you to write it!
March Issue of The Literacy TribuneMonday, 04 March 2013 20:48
March issue of The Literacy Tribune is now online. You can read it at www.theliteracytribune.org November's Issue of The Literacy TribuneMonday, 05 November 2012 21:33
Come and get it!!! November's issue of The Literacy Tribune is out!!! A good article to read Understanding “Language” versus “Reading” by Bud Pues. You can read it online or download it from our learner website http://theliteracytribune.org/ . GrammerCheckThursday, 11 October 2012 18:03
GrammerCheck-good source for students who want to feel confident about their writing. http://www.grammarcheck.net/ Thanks to Florida Literacy for posting on Twitter. The Literacy Tribune Website HitsMonday, 06 August 2012 05:10
For two months in a row, The Literacy Tribune website has received over 2500 hits. We are very excited about that. The Board and I want to thank you for spreading the word about our newsletter. Now our goal is to reach, and pass, 3,000 hits a month! By the looks of it, we should reach our goals soon. Daniel Pedroza President and CEO United Literacy, Inc. Open Literacy DatabaseThursday, 12 July 2012 19:09
Open Literacy Database Literacy Organizations: If your organization provides literacy classes or tutoring for adult learners, please join United Literacy Open Literacy Database. By joining us, your organization's information will become part of our national database. The database will provide learners with a comprehensive source of information about programs in their area. Membership to the Open Literacy Database is FREE and it will always be FREE. Sign Up today! it will only take you a few minutes to sign up! Click the link below to sign up. |
More Information on United Literacy:
Background and Formation:
- United Literacy was established as a 501c3 entity in December 2011, aiming to provide high-quality educational support services outside the public school system. This initiative was in response to the challenges faced by the Fort Worth area public schools, including economic pressures, teacher layoffs, increasing class sizes, and high teacher turnover. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/about)
Mission and Focus:
- The mission of United Literacy is to serve economically disadvantaged children and adults with significant reading needs. The organization focuses on improving literacy, which in turn increases self-sufficiency and access to work opportunities. This enhances the economic outcomes for individuals, their caregivers, and the North Texas community. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/about)
Philosophical Approach:
- United Literacy integrates reading skills with understanding Christian values, believing that the best way to live according to God's word is to be knowledgeable in it. The organization strives to equip disadvantaged children with reading and thinking abilities necessary for their future success as leaders and Christian stewards. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/about)
Key Personnel:
- Kary A. Johnson, founder and president, with a strong background in education and multiple degrees. She opened The Reading Connection in 2003 and has published numerous papers on various educational topics. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/about)
- Other notable board members include Carlos Martinez, Dean of the School of Education at Texas Wesleyan University; Celia Scott, an associate professor of education; Patty Sparks, a former probation officer and certified schoolteacher; Anastasia Taylor, Executive Director at Alliance Child & Family Solutions; and several others who bring diverse expertise and experience to the board. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/about)
Programs and Services:
- Literacy United offers intervention sessions in reading and math, executive function coaching, and summer reading programs. These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of individual children, with reading specialists who have advanced degrees and experience in helping struggling learners. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org/services)
Impact and Achievements:
- Children and teens enrolled in Literacy United programs typically improve their reading level at twice the rate of those not receiving support. The results have been dramatically positive and academically significant for students involved in the Literacy United intervention program. [Source: Literacy United](https://www.literacyunited.org)
More Background On UnitedLiteracy.org
UnitedLiteracy.org was one of the most forward-thinking literacy initiatives of the early digital era. Established in 2007 as a nonprofit organization, it focused on blending traditional literacy education with computer literacy training to help adult learners become confident, capable, and independent participants in a technology-driven society. The organization’s founder, Daniel Pedroza, turned his own journey from illiteracy to digital competence into a national movement that empowered thousands of adults and inspired literacy professionals across the United States.
Even though the original website is now archived, its legacy continues to influence modern approaches to adult education. United Literacy’s model — combining literacy, technology, and community outreach — remains a powerful example of how nonprofits can bridge educational divides and transform lives.
