Welcome back to a new year of learning! Things may look a little different but our goals remain the same. It’s a new year for our members and time to renew membership. If you are receiving this enews and aren’t currently a member, consider joining us as we work towards advancing adult literacy.

We are looking forward to providing a series of webinars in place of the usual fall PD Conference. You’ll recognize some names in the line-up such as Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard and Dr. Michael Unger, along with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, a multi-award-winning psychology and education instructor who specializes in resiliency, navigating stress and change, and personal wellness in the workplace.

The NSSAL Community Grant Committee had extended the application deadline to August 30th and will be reviewing the applications in mid-September. Those who applied will be notified by the end of September.

LNS membership fees were due on August 31, 2020. Renewal notices were emailed to members over the past two months. If you haven’t already renewed, please renew your membership or become an LNS member to retain access to our programs and services. These include supports to learners, practitioners, and organizations, printed resources and subscribed informational emails. Your support helps Nova Scotians access quality literacy and essential skills programs. It also ensures paid and volunteer practitioners have the skills they need, supports adult learners’ participation and promotes the value of literacy and essential skills to all Nova Scotians. Thank you for your support!

Wednesdays, from October 21 to December 9, 2020
The PD Conference Planning committee has been actively monitoring developments on COVID-19 and made the decision to offer this year’s conference in a virtual format. LNS will offer Strengthening Community Together, a series of 90-minute webinars allowing for presentation, interactive activities and discussion. The webinar schedule is available. 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.

Register now for Practitioner Training 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. The schedule of modules for October 2020 – June 2021 is available. 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.

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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Tuesday September 8, 6:00 - 7:00pm AT
Municipal Election Day in Nova Scotia is Saturday October 17th, 2020. This webinar offers practical information from experienced campaigners for those who have decided to run for election, and how to vote and campaign safely during the pandemic. Register

Wednesdays from September 9 to October 7, 7:00 - 9:00pm AT. Cost $150
This workshop series is for those interested in developing tools and practices for disrupting internalized racism through self-reflection, and then exploring what taking responsibility looks like through interruption and committing to action. To register, email Maureen St.Clair.

Thursday, September 10 at 2:00pm AT
Participants will learn how to become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), including how to apply and how to maintain certification. Register.

September 14 - October 23, 2020
Job Junction and Nova Scotia Works are offering OWL Workshops for mature workers seeking employment or hoping to get back into the workforce. Due to COVID-19 precautions, seats are limited for this in-person program. To register, email OWL@jobjunction.ca or call 902-407-OWLS (6957).

September 21 - 24, 2020
The four-day online event hosted by the Coady Institute will explore the successes and challenges in implementing UNSCR 1325 and its impacts on the lives of women and girls over the past 20 years through the shared experiences of local women in all corners of the world. Register

Thursday, September 24 at 2:00pm AT
This is an overview of CharityVillage's video interviewing platform, which includes options for pre-screening and live interviews, and is ideal for those hiring staff or volunteers. Register.

Wednesday, September 30, 2:00 - 3:30pm AT
Canadians are facing unprecedented disruption to their work, school, and home lives because of COVID-19. Frontier College will host this national online forum on literacy and technology to explore the role of technology in literacy and learning. Register

This is a listing of classes, activities and events offered for adults and kids at South Shore Public Libraries' locations in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Liverpool, and Greenfield. Read more

Thursday, October 15 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

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Digital Mi’kmaq is a groundbreaking new initiative that aims to create new and lasting opportunities for Mi’kmaw youth through the interplay of science, culture, education and digital skills. For details about available positions, email careers@digitalmikmaq.com    Website

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

On Essential Skills Day (Thursday, September 24, 2020) we acknowledge the vital role that workplace education plays in enabling us to adapt to changes and succeed in our jobs. This resource has links to definitions, workbooks, teachers' resources, a mobile app assessment tool, and essential skill FAQs. Resource

This is a summary of what parents and children starting pre-primary can expect and what they need to know about COVID-19 hygiene practices. Resource

Decoda Literacy has shared a collection of links to tools, techniques and strategies for online teaching which are especially helpful for practitioners and learners during COVID-19. Resource

ABC Life Literacy Canada has produced two new essential skills workbooks for adult learners.   Thinking    Numeracy

The authors of this discussion paper demonstrate the crucial role of adult learning in overcoming the pandemic and preparing for possible future ones. Adult literacy helps ensure that we can read and understand health information, and that we know how to use disease prevention services to manage chronic illness. Resource

Grass Roots Press publishes high-quality resources for adult basic education and English as a Second Language communities. All titles have been discounted by 40% to 75% while quantities last. Regular shipping rates apply. Sale ends September 30, 2020. Website

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ABC Life Literacy Canada News - August 2020
As I Was Saying - August 2020
Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick - August 2020
Tamarack Institute - Summer 2020
Tech Tips - September 2020
Volunteer Canada News - August 2020
World Education / U.S. - August 2020