Search This Blog

Friday, November 30, 2012

Funding Bulletin number 2 (December 1, 2012)


1.    Future Generation Tech Lab program by Future Shop


2.    Samsung Hope for Children technology grants are valued at $10,000 each (deadline December 20, 2012

 
3.    J.W. McConnell Family Foundation (deadline January 31, 2013)

Community Service Learning is a model of experiential learning that combines classroom learning with volunteer work to achieve community goals and instill in students a sense of civic engagement. A total of $30,000 is available for up to four awards of $7,500 each. Community organizations and post-secondary institutions are invited to jointly submit an application by January 31, 2013.

 

4.    Aboriginal Women's Programming Elements (AWPE) is a part of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program (deadline December 12, 2012)

    The objectives of the Women's Community Initiative are:

·         to influence public policy and decision-making related to concerns and aspirations of Aboriginal women;

·         to maintain the cultural distinctiveness and preserve the cultural identity of Aboriginal women;

·         to enhance and develop strong leadership capabilities, individual and collective skills and talents, so that Aboriginal women can play a central role in their own communities as well as participate effectively in Canadian society; and

·         to undertake projects to improve the social and economic conditions of their community.

 

5.    National Call for Concepts for Social Finance (deadline December 31, 2012)

HRSDC invites organizations and individuals from across the country to submit ideas on how to improve social and economic outcomes for Canadians. Social finance is an exciting new way to encourage social innovation by creating new opportunities for investors and community organizations to partner on innovative projects and take their great ideas to a new level.
http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2012/11/national-call-for-concepts-for-social.html

 
6.    The $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund - Support Your Community!

The $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund com-petition is back to inspire local or national ideas to create positive changes within com-munities across Canada. Individuals or chari-table organizations can submit an idea for a cause they feel passionate about and then become actively involved in promoting the cause to start making change . Visit www.avivacommunityfund.org




7.   Lowe's fundraiser
      Lowe's has also recently announced a new fundraising project, 'Never Stop Improving Canada', which will support an even greater number of schools and communities. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2012/11/lowes-new-fundraising-project-never.html


8.  Community Spirit Program deadline to submit applications is December 31, 2012

The program is made up of two components - a donation grant and a charitable tax credit. The goal of the program is to increase individual charitable giving. The program is donor-driven, meaning it recognizes and encourages Albertans to support their favourite organizations. http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2012/12/community-spirit-program-csp.html

 

9.  FCC Expression Fund deadline to apply is December 14, 2012

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) will award $50,000 from the FCC Expression Fund to encourage the use of Canada's official languages in communities across Canada. The Expression Fund supports projects that contribute to the vitality of official language minority communities and help residents express the cultural and linguistic diversity of the area. Successful projects will receive between $2,000 and $10,000 to fund initiatives, including community centres, day care centres and artistic projects, such as theatrical productions.


 

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Technology grants available

 

The Future Generation Tech Lab program offers technology grants to upgrade Grade 9-12 classrooms with the latest equipment. This year, Future Shop is giving away $250,000 in technology grants and your school could get in on it! In addition, the Samsung Hope for Children technology grants are valued at $10,000 each and will consist exclusively of Samsung products. The deadline for applications is December 20, 2012.


First & Best list is part of its Ready for Reading early literacy initiative of the Toronto Public Library

The Toronto Public Library's annual First & Best list is part of its Ready for Reading early literacy initiative – a comprehensive set of free high-quality programs, services and resources that supports reading readiness in children from birth to five years.

"The titles on our First & Best Booklist have been carefully chosen by our expert children's librarians as our country's best this year that help develop important early literacy skills," said Lisa Heggum, Children and Youth Advocate for the Toronto Public Library. "Countless studies have shown that spending time reading with your preschool child instils a lifelong love of reading, and opens up countless doors and opportunities in a child's life. I trust parents and caregivers will enjoy sharing these wonderful books with their children again and again."


