RIP Ruth Johnson Colvin (107), founded Literacy Volunteers of America

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Ruth Johnson Colvin, the founder of Literacy Volunteers of America, passed away at the age of 107 in Syracuse, New York. She was recognized for her significant contributions to adult literacy and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Colvin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, and remained active on the board of ProLiteracy until her death. Her legacy is celebrated for emphasizing that literacy is a fundamental right.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of adult literacy initiatives
  • Knowledge of nonprofit organizational structures
  • Familiarity with the National Women's Hall of Fame
  • Awareness of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and its significance
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  • Research the impact of Literacy Volunteers of America on adult education
  • Explore the history and mission of ProLiteracy
  • Investigate the criteria for the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • Learn about the National Women's Hall of Fame and its inductees
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Educators, nonprofit leaders, advocates for adult literacy, and individuals interested in the history of women's contributions to education and social justice.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Ruth Johnson Colvin, who founded Literacy Volunteers of America, was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and received the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, has died. She was 107 years old.

Colvin died on Sunday in Syracuse, New York, according to ProLiteracy, the nonprofit organization created by the merger of Literacy Volunteers and Laubach Literacy in 2002. She served on the organization’s board of directors until her death.

“We owe not only ProLiteracy’s existence to Ruth and her founding of Literacy Volunteers of America, but we are guided by her innate understanding that literacy is a right,” an online tribute said. “We are humbled to have been able to learn from her for so long. Ruth willingly shared her wisdom with ProLiteracy staff, always encouraging us to continue our fight to improve adult literacy.”
https://apnews.com/article/literacy...-dies-colvin-7e5f51e94642563d8e593e8dd24c3043

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Thanks forever, Ruth.