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Not surprisingly, many of these recommendations dovetail with and reinforce the findings and strategies outlined in PLAC, IALS, and other research – particularly those that are the most complex to address and implement. What is surprising is the relative consensus with which a diverse group of British Columbians endorse the need to forge ahead.

In his forward to The Big Picture Up Close, Paul Gallagher of Gallagher and Associates asks a key question for all of us.

“So, what now? Like many other readers, I have stacks of excellent reports sitting on my shelves, untouched after a first or second reading. What a shame it would be if this report were to get the same treatment! This report cries out for implementation – for action – for urgent action – and that will be a special challenge especially in these severe economic times in this province.

I urge all of us individually to ask: What can I do to follow up on the recommendations contained in this report? I urge all of us collectively to ask: What can we do together to make this consultation process truly meaningful and of practical and lasting benefit to British Columbians?”

We at Literacy BC are committed to ensuring Paul’s questions do not go unanswered. We encourage all of our readers, members, and other interested groups and individuals to participate in shaping a vision for literacy and learning in BC based on the outcomes of this consultation. We invite everyone to read The Big Picture Up Close and to send us ideas and suggestions for further research, discussion forums, and actionbased strategies that, together, will help make each of these 20 recommendations a reality.

View The Big Picture Up Close on our web site: www.literacy.bc.ca Or request a hard copy, free of charge, from Literacy BC. Phone: 1-800-663-1293 toll-free in BC or 604-684-0624 Email: info@literacy.bc.ca

Movement for Canadian Literacy Call to Action! www.literacy.ca National Literacy Action Agenda MCL has produced a discussion guide on the National Literacy Action Agenda. This guide invites the literacy community to comment on the priorities and goals MCL has assembled from various consultations and discussions over the past few years. The guide is on the MCL web site and you can find it in month’s edition of literacy.ca (inserted with this newsletter). National Literacy Action Agenda literacy.ca Literacy Action Campaign 2002: Call to Action Fall 2002 promises some important opportunities to move adult literacy in Canada ahead by a giant step. Skills and Learning are an important part of the Innovation Agenda the federal government has been working on since early 2001. MCL has also been working hard to see that adult literacy has the place it deserves in a National Skills and Learning Strategy for all Canadians. Check out the MCL web site for ideas and resources to help you participate in the Literacy Action Campaign 2002.