The first of two conferences on adult literacy focused on what needs to be done to give all nonreading U.S. adults the chance to learn to read, write, and do basic math. The number of adults seeking help in learning basic skills far exceeds the capacity of current adult literacy services to help them. Barriers to remedying the problem include lack of funds, training, and technological expertise. Conferences representing organizations that provide direct literacy tutoring and/or tutor training identified the following major needs: (1) money for training and technical assistance; (2) training in tutoring, the effective use of technology, program management, public policy development, and targeted tutoring approaches for minorities and other special populations; (3) cooperation at the national level in fundraising and sharing of resources and information; (4) collaboration among literacy providers, government, social services, business, and other sectors; (5) research on how many adults are in literacy programs and their progress; and (6) involvement of adult literacy specialists in changing public policy at the national and state levels. (The report includes an overview; a list of current unmet needs related to community programs, minorities, families and schools, prisons, technology, libraries, and staffing; a list of barriers; activities that could help solve problems and break down barriers; and a list of the 22 conference participants.) (CML)