Founding and Origins
The story of United Literacy begins with a deeply personal experience. Founder Daniel Pedroza once struggled with reading and writing as an adult. The turning point came when he tried to order a Batman T-shirt online for his girlfriend — and realized he could not read the product descriptions or navigate the checkout process. That moment of frustration became the catalyst for change.
Pedroza enrolled in a local literacy program and, through his studies, was introduced to computers and the internet. What had once seemed intimidating soon became tools of empowerment. He learned to type, search online, send emails, and manage digital tasks that many people take for granted. Those experiences inspired him to create United Literacy, Inc., an organization designed to help others overcome similar barriers to literacy and digital fluency.
By September 2007, United Literacy was formally founded, and by 2011, it had gained recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From the beginning, its mission was twofold: to teach literacy in the traditional sense and to bring adult learners into the digital age.
Mission and Vision
United Literacy’s mission was to provide educational resources for adults with low literacy skills using both printed materials and online tools. Its programs were designed to be accessible, free, and community-driven, ensuring that economic hardship would never be a barrier to learning.
The organization viewed literacy as a comprehensive skill set that included reading, writing, computing, and problem-solving — all of which were essential for personal growth and social participation. United Literacy’s broader goal was to eliminate the disadvantages that prevented adult learners from thriving in education, the workplace, and everyday life.
The vision extended beyond literacy classrooms. Pedroza and his board recognized that in an increasingly digital society, adults who lacked computer skills faced not only social stigma but also economic exclusion. Their answer was a national network that combined technology, education, and community outreach.
The Challenge of Adult Literacy
When United Literacy began, the United States faced an alarming literacy crisis. Studies from national organizations such as ProLiteracy showed that more than 30 million American adults struggled with basic reading skills. That accounted for about 14% of the adult population, many of whom found it difficult to read road signs, job applications, or even basic instructions.
The economic and social cost was staggering — estimated at over $225 billion per year in lost productivity, unemployment, and reduced tax revenues. For Pedroza, these numbers represented not statistics, but people — individuals whose potential was being wasted because of the lack of accessible literacy and digital education.
United Literacy emerged as part of a growing movement to reframe literacy as a lifelong, holistic process — one that included digital competency and confidence, not just the ability to decode printed words.
Leadership and Structure
At the height of its operations, United Literacy’s leadership reflected a collaborative, community-based ethos.
-
Daniel Pedroza – President and CEO
-
Gary Miller – Vice President
-
Martha Acosta – Treasurer
-
Cassandra Rosales – Secretary
This team guided the nonprofit’s programs, events, and publications, emphasizing inclusion and national reach. Unlike many local literacy organizations, United Literacy operated primarily through the web, allowing it to reach learners and partner groups across the country.
Programs and Initiatives
1. The Literacy Tribune
One of United Literacy’s most successful initiatives was The Literacy Tribune, a bi-monthly digital newsletter written largely by adult learners themselves. It featured essays, poems, success stories, book reviews, and practical articles about health, finance, and technology.
The Tribune served two vital functions. First, it gave adult learners a public platform to share their voices — an act of empowerment and pride. Second, it offered ongoing learning opportunities, exposing readers to new vocabulary, grammar, and writing formats through real-world content.
By 2012, The Literacy Tribune was receiving over 2,500 website visits per month, and its editors set an ambitious goal to surpass 3,000 monthly readers. It was also promoted through social networks like Facebook and Google Plus, encouraging community engagement long before the era of widespread online learning.
2. The Open Literacy Database
The Open Literacy Database was another key project, envisioned as a national directory of literacy programs. The database allowed adult learners to locate nearby classes, tutors, and organizations that could meet their needs.
Participation was free and open to all U.S. literacy organizations. Members received technical support from United Literacy, including help building websites and improving online visibility. The goal was to ensure that no adult learner would be unable to find educational resources simply because they lacked internet knowledge or access.
