In September of 1985, Representative Wyden sponsored a workshop to study the costs and effects of illiteracy in Oregon and to explore ways of solving the illiteracy problem. The group discussed a subsidized volunteer literacy corps as a possible solution. They also contemplated proposing additional funding in order to supply and dedicate shelf space for literacy manuals in public libraries. Oregon Literacy Executive Director Shirley Randles and Board Chairman Jim Sayer participated in the workshop.

Wyden asserted that retired educators would make a qualified source of volunteer tutors. He acted as a go between to strengthen relations between OLI and the Oregon Retired Educators Association.