Saskatchewan Literacy Network
2010 – 2011
Annual Report
Saskatchewan Literacy Network 2010-2011 Annual Report Table of Contents Who We Are ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Message from the Executive Director .................................................................................................................... 4 SLN Staff 2010 - 2011 .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Message from the Board President .......................................................................................................................... 5 SLN Board Members 2010 - 2011 ............................................................................................................................... 5 What We Do ...................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2010 - 2011 Strategic Review ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Progress to Date...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Looking Ahead........................................................................................................................................................ 6 @ Work .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 @ Home ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 In the Community ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 How We Do It ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Learner Focus Committee ........................................................................................................................................ 8 Learner Focus Committee Members .................................................................................................................. 8 2011 Literacy Awards of Merit .................................................................................................................................. 9 2011 Literacy Awards of Merit Recipients ......................................................................................................... 9 2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange ................................................................................................. 10 Raise-a-Reader Meets Twitter .................................................................................................................................... 11 Where We’ve Been ........................................................................................................................................................... 12 SLN Supporters and Sponsors .......................................................................................................................................... 13 2011 - 2012 Membership Benefits .......................................................................................................................... .......14
Who We Are 2010 - 2011 marked a pivotal year for the Saskatchewan Literacy Network. It was a year of looking very carefully at what we do, how we do it, and with whom. We asked stakeholders how we could build on our legacy of literacy leadership in Saskatchewan as we face both national and provincial opportunities, pressures, and challenges. The resulting recommendations, solidly grounded by stakeholder input and the provincial and national context, orient us for the years to come. Of course, the very best plan remains only a plan without the people and resources to implement it. I am honoured to work alongside exceedingly professional and knowledgeable staff and board “We’re like a puzzle – members. In the words of Shirley Larson, all the pieces fit.” our Administrative Assistant, ―We’re like a puzzle—all the pieces fit.‖ This year we welcomed to our team Karen Rosser as Adult Literacy Coordinator. Karen’s vast experience with essential skills and workplace literacy align beautifully with SLN’s expanded focus. We are also thrilled to have Bonnie Zink join us as our Communications Coordinator. Bonnie has propelled us into the worlds of social media and knowledge translation and exchange. The SLN Board of Directors was strengthened by the addition of Lynda Richards, business owner and tireless advocate for literacy learners, and Lisa Vargo, esteemed professor and long-time ambassador of literacy. Collectively, SLN board and staff alongside our province wide network of stakeholders, strive to reflect the literacy system we envision for Saskatchewan – cohesive, collaborative, and continuously growing stronger. Our population is increasing in Saskatchewan and our demographics are changing in the midst of world economic upheaval. Literacy and continuous learning are key to our individual and collective resiliency and adaptability at work, in our communities, and within our families. May we look toward 2011 - 2012 as united champions for literacy and learning at every age and stage, realizing the connectedness of our social and economic destinies.
“May we look toward 2011 - 2012 as united champions for literacy and learning at every age and stage, realizing the connectedness of our social and economic destinies.”
Lisa Erickson, Executive Director Saskatchewan Literacy Network SLN Staff 2010 - 2011 Lisa Erickson, Executive Director Ollie Glemser, Finance Manager Elaine Ebenal, Benchmarks Coordinator Danielle Heilman, Communications Coordinator Jennifer Coon, Adult Literacy Coordinator
Connie Jones, Director of Literacy & Essential Skills Shirley Larson, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Stearns, Family Literacy Coordinator Bonnie Zink, Communications Coordinator Karen Rosser, Adult Literacy Coordinator Page
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Who We Are The Saskatchewan Literacy Network (SLN) has been the voice of literacy in Saskatchewan for over two decades and has been the provincial umbrella organization for those in the literacy community. This last year, the SLN Board of Directors has been active in many areas, including a strategic review focusing on workplace literacy and essential skills, conducting an analysis of board skills, connecting with our funders, and improving benefits for our employees. Early in the year, the SLN contracted Brigid Hayes to conduct a document review and complete interviews from key informants across the province about workplace literacy and essential skills. This work was presented to the board and staff in March 2011 by Brigid to strategically determine how essential skills fit with the organization. “… the SLN should establish the workforce/workplace as its third pillar alongside family and community literacy…”
From this collaborative process came several consensus recommendations, including establishing workforce and workplace as SLN's third pillar alongside family and community literacy, moving forward to incorporate essential skills into our work, and recruiting members that have a background in this area.