The First & Best for 2012 are:

Animal Masquerade
Marianne Dubuc

Kids Can Press

Canada in Words
Per-Henrik Gürth

Kids Can Press

Extra Yarn
Mac Barnett

Illus. Jon Klassen
Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publisher

I Can Do It Myself!  and Now I Am Big!
Stephen Krensky

Illus. Sara Gillingham
Abrams Appleseed

It's a Tiger!
David LaRochelle

Illus. Jeremy Tankard
Chronicle Books

Kiss, Tickle, Cuddle, Hug
Susan Musgrave

Orca Book Publishers

Mr. Zinger's Hat
Cary Fagan

Illus. Dušan Petričić
Tundra Books

Noisy Poems for a Busy Day
Robert Heidbreder

Illus. Lori Joy Smith
Kids Can Press

The Stone Hatchlings
Sarah Tsiang

Illus. Qin Leng
Annick Press

Toads on Toast
Linda Bailey

Illus. Colin Jack
Kids Can Press

Lowe's new fundraising project, 'Never Stop Improving Canada', support for schools and communities (Fund)

Lowe's has also recently announced a new fundraising project, 'Never Stop Improving Canada', which will support an even greater number of schools and communities, while continuing to support causes that reflect Lowe's community relations mandate. This new peer-to-peer program allows individuals to easily set up a fundraiser by selling $50 Lowe's gift cards to their friends and family. For each card sold, Lowe's will donate $20 in supplies towards their school's building or community project. For more information, visit www.lowescanada.flipgive.com


Arriving in Canada in 2007, Lowe's has quickly established itself as a leading nationwide home improvement retailer with stores in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and many more locations to come. Along with thousands of products from top brand names at Guaranteed Everyday Low Prices, you'll always find exceptional customer service from our team of professional and knowledgeable associates. Whatever your project, big or small, we want to be your preferred home improvement shopping destination.

http://www.lowes.ca/

Northern Lights: International Graduates of Canadian Institutions and the National Workforce (2007)

The lack of a clearly articulated policy on international students is damaging Canada's efforts to compete with its trading partners for the pool of highly skilled graduates, according to this report published by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE).

The report is based on the first large-scale national study to focus on the experience of international students in entering the Canadian labour market. The research team, with financial support from the Canadian Council on Learning (CCL), surveyed a thousand students at 20 colleges and universities across Canada.

Only a third of the students planned to try to stay in Canada. Most said they were deterred from working in Canada by inconsistent and confusing policies and practices.

The authors point out that many employers do not know they are now allowed to hire international students and graduates. Even when they are informed, they are reluctant to do so until the government of Canada provides better guidance on the regulations.

http://library.nald.ca/item/11007

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Family Literacy events in January in Hobbema


Family Literacy events in January.
The first one would be at the Samson Daycare and the COW Bus will come.
The second one will be in partnership with schools and is called Story Strings. This includes storytelling, illustrating and story stretching.  
The third one will be at the Ermineskin Soup kitchen.
The fourth event will be 'Pull the Strings' Family Literacy Day Open House at the college. Dads will be making story strings with their children, neices, nephews, and family.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is pleased to launch the McConnell Social Innovation Fund.


Community Service Learning Awards
The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is accepting submissions for the 2012 Community Service Learning (CSL) Awards competition. CSL is a model of experiential learning that combines classroom learning with volunteer work to achieve community goals and instill in students a sense of civic engagement. A total of $30,000 is available for up to four awards of $7,500 each. Community organizations and post-secondary institutions are invited to jointly submit an application by January 31, 2013. 

 

The McConnell Social Innovation Fund
Improving the lives of Canadians—and contributing to a more resilient society—requires breakthrough ideas and approaches, game changing strategies and collaborations, and continuous innovation.

 



DEADLINE

Applications for the Social Innovation Fund will be accepted on a continuing basis.

To support this work, and to commemorate its 75th Anniversary, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation is pleased to launch the McConnell Social Innovation Fund.

The Fund has three components – one for early stage innovations; a second for scaling up successful social innovations and for mature organizations diversifying program and business models; and a third for multi-sector collaborations, including 'change labs'.

How does the Social Innovation Fund Work?

