Apart from a few brief intervals, adult literacy has remained low on the development agenda. This article details the contribution of the British Association for Literacy in Development (BALID), a voluntary association based in the UK, to highlighting the importance of literacy in development and, in particular, the importance of reading and writing for adults. For almost 30 years, BALID has sought to raise the profile of literacy by organizing training courses, conferences, and discussions that equip literacy professionals to respond to the literacy needs within their own contexts and spheres of influence. BALID members have considerable experience in working overseas and have a high level of expertise in the field of literacy, education, and development. The organization has an particularly important role in bridging the divide between academics, researchers, and practitioners so each can benefit and learn from the experience of others.