As a board, we engaged in an assessment of board skills. In alignment with the priority of essential skills, we rated our own individual skills in a variety of areas. Later, the results were collated in group form to identify areas of board strength and areas in which we need to grow. This was an effective analysis that we will continue in the future to facilitate board development. The SLN is grateful for the support of its funders, whose continued support enables us to carry out our work in the literacy field. In June 2011 we were able to meet with Brett Waytuck, Director of Saskatchewan's Provincial Literacy Office (PLLO). At this meeting, we shared our recent work in essential skills, connected with the activities and priorities of the PLLO, and solidified our working relationship. The board appreciated this opportunity. The success of the SLN depends on the work of its staff. As SLN Board President, I can confidently say on behalf of the Board, that we highly regard the work of Lisa Erickson, our Executive Director, and all of our employees. Working together, and in a cost effective way, the board has been able to improve benefits, sick leaves, and retirement provisions. In doing so, we hope to maintain a strong staff and when necessary, be able to recruit highly capable employees to our organization. In closing, I have found the work we have done in the past year to be rewarding. I look forward to building upon our success in the coming year. Mark Williment, Board President Saskatchewan Literacy Network SLN Board of Directors 2010 - 2011 Mark Williment, President (LaRonge, SK) Lisa Vargo, Secretary (Saskatoon, SK) Lynda Richards, Member (Swift Current, SK) Greg Fleet, Member (Regina, SK)
Randy Belanger, Vice-President (Ile-a-la Crosse, SK) Gordon Li, Treasurer (Regina, SK) Angela Hengstler, Member (Lestock, SK) Lavonne Dubois, Member (Saskatoon, SK) Page
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What we do In 2010, we became increasingly aware that a number of internal and external changes presented us with the opportunity to step back, reflect on our work, and plan before moving forward. We engaged in a strategic review through which we assessed our strengths and challenges and the needs and opportunities related to literacy, essential skills, and workplace/workforce development in the province.
Thanks to the work of everyone connected to the SLN, the organization was able to make the shifts necessary to build on its existing strengths while moving forward to embrace new directions. Working with SLN was an all-round positive experience for me and I look forward to continuing our professional relationship." Brigid Hayes, Brigid Hayes Consulting
Brigid Hayes conducted a document review and stakeholder interviews in early 2011 and presented her findings to the SLN Board and staff. Based on this information, we prioritized concrete recommendations that will inform our work for years to come. 2011 Strategic Review: Progress to Date While many of the recommendations will take several years to implement fully, we have already made considerable progress: • established work as our third pillar alongside family and community literacy • increased the number of members involved with workplace literacy and essential skills and actively recruit board members with this experience • focused on essential skills at the 2011 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange • maintained an inventory of workplace literacy and essential skills projects/activities • supported the literacy community to incorporate essential skills into their programming • explored the role of the workplace learner within the SLN • increased staff capacity in the areas of essential skills and workplace literacy • hired a highly skilled communications coordinator to clearly articulate our approach to literacy and essential skills • systematic outreach to workplace essential skills providers, English as a Second Language (ESL) and immigration stakeholders, the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network, and Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration For more detailed information about this process and the resulting recommendations, please see the SLN website for the Strategic Review Overview and Executive Summary.
Strategic Review: Looking Ahead In 2011 - 2012 we will take the information and recommendations that emerged from the strategic review and craft a detailed organizational strategic plan, concurrently and thoughtfully address the twenty-two recommendations from the strategic review, and integrate our long standing goals (field development, communications, and learner involvement) and our three pillars (home, community, and work) and ensure our work is equitably distributed among these goals and pillars.