The McConnell Social Innovation Fund will support work that is congruent with the Foundation's own mission and granting priorities, in the following categories:

  • Early Stage Consolidation: Community sector organizations that have proven or promising early stage innovations and that need additional support to create the capacity and conditions to effectively sustain them.
  • Re-tooling for Growth:
    • Established organizations that are operating successful social innovations which they are planning to scale up to meet growing demand.
    • Established organizations (over $1 million annual budget) that are introducing innovations that significantly modify or complement their core business.
  • Collaborations for Systemic Change: Whole system approaches to social innovation that engage multiple sectors (public, private, citizen) in creative collaboration to shape public policy, corporate priorities, or citizen behaviour.

In addition to providing direct grants through the Fund, the Foundation may convene meetings with other social innovators, policy makers and funders; arrange access to Innoweave workshops; and commission studies or reports.

To learn more about the Fund and the opportunities for support, download the Social Innovation Fund Information Guide and Application.
 
 

Booking workshops with BearPaw Legal Education & Resource Centre

Booking workshops with BearPaw Legal Education & Resource Centre

BearPaw Legal Education & Resource Centre (BLERC) provides free workshops on request. Facilitator and coordinator Nadine Calihoo travels to communities throughout the province to provide workshops on various legal subjects, outlining individual rights and responsibilities. The service helps people receive education needed to navigate certain legal situations, but also inspires them to nurture positive growth.

Meet Nadine
Play Audio

Nadine Calihoo has been working with Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) for 15 years. She started as a criminal and family courtworker in Hinton, Alta. Because of Nadine's experience she took on the role of interviewing judges, Crown prosecutors, police and courtworkers in 2005 for the Legal Education Needs Survey (LENS). She sums up the document by saying Aboriginal people needed more than courtworkers to help them get through legal processes. At the end of the day clients are often still left with the overwhelming sense of "what just happened here?" Today workshops continue to fulfill those needs with accessible information.

For more information or to book a workshop:
nadine-callihoo@ncsa.ca
(780) 482-7891

Monday, November 19, 2012

Free books distributed to FNs students, families and communities


This page shows various ways of sourcing books from book foundations, college, family literacy organizations, pubic libraries, internal school community and bugets, Adopt a School programs, garage sales, gently used book stores, councillors, organizing book exchanges, is just the begining to provide access to books to FNs communities on reserve land.
Initiated annual Book Exchange at the school library for students of the Clearvista School in May of 2011.
Book distribution day, February, 2011, Thank you Bighorn Library.
http://takethreebookshomefeb42011.blogspot.ca/2011/04/reading-day-and-create-home-library.html


Bonny Books and Bighorn Public Library brought gently used books for FNs students, November 21, 2011
http://abookforeverychildnov22.blogspot.ca


Legacy Library presented to the school principal at the Celebration of Learning, November 22, 2011
http://cowbusinhobbemaonnov22.blogspot.ca


Frontier College donated books for the Family Literacy Day celebration coffeehouse, January 26, 2012
http://familyliteracydaycelebration.blogspot.ca/2012/01/frontier-college-donates-books-to.html


100% attendance awards were given book gift vouchers to buy books at the book fair, February 2012. Gift certificates were provided by school councillors.
http://booksale2012.blogspot.ca/2012/02/100-attendance-award.html


Grade 3A achieved their AR reading goal and received free books for team goal achievement, March 16, 2012
http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/03/grade-3a-receiving-free-books-as.html


Buy 1 Get 1 free book fair, May 15, 2012 at the library
http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/05/buy-one-get-one-free-book-fair-may-15.html


Book Bins placed around the community. Gently use books were bought from used book stores and Salvation Army.
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/book-bins-were-placed-around-community.html


TDSRC book distribution, Week 1, TDSRC, July 4, 2012
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/first-week-july-4th-tdsrc-take-home.html


First Books helps families start their home libraries, Week 2, TDSRC, July 11, 2012
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/week-2-first-books-foundation-helps-fns.html


TDSRC book distribution Week 3, July 18, 2012. Thank you libraries for donating weeded books. Particularly, grateful to Learning Links Calgary for providing audio and reading together books.
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/week-3-july-18-free-books-provided-by.html


