National news briefs
Sign the petition – The Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL) and Frontier College still need literacy tutors and students to "stand up and be counted." If you have not already signed the petition that was being circulated last fall, it's not too late! Signed petitions that are returned to MCL will be delivered to key politicians later this year. Visit www.literacy.ca for details.
Change of Minister – The National Literacy Secretariat is part of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). With the departure of Hon. Joe Volpe as HRSDC minister in December, the Hon. Lucienne Robillard assumed responsibility for this department. Mme. Robillard has held 4 portfolios in the federal Cabinet in recent years. Visit: www.luciennerobillard.parl.gc.ca/
Weaving the Web – The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs has published a series of booklets called Weaving Literacy into Family and Community Life. The five booklets include A Literacy Workers Guide to Family Resource Programs (23 pages). It is aimed at literacy tutors who want to know more about Family Resource Programs and the partnerships they offer in communities like yours, all across Canada. Cost for the booklet is $7. To order a copy, visit www.frp.ca and click on "Publications."
Patron honoured – Since becoming a LLC patron, John W. Irwin was awarded an honourary Doctor of Law (LLB) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Mr. Irwin, now retired from his work with Irwin Publishing, is one of 6 national LLC patrons.
Plain Language – LLC has a proud legacy of producing plain language books for students. Our national Communications & Liaison Officer, Debra Huron, will represent LLC and offer a 3- hour plain language workshop to people involved in Family Resource Programs. Their national conference will be held in Ottawa May 18-20. Visit www.frp.ca and click on Synergy Conference for more info.
Pierre Berton – LLC sent condolences to the family of Pierre Berton after his death in December 2004. Mr. Berton became a LLC patron in 2002.
National Volunteer Week – This annual event, sponsored by Volunteer Canada, is a chance for all voluntary sector groups to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of volunteers. Visit our national website to see a tribute message to Laubach volunteers (www.laubach.ca).
Internet Forum for Tutors – If you are an experienced tutor and enjoy using the Internet, would you be willing to act as a resource on a national Internet Forum set up by LLC's National Office? New tutors can benefit from the knowledge and experience of more experienced tutors. To learn more, please contact Debra Huron at dhuron@laubach.ca or call 1- 888-248-2898.
