These are trying times, especially when working from home, isolated from colleagues and dealing with restrictions. I am grateful for the things about my work that still motivate and inspire me - when we can be supportive in helping people meet their goals.

Each year, with support from NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, we celebrate Adult Learners’ Week in April and usually offer in-person learner writing workshops. Due to COVID restrictions this year, we held an online writing workshop and zoom sessions where learners shared their stories. We were able to support French speaking learners through a partnership with Équipe d'alphabétisation-Nouvelle-Écosse. Gordon Burns of Cheticamp was very excited to win an ipad especially since his laptop had crashed the week before!
A partnership with Feed Nova Scotia allowed us to distribute 3,000 books to families across Nova Scotia in areas of the highest incidence of child poverty. View the Google album.

The learners in the Empowerment for Employment Fisheries project started their work placements at Bakers Point Fisheries on the Eastern Shore.

I am grateful for the support of the NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, who not only provide funding but collaboration and support in meeting our common goals. The final webinar in the series will be offered on May 26th: Supporting Adult Learners with Mental Health Issues by Allison Parsons. The theme for next year’s series has been set as Navigating Challenge and Change which will begin on October 20th.

I love the flexibility and autonomy of working in a non-profit - of being able to find solutions to challenges. We have an engaged board who will be looking for new members prior to the upcoming AGM on June 17th. On behalf of the board and staff, I would like to thank Colleen Thompson, Debra Paris Perry and Gordon Pictou who will be leaving the board at the completion of their terms for their contribution and support of the work of Literacy Nova Scotia. A few other directors will make themselves available for an extended term if necessary. If you are a member and would like to put forward your name, nominations are open until May 21st. Read more.

I enjoy working with my colleagues who are dedicated, passionate and fun to be around! We would like to welcome Emma Campbell, a student at the NSCC Truro Campus who has joined the LNS team for her 5 week work experience. We will also be filling two short term student employment positions (PR Coordinator and Fundraising Coordinator) and finalizing a new hire for the Empowerment for Employment (Health Care) project.

Literacy Nova Scotia (LNS) is seeking nominations to fill a number of positions on its Board of Directors. These positions will be filled at the next Annual General Meeting to be held on June 17, 2021 at 3:00pm.
The Board of Literacy Nova Scotia includes six regional directors, three directors representing adult learners, one director from the business community and one director from labour. The persons nominated must be members of Literacy Nova Scotia and be in a position to support the goals and mission of the organization. Literacy Nova Scotia embraces and encourages nominations of diversity including Indigeneity, Race, Gender, Immigrant Status, Sexual Orientation, and (Dis)Ability.

Skills Needed For the Board: LNS has identified the following skills as being an asset in moving forward to achieve the goals identified by our strategic plan:
a) Individual(s) with fundraising or financial experience (or a willingness to learn)
b) Individual(s) experienced in promotion of literacy and essential skills in business
c) Individual(s) with direct experience in literacy and essential skills program delivery

In addition, as part of their role, Board members also support the overall business and program planning and strategic direction of Literacy Nova Scotia. Board members are active in promoting literacy and essential skills delivery, understanding and analyzing policy and knowledge sharing by providing supports to those involved in the delivery of literacy and essential skills programs in all their forms and at all levels. Nominations close on May 21 at 4:30pm.  Read more

The Public Relations Coordinator will be responsible for raising the profile of Literacy Nova Scotia and its mission by developing and coordinating marketing and communications materials, activities, and events including the creation of an overall marketing strategy for the organization. Job description

The Fundraising Strategy Coordinator will be responsible for the creation of a fundraising strategy and its implementation, with the NSPGI event as its cornerstone. Professional development is encouraged with online training offered. Job description

We have received funding for 8 weeks for each position. NEW application deadline: May 24, 2021. For more information, contact Jayne Hunter, LNS Executive Director

Western Halifax Community Learning Network (WHCLN) is an organization with an educational focus providing “returning to learning” opportunities to adults seeking to upgrade their education in order to improve their job skills and opportunities. They are looking for an experienced and respected leader who can guide the organization in the coming years. Deadline for applications: May 22, 2021. Job description

This year, LNS was excited to offer a new online Adult Learners’ Week Writing Workshop with Author Jenni Blackmore on the LNS Znanja elearning platform. Over 20 adult learners participated in this workshop which was offered from March 22 to April 5, 2021 and included writing activities, videos and Zoom discussions.