COW Bus gives away books and many literacy play ideas to FNs families, safety alerts for toys marketed as books, stopover at the school library, July 18, Week 3, TDSRC
http://cowbusjuly182012readingclub.blogspot.ca/2012/07/cow-bus-donates-books-for-fn-children.html


Books distributed during Week 4, TDSRC, July 25, 2012. Thank you First Books for donating books.
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/free-books-for-fn-children-by-first.html


Community Safety Advocate taking home books for education programs, Week 5, TDSRC, August 15, 2012
http://aboriginalsummerreading.blogspot.ca/2012/08/book-distribution.html


Books given to Maskwachis Outreach school, September 2012


Reading is an essential skills day, September 21, 2012 celebrated by distributing books. Thank you publishers for letting me review your books and then give them away to FNs families.
http://essentialskillreading.blogspot.ca/2012/09/brightstar-says-thank-you-for-giving.html


First Books donated books to FNs students to set-up their home libraries, September 2012
http://essentialskillreading.blogspot.ca/2012/09/book-distribution.html


INDIGO’s Adopt a School campaign participation, October 2012, 310 books given by 125 adopters
http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/09/indigos-adopt-school.html



Frontier College donated books for FN families, October 2012
http://essentialskillreading.blogspot.ca/2012/09/wesley-is-happy-to-receive-books.html

Scholastic Book Fair, Councillor Samuel Minde, School’s family literacy program, and Intellimedia donated book certificates and watch students selecting free books, October 26, 2012.
http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/10/thank-you-book-fair-gift-certificates.html


Students participated in Ermineskin Reads and received free books during Libraries Connect month, October 2012
http://ermineskinreads.blogspot.ca



Books given to Samson High School students for the Halloween Concert on October 30, 2012



Books given to school students on Halloween Day, October 31, 2012. Trick or Treat give me something good to read.

Diary of Wimpy Kids set of books distributed to Grade 4E students. Thank you TD Bank-First Books grant for donating high interest new sets of books. FNs students voraciously read these books, November 9, 2012











6S students received curriculum related graphic novels from First Books on November 14, 2012. http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/11/first-books-td-bank-give-books-to-fn.html


3C received books for demonstrating excellent borrowing behaviour on November 14, 2012.

5C achieved their AR reading goals and received books as gifts from First Books on November 14, 2012. http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/11/5c-class-received-book-from-first-books.html


What did you read today?

National Reading Campaign book distribution to grandparents on November 15, 2012.
http://schoollibraryservices.blogspot.ca/2012/11/grandparents-read-to-grandchildren.html




IODE's breakfast book clubs and energizing DEAR time, November 2012

http://readandfeedthemind.blogspot.ca/



Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Third Wheel distributed to a Grade 4 class at the Ermineskin Elementary School, December 19, 2012


Books distributed at the COW Bus stopover at Samson Bingo for the family literacy celebration, January 18, 2013 

Friday, November 16, 2012

National Call for Concepts for Social Finance deadline December 31, 2012

Through consultation and engagement activities, the Department gains a greater understanding of the perspectives of a wide range of citizens, stakeholders, and experts. This understanding helps the Department to develop better, more informed and more effective policies and programs for Canadians.



Current and Upcoming Consultations
National Call for Concepts for Social Finance

Start date:
November 8, 2012
End date:
December 31, 2012
Department:
HRSDC
Open to:
Canadian organizations and individuals
Contact:
social-innovation@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

The National Call for Concepts for Social Finance invites organizations and individuals from across the country to submit ideas on how to improve social and economic outcomes for Canadians. Social finance is an exciting new way to encourage social innovation by creating new opportunities for investors and community organizations to partner on innovative projects and take their great ideas to a new level.

We invite you to submit your concepts for innovative solutions to the challenges facing Canadian communities.

