What techniques are recommended for recruiting ELP students?
The first step in recruitment is to determine the population in need of services. Georgia lays claim to adult native speakers of more than fifty languages. Of these, over half speak Spanish. Other languages include Chinese, Creole/French, Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Vietnamese. Immigrants come to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream; something many of us take for granted. We go to work, churches, restaurants, and stores. We watch television, listen to the radio and read publications in our native tongue. We send our children to school. We go to public libraries and hospitals. Some consulates from foreign countries register their nationals and sponsor community activities and services for them. These avenues are a great first point of contact.

One strategy you can deploy is to develop a coupon system. The English Literacy Program is free, but I won’t tell if you don’t. You can make an official looking business coupon offering free classes, listing locations and schedules. Indicate the need to present the coupon, in English on one side, and offer the same information in the target population language on the other side. Pursue some of the previously mentioned venues. Everyone needs a job; therefore, we should contact chambers of commerce, industrial associations and businesses that offer entry-level positions. Mail or give away coupons to members of these groups. Remind them to promote literacy programs at their meetings. Visit the Department of Human Resources and ask them to post class schedules. Visit churches. Meet community leaders and show them the value of English Literacy. The program is oriented toward teaching basic language skills. It is delivered close to residential dwellings, and while funded by state and federal dollars, it has no affiliation with immigration authorities, making it safe for undocumented immigrants.

Restaurants offer entry-level jobs. Talk to the managers. Ethnic restaurants are a great place to reach both employees and customers in need of services. Take coupons with you when you go shopping, and hand them to any foreign language speaker you encounter. Ask permission to post coupons in prominent places at ethnic stores. Many radio and TV stations offer free advertising. Get in touch with them and ask them to promote English Literacy Programs. Encourage publishers of foreign language periodicals to write articles about the program. Another source for recruiting is through the public school system. Many immigrants have children, and children go to school. Why not send coupons home with their children? Find an immigrant community group in your area, contact the leaders, and convince them of the benefits of the program. Gain their confidence and ask if they can help with recruitment. You can participate in their gatherings and give away coupons. Some consulates sponsor community groups and provide literacy classes in their own language. Graduates from these programs could help recruit as they have developed the discipline of attending school.

Never open a classroom near a police station, an immigration or a governmental office. In some countries these are symbols of repression. It might prevent some students from enrolling. It is not my intention to overwhelm readers with suggestions. Research your target area on your own and start out slowly. In time you will have more students. And there is no harm in asking former students to help give away coupons and thus continue your networking.

Alberto Levya is ELP Coordinator for the Department of Technical and Adult Eduction, Office of Adult Literacy in Atlanta, Georgia.