"Workplace essential skills gives companies a concrete and validated way to measure some of the “softer” skills and plan training for improvement that will benefit both the employee and the company." Debora Rutherford Vecima Networks
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What we do @ Work
The SLN worked to increase the integration of essential skills into programs and services throughout the province via resource sharing and knowledge exchange. The SLN increased and strengthened connections with workplace/workforce literacy and essential skills stakeholders invested in improving labour market outcomes for people in Saskatchewan. The SLN invested our organizational knowledge and built capacity in the areas of workplace learning and essential skills. The SLN maintained connections and alliances with local, regional, provincial, territorial, and national groups to facilitate information sharing and activities that support adults to succeed in and adapt to the labour market. @ Home
The SLN launched the highly anticipated Prenatal Caring Circle program focusing on family literacy development with expectant mothers. The SLN developed and administered the first bursary program for Saskatchewan based literacy professionals to support their participation in Vancouver Community College’s online Family Literacy Certificate program. The SLN built capacity for family literacy in Saskatchewan through information sharing, networking opportunities, mentorship, and professional development. The SLN worked in partnership with the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and the Regina Leader-Post on the 2010 Raise-a-Reader Campaign raising and distributing funds throughout Saskatchewan to support family literacy. In the Community
The SLN supported community based postsecondary literacy essential skills programs and practitioners through the implementation of Saskatchewan Literacy Benchmarks, expansion of the Saskatchewan Action Research Network, and providing mentorship and training to SaskSmart communities. The SLN gathered dignitaries, decision makers, and literacy stakeholders to celebrate excellence and commitment in our field through the Literacy Awards of Merit. The SLN meaningfully engaged adult literacy learners through the Provincial Learner Focus Committee, the Learner Alumni Program, participation on the SLN Board, the Literacy Benchmarks project management team, the national Committee of Adult Literacy Learners, and through a contest celebrating International Adult Learners’ Week. The SLN organized the successful 2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange that brought together adult educators, literacy practitioners, ESL/EAL instructors, pre-employment coordinators, library staff, learners, and government representatives. Page
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How we do it Learner Focus Committee The SLN values the experience and perspective of adult literacy learners and appreciates their contributions in all of the work we do. The Learner Focus Committee (LFC) provides the SLN with input on our current or upcoming work, as well as provincial and federal events that affect adult learners. In turn, the SLN provides the LFC members with leadership training and mentorship, as well as access to information and learning opportunities that enable them to continually develop the essential skills needed for full participation at home, at work, and in the community. In 2010-2011 the LFC: developed of 2 issues of ―Learner Journeys‖, a newsletter created by learners, for learners developed the tool, ―What Learners Want You To Know as a handout to prepare organizations asking learners to give a speech paid tribute to LFC members Carey Rigby-Wilcox and Myrna Sopal for their contributions to the SLN and their commitment to literacy in their own lives and that of others welcomed Dorothy Wilson from Neville to the committee
LFC Members: Randy Belanger Ngeune Selinger Gordon Li Dorothy Wilson Ming Xiang Pan Lin Ling Yuan Lynda Richards
Ile-a-la-Crosse, SK Prince Albert, SK Regina, SK Neville, SK Regina, SK Regina, SK Swift Current, SK
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May 5, 2011, Saskatoon, SK
How we do it 2011 Literacy Awards of Merit Each year, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan hosts an awards ceremony to honour people who demonstrate a spirit of dedication and commitment to literacy and learning in Saskatchewan. The awards recognize:
adult literacy learners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and progress in their learning journey, individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the cause of literacy, and significant accomplishments in service or professional activities, outstanding initiative and leadership in support of literacy
2011 Literacy Awards of Merit Recipients: Professional Award: Program/Project Award: Business/Corporation Award: Volunteer Award:
Ms. Desiree Tirk, Saskatoon Literacy to Pre-Employment Program, Saskatoon Food Bank Prince Albert Icehawks Mr. George Reimer, Regina
2011 Cameco Literacy Learner Award and Bursary: Tuyet Van, Regina
Tuyet Van immigrated to Canada from Vietnam in July 2006, when she was 46 years old and knew next-to-no English. She immediately began working full time in the restaurant industry and registered as a learner in the Literacy Services Unit at the Regina Public Library in February 2007. She attended English as an Additional Language (EAL) Group Tutoring Sessions where she began using EAL resources in the computer lab and library programs several times a week. She attended English language classes at the Regina Open Door Society and, by September 2009, had improved her English so much that she was accepted into the General Educational Development (GED) Program at the Adult Centre for Employment Readiness Training (ACERT) in Regina. Not only does Tuyet work hard to achieve her own ambitious goals, but also embraces every opportunity to help others achieve their goals. She always helped her classmates at ACERT and when she completes her GED she plans to volunteer at ACERT to assist other students in the GED Program. Tuyet also provides interpreting services for family members, friends, and acquaintances when needed. Tuyet continues to study with her volunteer tutor in preparation for her last GED test and Canadian citizenship test. At 50 years of age, Tuyet’s dream is to attend college. There is no doubt that she will achieve her goal. Tuyet is a true model of lifelong learning and has inspired all those who know her with her pure love and passion for education and knowledge.
