Since its creation in 1991, the National Institute for Literacy has provided national leadership on adult literacy. In 1998, with the addition of funds for dissemination of scientifically-based reading research, the Institute has been a catalyst for improving opportunities for adults, youth, and children to thrive in a progressively literate world. The Institute's discussion lists are forums that give adult literacy practitioners and researchers opportunities to discuss the field's critical issues; share resources, experiences, and ideas; ask questions of subject experts; and keep up-to-date on literacy issues. In this article, the author discusses professional development through communities of practice using examples from the NIFL discussion lists. (Contains 10 online resources.)