Participate now.

http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/consultations/index.shtml

Indigenous Language Instructors’ Certificate - Elders Circles: How Indigenous Knowledge informs and directs the development of an instructors’ certificate in Indigenous languages (2010)

Authors: Diana Steinhauer, Anna-Leah King, Heather Blair, James Lamouche

Collection: Research Materials

This report outlines a project carried out to examine the role of indigenous knowledge in the design and development of indigenous language certification in the province of Alberta. It is intended to be a catalyst for language revitalization and maintenance efforts, and to support the efforts of a working group trying to forge long-term partnerships between universities and First Nations colleges.

The project included a literature review and the examination of current postsecondary Indigenous language instructor programs in Western and Northern Canada. The authors note that most importantly, the advice of elders, as holders and stewards of indigenous knowledge, was sought.

The report concludes that a certification program must be flexible enough to recognize the diversity of indigenous languages and cultures. As well, certification can be utilized as a tool for reclaiming the central position of indigenous languages in communities, schools, and homes.

Funders: Canadian Council on Learning (CCL)


http://library.nald.ca/item/10954

Essential Skills user guide (Must Use)

This user guide has been designed to explain how to use the Essential Skills tools and resources available through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).

While the guide is aimed primarily at career counsellors, adult educators, trainers, facilitators and others who support workplace skills development, it can also be used by anyone interested in learning more about literacy and Essential Skills and how to use the tools.

The authors have included information on how to find the tools online and how to choose those most relevant to a particular person or organization; examples to help learn how to put the tools into practice and customize them to meet different needs and target groups; answers to a number of frequently asked questions; and descriptions of all of the tools currently available.


http://library.nald.ca/item/10950

The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)

The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) is a multi-stakeholder council that brings leadership together to create and champion solutions to better integrate skilled immigrants in the Toronto Region labour market.

Founded by Maytree and the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance in 2003, TRIEC is taking action on the underutilization of skilled immigrants' education, talent and experience. TRIEC believes that by bringing all stakeholders together through a council – employers, regulatory bodies, professional associations, educators, labour, community groups, government and immigrants – we can develop local and practical solutions.

We help employers and immigrants find solutions. We connect companies to programs that can help them better recruit and retain immigrants; we develop and distribute learning tools and curriculum; and we help immigrants build their professional connections through mentoring and professional immigrant networks.

TRIEC is determined to make change in our city. We build awareness of the value of the immigrant talent pool through media, awards and events; we work with government on public policy; and, we bring together partners to find new solutions.


http://triec.ca/about-us/

November 18 – 25, 2012 is Multiculturalism Week in BC

Multiculturalism Week: November 18-25, 2012
November 15, 2012

If you're interested in multiculturalism, or want to know more about working with learners with diverse backgrounds, check out some of the resources in Decoda library.

http://decoda.ca/read-all-about-lit/multiculturalism-week-november-18-25-2012

Call for volunteers to help with the casino

We are close to 8 weeks away from our next Casino which has been set for January 3 & 4, 2013. Money raised through this event supports our Helpline, and our work in the community. We are in need of Literacy Alberta members and volunteers to fill various positions which are as follows:



1.General Manager/Alternate General Manager
Shifts: 10:30am – 7:00pm or 6:15pm – 3:00am
Cannot be a paid member of Literacy Alberta Society
Responsible for the overall continuity of the casino
Ensures all volunteer staff arrive and has access to backup volunteer phone numbers

2. Banker
Shifts: 10:30am – 7:00pm or 6:15pm – 3:00am
Cannot be a paid member of Literacy Alberta Society
In control of the cash and chip inventories
Mostly data entry; volunteer should be able to use a mouse

3. Cashier
Shifts: 11:15am – 7:00pm or 6:30pm – 2:30am
Redeems players' chips for cash
Little data entry

4. Chiprunner
Shifts: 11:15am – 7:00pm or 6:30pm – 2:30am
Delivers chips from the Banker to the game table
Count chips with the gaming floor staff
Large amount of data entry

