Volume 6, Number 4 - September 2000

We Want to Talk to You . . .
Setting the Agenda for Tomorrow

After almost 10 years, Literacy BC and our key partners are taking some time for reflection. A short pause to take stock, look at what we have accomplished and determine the most effective strategies for the future. Linda Mitchell, Executive Director for Literacy BC, says, “We need to take a footprint. We need to hear what people have to say, and gather information that will give background to create strategies for change in the future.”

A year-long consultation process will begin across the province to explore the fundamental issues of literacy awareness, program activities, delivery strategies, policy directions, leadership and sustainability.

“What are the current perceptions about literacy? Why is it an issue and how serious is it for society?” These are the questions we will be asking to help us - and you -understand the complexity, the changing perception and attitudes, and the importance of literacy relative to other issues. We want to find out what has been and is being done about literacy, by whom and how effectively. What are the programs and strategies that are happening in the province?

These questions will help us think about the next steps…what needs to be done in the future and, most importantly, by whom. What should our measures of success be? “We need benchmarks for evaluation so that in the future we can judge if the strategies we have put in place have made a difference”, says Linda.

As part of the consultation, you may meet us as we travel through your community or hear from us by telephone. We will be engaging employers, unions, educational institutions, community organizations, government, media, learners and anyone else interested and involved in the future of literacy and learning in British Columbia. Linda, along with Stacey Huget, Special Projects Consultant for Literacy BC, and Maxine Adam, Coordinator of our Workforce Literacy Initiative, will be busy this fall and winter reaching out for information that will help shape specific recommendations for future literacy strategies in BC.

Literacy BC will also be hosting a Provincial Literacy Conference and Forum November 30, December 1 and 2, 2000, which will be an important part of the consultation process and shaping our "Agenda for Tomorrow."

"I am excited about these opportunities to bring people together to create a new vision for literacy in the province. This process will identify our common interests and draw people together so our hands are joined. It will help us find the roadmap for a new vision and will create stronger alliances and partnerships," says Linda. "We will learn how to create a stronger and clearer message about why literacy is important…messages that resonate…key messages that will help make a difference so people truly value literacy and learning in their lives."

The province wide consultation and the Conference will also help us to recognize there is much to celebrate after ten years of literacy activities, and result in a strong sense of accomplishment.

If you have any questions or want more information please call Linda Mitchell at 1-800-663-1293 or email l_mitchell@douglas.bc.ca

Stacey Huget at (604) 633-2161 or email shuget@att.canada