International Literacy Association

The International Literacy Association (ILA) is a professional membership organization for literacy professionals across 128 countries. It was founded in 1956, under the name International Reading Association, and for nearly 70 years has supported educators, researchers, and experts from every corner of the world. ILA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—core values reflected in [our mission](https://www.literacyworldwide.org/about-us/our-mission) and dedication to fostering a culture of acceptance in which every person feels safe and supported as their authentic selves. We advocate for children’s rights to read and to excellent literacy instruction in reading, writing, communicating, and critical thinking and seek to ensure that every child, everywhere, is guaranteed these basic human rights. **Mission Statement** ILA connects research and practice to improve the quality of literacy learning across the globe in ways that are respectful, responsive, and ethical. We advocate for equitable access to literacies among individuals of all ages and diverse communities as a basic human right and a matter of social justice.