Embracing the “Old School” in Reaching the Masses
January 17th, 2010
by Lisa
Today, the country recognizes what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King’s 81st birthday. Some of us will celebrate through volunteerism, attending commemorative events, or simply enjoying the day off. But, wherever we are, let’s take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s mission, messages and methods in the context of achieving economic empowerment and financial literacy.
Advancements in technology and the proliferation of informative consumer education materials give us – as organizations and individuals – the ability to reach consumers in staggering numbers. With a keystroke, mouse-click, broadcast or podcast, we can connect with thousands—even millions, to offer the tools they need to make informed buying and money management decisions, to protect themselves from fraud and to prepare their children to be the next generation of smart consumers. But here’s the even better news: As we gear up for National Consumer Protection Week, we have the opportunity to mix advanced communication vehicles with low-tech, high-touch tactics that penetrate and resonate with all segments of society – including disenfranchised and low-literacy communities. So, not only do we have powerful technology at our disposal, we still have the timeless power of human contact as we take our information to community centers, churches, street festivals…and to the guy on the bus.
Thinking about Dr. King’s potent “old-school” style of reaching people reminds me of the Frank Laubach credo, “Each One Teach One,” a phrase and concept widely used in the adult literacy movement. I can think of no better mantra to carry out the important mission of National Consumer Protection Week in the spirit of Dr. King and other pioneers who helped change the world one rally, one gathering, one person at a time.
Tags: community outreach, low-literacy communities, Martin Luther King, MLK, NCPW 2010, outreach, teaching
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