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How we do it
November 24-25, 2010, Saskatoon, SK
2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange
“My favourite part of the conference was networking and seeing the faces of people I’ve been talking to via email and hadn’t met yet as well as getting some very practical hands on things that I can use in programs and develop new program ideas.” 2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange participant
The Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange is held over two days each fall. We offer networking and professional development opportunities for literacy and essential skills stakeholders from the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors including administrators, practitioners, academics, tutors, volunteers, and learners. We invite those from the Saskatchewan literacy field to share their experiences and expertise with one another on a provincial scale. Over 70 participants attended sessions addressing issues from ―Recognizing Life’s Work‖ (Jane Tuer, QUILL Learning Network) to ―Good Things: A Snapshot of Some Essential Skills for the Workplace Panel Discussion‖ (Marnie Carlson, Gail Hendry, Jeanne Corrigal, and Joan Bellegarde). We are looking forward to the 2011 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange. We will bring together literacy and essential skills professionals, educators, tutors, and adult learners from across Saskatchewan to investigate solutions to the challenges we all face, share success stories, and present the latest research and findings in the area of literacy. With a special focus on essential skills in the workplace, community, and family, the 2011 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange is sure to spark ideas that can build long lasting change in your community.
“The 2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange was a great success again this year with a strong turnout from adult learners across the province. There were many opportunities for learners to connect with one another over the learner’s breakfast in the morning, or to chat over a delicious lunch with all knowledge exchange participants. … The Saskatchewan Literacy Network, in partnership with local colleges and adult education programs, was able to cover the cost for any adult learner who wanted to attend the knowledge exchange. This is a great opportunity for any adult learner and we hope to see even more learners there next year!” Lynda Richards, 2010 Spirit of Community Knowledge Exchange paticipant
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How we do it Raise-a-Reader meets Twitter On September 28, 2011, the SLN partnered with Katrina German of Lifetime Productions, heralded as the most interesting Tweeter in Saskatchewan, along with Postmedia Network Inc., Raise-a-Reader, and social media enthusiasts across the nation. Together we raised awareness of literacy and the 2011 Raise-a-Reader Campaign through the sharing of the ―Living What We Learn‖ photo series and by answering the question: ―How do you raise a reader?‖ The online portion of the campaign reached over 300 000 people with the #RAR hashtag trending in the number one position across Canada.
Paper Bag Princess
Graphic Novel
Living What We Learn Photos and Credits:
Wapos Bay
Paper Bag Princess Photographer: Vanessa Neufeld @Vanessa Neufeld; Fashion Stylist and Dress Designer: Chelsey Gruza @chelseygruza; Accessories: Tonic- A Shop for Women @tonicsaskatoon; Hair: Amanda Dreis @chopchopsalonsk; Make-up: Jennilee CardinalSchultz @chopchopsalonsk; Models: Jennilee @jennileecs Dragon; Wide Open Theatre; Special Thanks to Daniel Cote at Bricker's Shoes who donated the paper for our paper bag dresses. Graphic Novel Photographer: Kevin Greggain; Photographic Assistant: Dylan Greggain; Models: Katrina German and sons; Katrina's Hair: Keith Bastian @chopchopsalonsk; Sons' hair: Sheila Morris @chopchopsalonsk; Make-up: Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @chopchopsalonsk Wapos Bay Photographer: Naidu Photography; Adult Model: Bobby Henry from the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Literacy Network; Models' Hair: Sheila Morris @chopchopsalonsk; Models Make-up: Jennilee Cardinal-Schultz @chopchopsalonsk; Bobby's outfit: @MintFashionCo
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Where We’ve Been
This year we've been to communities across Saskatchewan and beyond.
