Trails to Literacy: PHASES

Phase 1 Vision - Concept

Of course, you will need a "platform" to build your project upon. This will be unique to each community and may change over time to suit the needs of the agency, participants and partners in producing a 'Positive Pathway to a Brighter Future.' The concept must allow you to achieve the goals and benefits that you have set out for the project; it should have a clear marketing potential; and it ought to spark an interest with potential participants, volunteers and partners.

Use your imagination and your community's resources! Some of the pilot 'trails' involved:

• Improving an actual physical trail and interpreting its surrounding plants, animals and/or history;
• Workshops involving native heritage-ceremonies, crafts, healing, etc.;
• Working with a local museum to provide a plain language brochure for all members of a community, even those with low literacy skills; or
• Becoming involved with a local conservation committee to promote a better environment.

Considering "what learning opportunities and ways there are to demonstrate skills through concrete, hands-on activities" is a key factor when investigating your concept. Will there be a wide enough scope to provide for a range of goals, interests and learning levels? Will there be various streams of learning such as research, writing, clerical, administrative, public relations, fundraising, historical, carpentry (or other trades), computer, environmental, tutoring, etc.?

One of my employees has graduated from the Trails program and has found it made a tremendous difference in his life. Trails to Literacy also adds to the infrastructure of the community, in our case improving the Trans Canada Trail, which improves life for the residents and tourists alike. This program is definitely an asset to the community."

Mayor Bill MacDonald