This report contains the proceedings of a public forum held to explore and exchange definitions and theories of literacy and to present examples of successful literacy programs in Louisiana in 1990. The following presentations are included: "Conference Welcome" (Patti Roemer); "Conference Introduction" (Michael Sartisky); "Literacy and Sharing" (Charles Roemer); "National Literacy Campaigns in Historical and Comparative Perspective: Legacies, Lessons, and Issues" (Robert F. Arnove); "Federal and State Literacy Programs" (Forrest Chisman); "Literacy and the National Agenda" (A. Graham Down); "Workplace Literacy" (Anthony Sarmiento); "Literacy and Economic Development: The Business Perspective" (Paul Jurmo); "The Family as Key: Intergenerational Literacy" (Patricia Edwards);"Maintaining the Cultural Integrity of Literacy Programs" (Jerrie Cobb Scott); "'Taking My Word': Humanities Books for Adult New Readers" (Ramona Lumpkin); "Melding of Basic and Cultural Education" (Victor Swenson); and "Closing Remarks" (Michael Sartisky). The book also lists 18 suggested reading resources and 16 sources for further information. (KC)