The art of proposal writing can be both a rewarding and frustrating experience. A key element of any proposal involves appropriate research surrounding the concept to be considered. Research can take a number of forms. These include, but are not restricted to, general inquiries as to whether your idea has been tried elsewhere, the identification of a need for the activity and a literature search.

Last year the Public Libraries Board received funding to compile and house a collection of literacy resources to be held at the Gander Public Library. This material is now available on loan to literacy stakeholders throughout the province. This site is an excellent location to provide support to the research component of your proposal. Library staff are only too willing to assist.

You will also find information in The Literacy Notepad regarding proposals which have been awarded funding. The names of contact people are published to encourage you to share information. Most recently, the Council, with support from the National Literacy Secretariat, published Literacy Works II. This booklet highlights all literacy projects that were awarded funding since 1994/95 by the National Literacy Secretariat and by The Literacy Development Council since 1995. I encourage you to make use of this information as sound research will increase the likelihood of receiving funding for your proposal.

The Literacy Development Council, in partnership with the Department of Education, are working together to complete a survey of learners who have participated in informal basic literacy programs since 1991. The information collected will provide insight into learner experiences, accessibility to programs, program needs, future goals of learners, etc. Funding for this project has been provided by the National Literacy Secretariat. The information collected from basic literacy learners will be incorporated into research already completed on the formal Adult Basic Education programs by the Department of Education this year. The results of the research will be made available to stakeholders upon completion of the project.

To help facilitate this research we need your assistance. The leaders of all informal groups will be contacted shortly to ascertain the number of learners involved in informal programs since 1991. Following this, leaders will be asked to submit the names and contact information of this group. The management committee, with support from a research team, will decide on a suitable random sample to be contacted about specific information concerning their learning experiences.

You may call Don McDonald at 1-800-563-1111 or Wayne Taylor at 1-709-729-5363 with specific information about informal programs in existence, informal programs that are no longer in operation, or for additional information about the project. It is extremely important that the information gathered be based on the largest target audience available. Both the Department of Education and The Literacy Development Council recognize the sensitivity associated with basic literacy services. They also recognize that confidentiality is an issue for many basic literacy students. This survey will be carried out using the highest degree of professionalism with respect to learner involvement and participation.