We have certainly ramped up for fall with many exciting things happening!

We are offering a series of webinars as an alternative to the usual face to face PD Conference this year. The lineup and registration information is below.

The online module Literacy, Adult Learners, and You! is a great opportunity for new and returning practitioners to broaden your knowledge of the Nova Scotia School of Adult Learning and the programs and resources it offers. The two modules offered this month can be used towards certification and will provide experience with online learning.

Our board is starting a strategic planning session and we ask that you provide input through the survey found in this enews by November 2nd.

We have been encouraged by the inclusion of literacy into the poverty reduction strategy. Brigid Hayes’ communications are keeping the field updated from the national level.

We all have an opportunity to provide input into the UNESCO global report on adult learning and education. As well, the Community Sector Council is looking for input from non-profits on how they are managing during the pandemic.

There are lots of opportunities for your voice to be heard! Including through your municipal elections. Don’t forget to vote! Election day is October 17, and the dates for advance polls vary by jurisdiction. How to vote will depend on where you live in the province. Information about voting can be found on your municipality's website.

There is an opportunity for funding through the Emergency Community Support Fund through the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia and Rural Communities Foundation of Nova Scotia.

This fall, the Literacy Nova Scotia Board of Directors will be working with the Acadia Entrepreneurship Centre (AEC) to renew LNS' strategic plan. We are very excited about this process, and we are reaching out to you for your input. The survey will take between 7 - 25 minutes to complete. Please complete and submit the survey by Friday, October 30, 2020 at 5:00pm.

We have reimagined how we are offering the Professional Development Conference for Practitioners: Strengthening Communities Together. This year, Labour and Advanced Education and Literacy Nova Scotia are pleased to offer seven webinars on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4:00pm AT from October 21 to December 9, 2020. These sessions are funded by Labour and Advanced Education and support the NSSAL system. Webinar descriptions are on the LNS website. Funding for Webinar Wednesdays was provided by LAE. Register    Questions? Contact Marie David.

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.

The Practitioner Training module Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU! is scheduled to begin on Monday. This is a great opportunity for new and returning practitioners to broaden your knowledge of the Nova Scotia School of Adult Learning, and the programs and resources it offers, as well as taking a look at adult literacy through the lens of Literacy Nova Scotia. You’ll think about yourself as a practitioner. What do you have to offer? What do you need to develop? What are the joys and satisfactions that come with working with learners in the adult learning program? Is this the place for you? Learning Outcomes.

Check out the PT schedule and register now - it’s a great place to start the program and begin the school year! PT modules scheduled for October 2020:
• Literacy, Adult Learners and YOU!: Oct 12 – Nov 6
• Teaching Math: Keeping It Real: Oct 12 – Nov 6
Check out the Practitioner Training webpage for details on the program, modules, tuition schedule, and how to register for modules. Questions? Contact Marie David or call 1-800-255-5203.
 

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.

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Each October, community activities and events take place across Nova Scotia to share information and increase awareness of the Mi’kmaq culture, history and heritage. All are invited to join the celebration. Website

October 13th at 1:00pm AT: National Inquiry Into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls
October 20th at 1:00pm AT: Etuaptmumk / Two-Eyed Seeing: Ways of Knowing for the Benefit of All
Participants will learn about Canada’s shared history with Indigenous peoples, and how to take leadership roles in co-creating shared learning spaces. Register

October 13th at 1:00pm AT
What kind of leadership is required to guide us through a pandemic, an economic meltdown, and a social uprising around racial equality? This webinar will review three forms of leadership that have emerged to address these challenges. Register.

October 14th at 9:45am AT on Facebook Live
During this online event, CSCNS will celebrate Nova Scotia's First Annual Provincial Day of Recognition for the Nonprofit Sector, and will announce of the Bhayana Family Foundation Invisible Champion Award Winners. Event.

Home and School Connection: October 14th, 9:30am AT - This is a practical and informative workshop on how to use Power School and Google Classroom.
Who's Zooming?: October 14th, 1:00pm AT - Participants will gain experience using Zoom to connect online with family, friends, clubs, groups, etc.
To register, call 902-472-3133

October 14th at 2:00pm AT
As we look to pandemic recovery and approach the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th, how can we ensure one which is transformational, equitable and sustainable? Register.

October 15th at 2:00pm AT
Participants will learn best practices for establishing and managing reserve funds. Many not-for-profit organizations are revisiting their need and use of reserve funds to stay resilient and allow for operational continuity. Register

October 21st at 2:00pm AT
The innovative Collective Change Lab will focus on research, practice and leadership development, and will also include investing in people, processes and reinventing change practices. Webinar participants will explore the challenges of achieving transformative change and impact. Register

October 28th at 2:00pm AT
Participants will learn strategies and best practices for meaningfully engaging youth in program evaluation, including planning and carrying out the evaluation and communicating evaluation findings. Register

Wednesdays from October 28 to November 25, 4:00 - 4:45pm AT
In this webinar series, participants will learn to be better money managers. Topics include setting financial goals, building budgets, ways to save, building credit, avoiding online scams and ways to pay using money technology. Register.

Statistics Canada unveiled Canada’s Official Poverty Dashboard of Indicators on September 8th, International Literacy Day. For 2020, literacy has been included as one of the 12 indicators, and is recognized as an essential component for healthy and resilient communities.  Read more

Antigonish resident Malak Alahmad has been recognized for her dedication to improving literacy and for making a difference in the lives of Syrian women. “Malak’s commitment to learning, and supporting her family and community are truly inspiring,” said Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.  Read more

“On behalf of all Premiers, I congratulate the 2020 recipients of the Council of the Federation Literacy Award,” said Québec Premier François Legault, incoming Chair of the Council of the Federation. “The hard work and achievements of this year’s recipients are truly deserving of this recognition.”  Read more

CSCNS is working with Aspiria, and New Ground Financial Inc. to address the gap created by increased demand for services while funding is unpredictable. Sign up for the program and get free CSCNS membership. Nonprofits can provide the program to their staff and volunteers for $16.68 a year per person if 5,000 individuals are signed up by October 1st. 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:

• ECA: Éducation Competences Essentielles Autonomisation - Cadre de curriculum
• E3 Curriculum Framework 2020
• Essential Skills Workbooks: Reading, Writing, Numeracy and Thinking
• Newcomer Introduction to Classes Online (NICO)
• Video: Google Classroom for Students

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

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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - October 2020
Alphaplus - September 2020
As I Was Saying - September 2020
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - September 2020
Tamarack Institute - September 2020
Tech Tips - September 2020
Transforming Lives - September 2019
Volunteer Canada News - October 2020
World Education / U.S. - October 2020