We’ve expanded our reach across the world wide web through social media, blogging, and our website.
Have we been to yours?
Have you joined the conversation?"
Saskatchewan 2010 - 2011
Buffalo Narrows Pinehouse Lake Beauval
Sandy Bay
Flying Dust First Nation Winnipeg, MB Ottawa, ON Toronto, ON Montreal, QC
Meadow Lake
Lloydminster
Prince Albert Melfort
North Battleford
Humboldt
Saskatoon Rosetown
Slave Lake, AB Edmonton, AB Calgary, AB
Canora Wynyard
Kamsack Yorkton Ituna
Craik Hazlet
Moose Jaw
Swift Current Nekaneet First Nation Assiniboia
Regina
Fort Qu’Appelle Esterhazy Moosomin
Weyburn
Carlyle
Estevan
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SLN Supporters and Sponsors We wish to thank our funders, supporters, and everyone who helps the SLN promote the importance of literacy throughout Saskatchewan. We collaborate with community based organizations, government offices, and those involved in the development and delivery of literacy based programming in Saskatchewan.
Funders Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Office of Literacy and Essential Skills Health Canada Advanced Education, Employment & Immigration Ministry of Education, Provincial Library and Literacy Office ABC Literacy Life Canada Canadian Commission for UNESCO Sponsors, Donors and Fundraisers SaskEnergy Cameco Corporation Postmedia Raise-a-Reader International Council for Cultural Change Naome Soleil Allan Quigley
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SLN Membership Benefits The Saskatchewan Literacy Network is committed to:
connecting members with the latest literacy information and with each other being a voice for literacy in Saskatchewan, both provincially and nationally ensuring that the opinions of adult learners guide its work
Saskatchewan Literacy Network members:
receive and contribute to the Saskatchewan Literacy Network’s monthly electronic newsletter, receive free shipping within the province for SLN resources, receive reduced rates on knowledge exchange fees, receive information about the latest literacy research, may run for or elect representatives for the Saskatchewan Literacy Network’s Board of Directors, and can add their voices to a thriving provincial literacy network.
About 40% of adults in Saskatchewan face literacy challenges. Literacy impacts our society, economy, health, families, and personal wellness. Literacy is everyone’s business. With your help we can continue to strengthen our collective voice for literacy in Saskatchewan. Your voice is critical to building strong learning communities throughout the province. SLN Members are:
literacy practitioners, volunteers, regional colleges, schools and libraries, regional literacy coalitions, businesses,
literacy learners, community groups, SIAST campuses, Aboriginal organizations, government departments, and employers.
Phone: 306-651-7288 Fax: 306-651-7287 Toll Free: 1-888-511-2111 www.sk.literacy.ca
[email protected] Page 14
Saskatchewan Literacy Network Membership Form September 2011 – August 2012 Name:______________________________________________________ Position:____________________________________________________ Organization:_______________________________________________ Street Address:______________________________________________ City: _________________________
Postal Code:_____________
Phone (Work): _________________
(Home):__________________
Fax: ___________________________ Email address:_______________________________________________ Type of Membership
Fee
Organization
$70
Includes membership benefits for 3 individuals.
Individual/Small Program
$25
Includes membership benefits for 1 individual.
Learner
Please check one
Up to $5
Please send this form with a cheque to: Saskatchewan Literacy Network 202 – 626 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 1A9
Thank You! Phone: 306-651-7288 Fax: 306-651-7287 Toll Free: 1-888-511-2111 www.sk.literacy.ca
[email protected]
Saskatchewan Literacy Network 202 – 626 Broadway Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7N 1A9 Toll Free: 1-888-511-2111 Email:
[email protected] Twitter: @sklitnet Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaskatchewanLiteracyNetwork Web: http://www.sk.literacy.ca
