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The current official IALS definition of literacy encompasses
more than just reading writing skills:
Literacy is the ability to
understand and employ printed information in daily activities, at home, at
work, and in the community - to achieve goals, and to develop one’s
knowledge and potential.
| 5. |
"Investing in Literacy" video (10 minutes) -
explains LPM’s role and operations and introduces some Manitoba
statistics.
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| 6. |
Presentation by an Adult Learner (10 min.)
(Judith Hayes, our Learner Speaker's Bureau Coordinator can
arrange.)
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| 7. |
Tour of LPM Office and Resource Centre: The main
area features Jasmin's desk (reception), the Resource Centre, Linda's office,
the coat closet and our supply cabinets. Our collection of 5,000 resources
include: tutor materials, learner writings, GED materials, family literacy
information, videos, audio-cassette/book sets, and much more.
We also have
some additional office space next door, where we have more supplies, as well as
our Executive Director's office and Financial Officer's desk.
Our
coffee/lunch room is located next door in Employment Projects of Winnipeg,
while men's and women's washrooms are down the hall.
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| 8. |
Volunteer Handbook:
The LPM Volunteer Handbook
has been prepared to answer some of the most frequently asked questions
volunteers have. There’s quite a lot of information in the policies and
procedures section which we would like you to read over and be familiar
with. |
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Three points I would like to stress: |
- We come to rely on our volunteers as much as we do
staff members, so we ask that you call us if something comes up and you are
unable to make your shift.
- We want you to enjoy working here with us, so if
anything comes up that troubles you - please come and talk to us as soon as
possible so that we can change or improve things to help you out!
- We provide bus tickets for those of you who come by
bus, and we reimburse drivers for their parking costs - provided you hand in
the receipts and fill out an expense form.
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The handbook also outlines a variety of volunteer opportunities
we offer - take some time to look them over. Perhaps there’s something new
in there you’d like to try!
| 9. |
Questions, Wrap-up and Evaluations
Does anyone
have any questions? (If it is getting late, ask those with questions to stay
behind.) Thank you for coming today. Please fill out the evaluation form in
your Information Kit and leave it on the table.
Thank you and see you
soon! |
*****Please note that this orientation is for long-term
volunteers only.
In my experience, short term volunteers – ie: people
helping at special events -- need a much briefer orientation. I usually screen
and interview them as far ahead of the event as possible, to make sure we will
have enough volunteers. Then I meet with them (as a group if possible) for a
group orientation to LPM and the event. I make sure they receive an LPM
brochure, and give them some background information on our programs (adult and
family literacy), the number of programs etc.
For PGI volunteers, I also provide a brief history of the PGI,
and talk about the golf tournament’s format, hours, and special events,
such as entertainment/snacks on the course, and the photographer and Poet
Laureate roaming around.
I also cover the benefits of volunteering: ie: that they can
enjoy breakfast/lunch or snacks, and that they will be receiving a t-shirt or
PGI goodie bag for volunteering. I remind them of their shift commitment
(hours), and remind them to come dressed appropriately for the weather and the
golf course (no jeans). Lastly, I remind them that they are not allowed to
consume alcoholic beverages while volunteering, and that we will have many
corporate sponsors golfing that day, so please ensure that they act
appropriately at all times. |