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- informal conversations where possible
- making agencies aware of the proposed program and the need for
partnership through existing channels and structures
- telephone calls to set up an appointment to explain the proposed
program and learn about agency's services and clients' literacy
needs
- presentation to agencies, leaving information package and
possibly a video
- hosting of meeting or focus group with interested parties
One coordinator in Alberta described how, after making appointments
with potential partners, she goes in and talks with agency staff about
what they have observed in terms of literacy needs in their clients.
She then uses the United Way video Litrasee? Put it on the List to
demonstrate how different professionals adapt their approaches to
accommodate low-literacy clients. She also takes information on the
proposed program to leave with the agency staff and administration.
Prompt sheet
During the telephone call to agencies, whether as an initial contact
or as follow-up to informal discussion, it's important to be well
prepared in terms of what you are asking for and what information
you're presenting. We suggest using a telephone "prompt sheet"
that includes the following information in the message:
- your name and who you are with
- that your organization is in the preliminary stages of planning a
program to support families and improve literacy in the community
- that you are putting together a group of stakeholders to help
determine directions and goals for the program
- that working together on this project would benefit both
organizations by reaching families that need the support and
improving their access to services
- that you would appreciate the opportunity to visit their agency
to discuss their role in the community, who they serve, and how you
might work together to meet needs in the community
- tell them that when you visit their agency, you'll bring an
information package that explains the proposed project more fully
- that you see it as essential that parents and caregivers have the
opportunity to express their needs and have input into planning the
program. Explain that you would like to discuss the possibility of
meeting with a group of the agency's clients to discuss the program.
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