The process of Phase II had to start with further contact with practitioners to clarify the understanding of issues raised at the AGM. Two 6 month projects ran simultaneously to facilitate speedy collection of data. The following, in order of priority, have been sincerely and accurately collected and recorded as the current needs of the Native literacy field.

Current Needs of the Native Literacy Field

1. Provide ongoing support through site visits to programs.
2. Provide orientation for new practitioners
3. Assist Practitioners with administrative issues including contracts, funding proposals, program delivery.
4. Identify ongoing training needs of Practitioners and ways in which these needs can be met
5. Advocate on behalf of Practitioners with host organizations, ONLC, MTCU etc.
6. Develop ways to improve communication between ONLC and Practitioners
7. Assist Practitioners with ongoing strategies to retain learners, recruit learners and enhance program delivery
8. Work with Practitioners to develop “Best Practices” for Program Delivery
9. Set up and maintain regional networks and/or mentoring circles.
10. Develop ways in which ONLC can enhance recognition of their Practitioners

The additional collection of data in Phase II supports and justifies the field’s request for a full time field development worker. Although the focus on data collection seemed like a backward step it was a necessary one to take, to be truly responsive to field development. At the same time, the ONLC has addressed the original proposal objectives for Phase II. The five recommendations resulting from Phase II have been tied to the original proposal objectives. These 5 are also related to the field’s priorities and have been numbered according to where the field places them.