What a month it has been! Nova Scotians have witnessed so much loss and tragedy and have dealt with many changes to our lives.

We continue to maintain our operations and seem to be busier than ever!

Along with our usual work, this time of year brings additional tasks in the form of year end audits, reports to funders, planning for the next few years in preparation of funding proposals, along with board meetings and AGM. With our homes now our office as well, it is even more important that we maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Working from home may have created additional challenges for some. We’ve offered two options for the NSSAL grant activity report – google form or a word document. They are now available on the website. Grant recipients will have each received an email from Marie as a check in to determine if you will have slippage and how you might spend that on eligible costs. Guidelines and eligible expenses have not changed but we realize you may have to adjust what you originally requested.

Planning for the fall conference has begun and we have a plan B to hold it virtually if necessary. The call for presenters is now on the website and we will be noting those who are able to accommodate virtual presentations if needed. Registration will open in September when we have a better idea of what the public health regulations may be.

Literacy Nova Scotia’s AGM will be Friday June 12th at 2:00pm via Zoom. Members should watch for the call for nominations to the board which will go out mid May.

Please be kind to yourself as we deal with troubling times and the toll it can take on us – physically and mentally. Warmer and brighter days are ahead!

November 5 - 6, 2020 at Holiday Inn Truro, 437 Prince St, Truro NS
LNS invites knowledgeable presenters with experience in adult education facilitation to submit proposals for 90-minute workshop sessions allowing for presentation, interactive activities and discussion. Workshops will need to accommodate groups of 12 - 20 people. We welcome proposals for workshops on, but not limited to, topics ensuring adherence to the theme of Strengthening Community Together. Workshop proposals must be submitted using the online form. We are also looking for keynote, panel and plenary session presenters. Questions? Contact Marie David   Read more

The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2020 issue of The Learning Beacon. This is an annual online publication which is posted in November. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. Creative writing by adult learners could be included in a Student Writing feature. Email your stories to marie.david@literacyns.ca

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for May 2020:
• Teaching Math: Basic Principles: May 25 – Jun 19
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules.
Practicum Assignment: If you are teaching virtually and have completed the module Literacy, Adult Learners, & You!, you may wish to complete the practicum assignment at this time. Contact Marie David for more information.
Funding from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education (LAE) ensures free tuition for participants from NSSAL who are LNS members.

NSSAL IT Fund: There is a small amount remaining for community-based learning organizations to purchase equipment and resources necessary for the delivery of NSSAL’s Adult Learning Program. Read more information on criteria and application process. Funds provided by LAE.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the NSSAL PD Fund. Online learning opportunities are eligible. Funds provided by LAE and applications will be reviewed as necessary over the next month.

Computers for Schools: In light of the current COVID-19 situation, Computers for Schools has closed their office until further notice. All current computer orders will be put on hold until they return to their normal operations.
 

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Charity Village is offering free webinars on how nonprofits can adapt to new ways of operating due to COVID-19 and physical distancing.
Fundraisers Are Influencers with a Cause  May 7 at 2:00pm AT
Equity and Inclusion through Volunteering  May 14 at 2:00pm AT
Helping your NFP Organization Weather the Economic Storm  May 28 at 2:00pm AT
Are Charities Ready for Social Finance?  June 25 at 2:00pm AT

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Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) commissioned the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) to survey the Nonprofit Sector in Nova Scotia. The result is a comprehensive and compelling analysis and policy implications. Report

This $20,000 award is presented to Canadian organizations offering a unique and innovative adult or adult-integrated family literacy program. In addition to the top award, up to four other submissions may be selected to receive an honourable mention award of $5,000 each. Submission deadline: June 1 at 6:00pm AT. Read more

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LNS Resource Hub is the place for literacy practitioners who teach, tutor or mentor adult learners in Nova Scotia to share and co-develop teaching resources and discuss best practices. Recently uploaded resources:

• 2020 Adult Learners' Week eBooklet
• Computer Literacy Self-Assessment
• GED Math Preparation
• LAE Adult Education Division Regional PD for Partners: Fall 2019 - The Learning Plan, Goal Setting & Assessment
• Making the Connections: Violence and Learning Information Sheets
• Teaching Reading to Adults: A Balanced Approach
• Teaching Toolbox Videos
• Tolerance for Uncertainty - A Covid-19 Workbook

If you don't already have an account on the LNS Resource Hub, email Elaine Frampton to request an account registration code.
 

Support measures have been announced to determine which programs affect nonprofit and voluntary organizations in Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource from Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia provides information on what federal and provincial measures are available.   Resource

This new series is designed for students who require instruction in a specific comprehension skill. Students will enjoy building their knowledge through reading the contemporary non-fiction passages in the workbooks. Regular Price: $12.95,
Sale Price: $2.95. Limit: 8 books per customer, Discount Code: 5010  Read more

Coalition ontarienne de formation des adultes (COFA) have published Soar, a special edition of its magazine Perfectio. Several articles address how to best make use of digital skills and tools, a timely topic during this pandemic. Resource

Red Bear Healing Home is a registered non-profit providing education and services for people who are economically and socially disadvantaged in Nova Scotia. Red Bear Connects offers free voice mail, information, resources, referrals, friendly listening and peer support for people in need.  Read more

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ABC Life Literacy Canada - April 2020
As I Was Saying - April 2020
Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia - April 2020
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - April 2020
Tamarack Institute - April 2020
Transforming Lives - April 2020
Village Vibes - May 2020
Volunteer Canada News - April 2020
World Education / U.S. - May 2020