3. Membership Program
United Literacy offered free membership to both literacy learners and partner organizations. Members were entitled to discounts on events, access to workshops, and free subscriptions to The Literacy Tribune. This model was based on inclusivity rather than exclusivity — reinforcing the nonprofit’s belief that literacy should be a public right, not a privilege.
4. Call for Writers
To further engage learners, United Literacy launched a Call for Writers initiative, inviting adults who were learning to read and write to contribute their stories. Participants could publish essays about their educational journey, their community literacy programs, or topics such as health and technology.
This initiative gave learners the opportunity to see their names in print — an act that reinforced confidence and ownership of their progress.
Technology as the Core of Literacy
At the heart of United Literacy’s philosophy was the belief that technology is inseparable from modern literacy. The organization made it clear that being literate in the 21st century meant more than reading words on a page; it meant being able to navigate a computer screen.
United Literacy’s computer literacy training focused on practical skills:
-
How to write and send emails.
-
How to save and open files.
-
How to use a search engine.
-
How to update antivirus software.
These basic abilities empowered learners to access information, communicate professionally, and participate in society with confidence. Pedroza often described computer literacy as “knowing enough to not be afraid of technology” — an attitude that resonated with educators and learners alike.
Community Partnerships and Support
United Literacy partnered with local literacy councils, community colleges, and independent nonprofits to expand its reach. These collaborations helped small organizations gain access to digital resources, online training, and shared databases.
The nonprofit also inspired related movements such as Literacy United in Fort Worth, Texas — a similar organization that grew from the same philosophy of literacy, faith, and community empowerment. This continuity ensured that the ideals of United Literacy lived on even after its original site was archived.
Achievements and Public Reception
While United Literacy did not pursue formal awards, its impact was tangible and measurable. The Literacy Tribune achieved readership milestones that few literacy newsletters had reached at the time. Feedback from adult learners highlighted increased confidence, employability, and social participation.
Educators commended United Literacy for modernizing adult literacy education — shifting it from classroom-bound tutoring to online engagement and digital empowerment. The organization’s approachable tone, combined with its free resources, helped demystify technology for many first-time computer users.
By its peak years, the nonprofit’s online network had grown into a respected presence within the national literacy community.
Cultural and Social Significance
United Literacy’s work carried deep cultural significance. It recognized that illiteracy is not simply an educational problem — it is a human dignity issue.
By pairing reading skills with digital competence, the organization enabled adults to:
-
Apply for jobs online.
-
Access healthcare information.
-
Communicate with teachers, employers, and family.
-
Participate in civic life.
The initiative also changed how society perceived adult learners. Pedroza’s openness about his personal literacy journey helped remove the stigma surrounding adult illiteracy, reframing it as an issue of opportunity, not failure.
United Literacy showed that adults who once felt invisible in the education system could become published writers, online contributors, and mentors to others.
Legacy and Influence
Although the original UnitedLiteracy.org site became inactive after the mid-2010s, its influence continued through successor programs and community initiatives.
Modern literacy organizations that integrate technology into their instruction owe part of their inspiration to models like United Literacy. The idea that literacy must evolve alongside technology is now widely accepted among educators, community colleges, and national nonprofits.
Programs offering online reading tools, digital storytelling platforms, and virtual tutoring all echo United Literacy’s early insight: that learning is most effective when it meets people where they are — both geographically and technologically.
UnitedLiteracy.org remains a remarkable example of how a small nonprofit can have a nationwide impact through innovation, compassion, and inclusivity. Its founder’s personal journey from struggling reader to literacy advocate embodies the transformative power of education.
By blending literacy with technology, United Literacy not only helped adults learn to read but also taught them how to navigate and contribute to the modern digital world. Its initiatives — The Literacy Tribune, the Open Literacy Database, and its network of member organizations — demonstrated that literacy is not just an academic goal; it is a path to empowerment, independence, and dignity.
Even in archival form, United Literacy’s message continues to resonate: knowledge and technology together create opportunity, and every adult deserves access to both.