Transforming LLC A Blueprint Update

With plans now underway for the June 2004 LLC Annual General Meeting, the work of the Blueprint Committee is nearing completion. The task of transforming Laubach Literacy of Canada into a national organization able to withstand the rigors of the current volatility and turbulence has been a daunting one.

In June 2003, the LLC membership approved a restructured and revitalized governance structure for the national organization. The new Laubach Board will be comprised of Provincial Presidents or their designates. Incorporated provincial organizations will become the members of LLC. Students, tutors and volunteers will be members of their local councils and provincial organizations but not members of LLC. Staff will be restructured over the ten-year span of the strategic plan to ensure we have the right people in the right positions doing the right things. Essentially, the decisions approved by the LLC membership in June 2003 paved the way for LLC to be more connected to and supportive of its grass roots operations.

At the June 2003 AGM, the LLC membership also extended the mandate of the Blueprint Committee to complete the ten-year strategic plan. This process was to continue under the guidance and support of Ottawa consultant, Ronald Bisson.

The Blueprint Committee met for three days in September 2003 to continue the planning process. Decisions made at this planning session were distributed to key stakeholders mid-September. A national consultation process was carried out from late September to mid-December seeking feedback on decisions which were mainly operational in nature. Over 200 Laubach members across Canada participated in the Fall 2003 consultation process.

The Blueprint Committee met again in January 2004 to study the feedback from the Fall consultations and to finish writing the strategic plan. Constructive membership input during the Fall consultation process led to several significant modifications to original committee decisions. Final recommendations were formulated for all aspects of the 2003-2013 LLC Strategic Plan at this meeting. Lynne Lalonde of the National Literacy Secretariat graciously joined the LLC Blueprint Committee for a brief meeting on Friday, January 16, 2004. At this time a very positive and productive sharing of information occurred.

WHAT'S COMING

Distribution of Blueprint Documents - Part 2 of the Consultation Document outlining all recommendations of the Blueprint Committee which have not yet been voted on will be distributed to key stakeholders the first week of April. In addition a copy of current and proposed bylaw changes will be included in this mailing.

Adoption of LLC's 10-year Strategic Plan - The LLC June 2004 Annual General Meeting, to be held at Carleton University in Ottawa, will be mainly dedicated to the adoption of the Strategic Plan and the necessary bylaw changes. The Blueprint process will be held: Friday, June 4 from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturday, June 5 from 9:00AM to noon.

Your participation in building a new blueprint for Laubach Literacy of Canada is essential as we come to a critical juncture in the road. Significant consultation with Laubach stakeholders has taken place, and a new plan has been built based on that feedback. The choice is now up to YOU as members of LLC. While change can be unsettling, it is now time to show our national funder that LLC is serious about the long term viability of our organization and that we have indeed turned the corner and are heading in the right direction. RESULTS COUNT! Timely implementation of, and adherence to, the strategic plan are now key factors in terms of LLC's credibility and commitment to the transformation process.

We look forward to your participation and support in June. For more information on the Blueprint process please contact:
Heather Harris, Blueprint Committee Chair, or any member of the Blueprint Committee:
Bessie Merrigan, LLC President
Susan King, NS
Jim Nimmo, PE
Kim Jensen, BC
Paula Power , NL
Pam Iype, NB
Myles Gallant, ON
Gary Porter, ON
Wendy Seys, QC

Visit LLC's website (www.laubach.ca) for contact information!

Heather Harris, Chair
108 Harvey Road, Riverview, NB E1B 2K1
Tel: 506-386-8034 or E-mail: harren@nbnet.nb.ca