The New Realities
LLC has, over the past few years, been undergoing a complete evaluation and developing a new strategic plan for 2003 - 2013. This plan will impact on the organization at the national, provincial and local levels. As a result of that strategic planning process, the Annual General Meeting to be held June 4th and 5th at Carleton University in Ottawa is the most important meeting in the history of the organization. In April you will receive documents that will include Part 2 of the Consultation Document and the proposed bylaw changes. Please read them carefully as these by-law changes will be voted on at the AGM. If you are planning to attend the AGM, it is essential that you make informed decisions.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Blueprint Committee and the Chair, Heather Harris for the tremendous work that has been completed by all these volunteers. Laubach Literacy of Canada owes a great debt of gratitude to Heather for her numerous volunteer hours in ensuring the fulfillment of the mandate of the Blueprint Committee. At this time, the Board would like to acknowledge her support and dedication. Please refer to Heather's Blueprint Update for further information on the work of that committee.
There will be many more changes in the next two years as we move our Development Office from Bedford, Quebec to Ottawa, Ontario. Some staff may continue and new staff will be hired based on the recommendations from the Strategic Plan. While we have been immersed in an intense and at times emotional process for the past two years, I am confident that Laubach Literacy of Canada will emerge a revitalized and restructured organization that will continue to provide for the literacy needs of Canadians.
On board for a mere seven months, I have had the opportunity to meet a great number of the volunteers and students associated with Laubach Literacy of Canada. So many, in fact, I have lost count and I know that they represent but a small percentage in the big picture. Foremost among my impressions, are the dedication and affection people have for this organization. So, I am very pleased and proud that I decided to make the move to Laubach.
Now,
while loyalty and dedication form the cornerstone of this organization,
they make it a bit tough on staff and volunteers who are being asked to
act as
agents of change. Change in the organizational structure means tough
management decisions. The Board and I make these decisions but ultimately
it falls to
me to implement them. I often hear "This is the way we have always
done it"
, and it is difficult to have to respond "not anymore"
.
The coming year will be full of changes: a move to Ottawa, a new Board
of Directors, a new approach to training (LETS), the review of many practices
and policies and especially a new form of funding from the Federal Government.
It is important to remember that change is what revitalizes the organization,
keeps it current and valuable to society. Change is good!
Increased scrutiny in all aspects of the Federal Government has already impacted non-profits. We will be asked to report more often, in more detail and at greater cost to the organization. This will be felt throughout Laubach organizations and LLC will do its best to assist and inform its partners.
Finally,
staffing will be drastically changed in the "new"
Laubach.
I have had terrific support from all the staff at LLC so this is all the
more difficult. The new structure and funding have already resulted in the
implementation of some sad decisions. Last year, several Field Services
Coordinator positions
were closed. In the Fall, Julie Kean Marks (NB) transferred
to Laubach Literacy New Brunswick. This Spring, we will say goodbye to Isabella
Fry (NL), Susan
King (NS), Jane Fitschen (BC Interior), Jerry
Horne (BC Mainland) and Pennyann
Tibbitts (TREE). All have done an outstanding job and I know
that everyone at Laubach joins me in thanking them for their contribution
to literacy.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the June AGM and I appreciate your support and efforts throughout this process and time of transition.