This document introduces community leaders and practitioners to innovative approaches to improving workforce literacy by building accessible lifelong learning systems to prepare adults with the array of skills needed to prosper in the new economy. The introduction defines literacy and workforce literacy and outlines the challenges that education, business, and community leaders are facing in meeting workforce needs. Six types of workforce literacy initiatives are characterized. The following strategies for success are explained: assessing labor market conditions and workforce literacy; initiating a dialogue on tough issues and work-related learning; preparing a local action agenda for literacy; finding new ways to create multiple learning pathways; applying principles of effective workplace literacy and youth development programs; and measuring the success of workforce literacy initiatives. An overview of the following types of available workforce literacy resources is included: national agencies and resources; research, evaluation, and model programs; organizational resources; South Carolina resource agencies; and World Wide Web sites and related publications. The following items are appended: information about the development and content of the Equipped for the Future standards; information about how adult literacy is measured; 12 principles of effective practice; and a discussion of primary federal legislation and delivery systems. (Contains 66 notes and references.) (MN)