The Learning Beacon: Here's an opportunity for adult learners to have their stories published in the 2021 issue. Please encourage your learners to write stories about their hometowns for the Community Map feature. If learners want to submit stories on other subjects, we could have a 'Student Writing' feature. Please email the stories to Marie David by June 30th.

Register now for Practitioner Training modules scheduled for May/June 2021:
• Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU!: May 24 – June 18
• Teaching Math: Keeping It Real: May 24 – June 18
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, training schedule and how to register for modules.
Did you know that you can register for the Practicum Assignment anytime after completing the module Literacy, Adult Learners, and You? Interested? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203. These modules are funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.
Registration Form for NSSAL Participants
Registration Form for Non-NSSAL Participants (Tuition Payers) 

Webinar Wednesday: Upcoming Webinar - Please submit your registration form for Supporting Adult Learners with Mental Health Issues, May 26. Webinar description
Funding for Webinar Wednesdays was provided by LAE.

NSSAL IT Fund: There are funds available 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. The NSSAL IT Fund is funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.

Is there a PD opportunity that would benefit your learning organization?
Apply to the NSSAL PD Fund. Online learning opportunities are eligible. A new learning narrative template has been added. The NSSAL PD Fund is funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system.

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May 26, 2021, 2:30 - 4:00pm AT
Participants will learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the unique challenges and barriers it creates for learners. Methods for creating and delivering inclusive learning programs will be introduced, along with strategies for protecting and promoting the mental well-being of learners and literacy practitioners.    Register

May 2 - 8, 2021
Canadian Children’s Book Week brings the magic of books and reading to children all across Canada! Schools, public libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major literary festival. Website

Tuesdays, May 4 - May 25, 2021, 1:00 - 3:00pm AT
Series 4 will seek to answer the question: "Now What?" - Incorporating Reconciliation Learning into Our Work and Everyday Lives. Mi'kmaw Elders and knowledge sharers will guide participants in a reflection on action and relationships; we will also hear from Nova Scotia based nonprofits that are making change at various levels. Website

June 1 at 2:00pm AT
Kick off Pride Month with this discussion about the future of queer leadership in charitable giving. How are queer leaders affecting positive policy changes and increasing the visibility of initiatives that support 2SLGBTQ+ communities? Register

June 23 at 2:00pm AT
How do colonial ways of giving continue to harm and exclude Indigenous peoples? What needs to shift to respectfully engage and build reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples when exploring the future of giving and sharing on Turtle Island? Register

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Budget 2021 is shaped by the reality of COVID-19 and the post-pandemic recovery. The budget casts a wide net with an amazing range of programs and initiatives, and has several elements of interest to those involved in literacy, essential skills, and adult skills training.  Read more

This award honours innovation in the development, implementation and delivery of adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs in Canada. The top prize is $20,000 and four honourable mention awards are $5,000 each. Submissions are due by June 1, 2021 at 6:00pm AT.  Read more

This funding assists communities and public schools that require additional supports to help students succeed in Math and Literacy. Eight grants of $22,000 each will be awarded: one grant to a partnership in each of the province’s seven regional centres for education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. Apply by May 28, 2021 at 3:00pm AT  Read more

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has hit charity and nonprofit staff hard. A significant 33% of participating organizations laid off at least one staff member since March 2020. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of organizations engaged in permanent layoffs.   Read more

Speaking of love in the boardroom is not standard practice. We tend to shy away from such language when it comes to the large societal structures we live within. When we are led by love as service providers, we seek to understand, and are open to the perspectives of other people.   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. This resource is fully funded by Labour and Advanced Education to support the NSSAL system. Recently uploaded resources:

• An Aboriginal Essential Skills Journey - Planting the Seeds for Growth
• Our Words, Our Ways: Teaching First Nations, Métis and Inuit Learners

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

Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) offers resources on their website to support individuals and organizations as we navigate the restrictions and stressors of the post-pandemic.   Resource

In this podcast, social impact leader Chi Nguyen talks about how to lead with a feminist and inclusive lens as we recover from the pandemic.   Read more

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ABC Life Literacy Canada - April 2021
As I Was Saying - April 2021
CALP Connections - April 2021
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - April 2021
NWT Literacy Council Newsletter - April 2021
Tamarack Institute - April 2021
Transforming Lives - March 2021
Volunteer Canada News - April 2021
World Education / U.S. - April 2021