COMDTINST 5350.5
5. OBJECTIVES. This partnership should:
a. As with our existing Partnership In Education Program, increase the Coast Guard's potential to
recruit in the diverse workforce that will enter the labor market in the 21st century.
b. Expand education and literacy, especially among communities with large economically
disadvantaged populations.
c. Increase public awareness of our missions and people, as well as our value to the American public.
d. Raise the visibility of the Coast Guard with Members of Congress and provide new avenues for
interaction with federal, state and local public and elected officials.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES.
a. Commandant (G-I) is responsible for managing this partnership, and the Community Relations
Branch (G-IPA) will be the primary point of contact for policy matters arising under the partnership.
b. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics commands and
commanding officers of headquarters units shall identify and seek opportunities to implement the
partnership locally and at the unit level. In doing so, however, the voluntary nature of the
partnership should be reinforced. The Memorandum of Agreement establishing the partnership with
First Book is attached as enclosure (1).
7. GUIDANCE.
a. How First Book works.
(1) First Book begins with the creation of a First Book Local Advisory Board (LAB). There are
over 135 LABs currently in operation throughout the United States, most in areas where the
Coast Guard operates. LABs consist of several local individuals (even as few as two or three)
who are dedicated to organizing their community to distribute new books to literacy programs in
their area. LABs initiate and manage all First Book activity in their city or area, and are
comprised of a wide spectrum of volunteer leaders, including, but not limited to: librarians,
teachers, retailers, lawyers, school representatives, and public officials. LAB members select
community tutoring, mentoring and family literacy programs serving low-income and at-risk
children and work to support those programs through book grants, special events in bookstores
and national literacy initiatives.
(2) First Book depends upon local involvement. Requests for Coast Guard support and
opportunities will mainly come from these LABs. LABs operate in cooperation with the First
2
Previous Page