5. Countroom Staff
Shifts: 10:30pm – 2:45am
Sort and count money (using counting machines)
Some data entry

6. Backup
Will only be called if someone does not show or in the event there are late cancellations



This is a great event to rub shoulders with many people in our city who support the literacy cause in many ways – come and share a few laughs, a bit of your time and make a few memories while we work together to generate funding for our organization! Kindly complete the Casino Volunteer Worker Application and send it to Nancy Ring, Administrative Director at nring@literacyalberta.ca

http://www.literacyalberta.ca/news/call-volunteers

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Metcalf Charitable Foundation

The goal of the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy, and creative society.

http://metcalffoundation.com/who-we-are/mission/

http://metcalffoundation.com/grants/who-we-fund/?action=search&keywords=&p=All&f=All&y=All

The National Reading Campaign launches this week!! November 14th

The National Reading Campaign launches this week!!

For web banners, kids & public contest materials and much more, email info@nationalreadingcampaign.ca. There are lots of ways to participate, and we've made the contest materials easy for you to use in your home, school, library or bookstore.

Make sure you've signed up for our newsletter at www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca. And follow us on Facebook (/national readingcampaign) Twitter (@readingcampaign) & Pinterest (readingcampaign)!

Tell reading you love it. Join the National Reading Campaign.

http://nationalreadingcampaign.ca/are-you-ready/

Celebrate November

November 11: Remembrance Day

November 12: World Kindness Week

November 14: International Girls Day

November 17: Homemade Bread Day

November 21: It's World Hello Day

November is Diabetes Awareness month

First Book Canada Distributes Over 20,000 Books to Kids in Calgary! November 13th - 15th, 2012

Contact: Tom Best
Executive Director, First Book Canada
tbest@firstbook.org
Cell # - 416 -949-0056
1-866-393-1222 Ext 0130



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Book Canada Distributes Over 20,000 Books to Kids in Calgary!

(CALGARY, ALBERTA) November 13th-15th, 2012 - First Book Canada will be in Calgary this week distributing over 20,000 books to kids in need. First Book Canada is a not-for-profit organization that provides books to children from low-income families for free or very low costs. The books this week have been donated by Harlequin, Disney Publishing Worldwide, Orca Books and Simon & Schuster Canada. All books are brand new and age-appropriate for children from age 3 to young adult selections.

"Harlequin is delighted to support First Book Canada in their efforts to promote literacy by providing disadvantaged teens with much-needed books," said Donna Hayes, Publisher and CEO of Harlequin. "Most of us take the confidence and opportunities provided by the ability to read for granted, but for more than nine million Canadian adults struggling with low literacy, it's a tremendous obstacle in their lives. By making books available to children, we overcome this dilemma by opening minds to worlds of imagination, education and diversity at an early age. That way, when they are older, they are empowered to take advantage of the wealth of possibilities before them."

Tom Best, Executive Director of First Book Canada said of the distribution, " It's a wonderful feeling coming back to Calgary for all of us at First Book Canada as we have so many wonderful brand new books for children and young adults in need. We could not be happier to have books available for the first time from Harlequin, the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of books for women. We know these books will be empowering for young teen readers. Of course we are thrilled to have remarkable books from Orca Books, Simon & Schuster Canada and Disney, all publishers who we have worked with before to get books for recipient groups' right across Canada. We are also grateful to be working out of a new facility in this city. Acculogix and their team have been just been so helpful setting up this distribution to be very effective and allowing us to reach so many new groups. So often these truly are the very first books the children get to call their own and we know that when a child or a young adult holds a book and experiences the joy a story brings, it awakens a passion for learning that delivers on the promise of a better life."

First Book Canada addresses one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. Working with publishing partners, an ever expanding network of volunteers and book recipient groups, First Book Canada provides educators and community program leaders in high-need communities with unprecedented access to free and low-cost books. Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed more than 500,000 new books to Canadian children in need through large-scale donations by its publishing partners. To register as a book recipient group visit us at firstbookcanada.org and follow our latest news on Twitter and Facebook .

Literacy in Canada
With more than nine million Canadian adults struggling with low literacy, First Book Canada's mission is to address this challenge at its root by providing new, age and language-appropriate books to children. A recent study shows the importance of lowering the threshold of book ownership for low income families in Canada. While three-quarters of high income households spent money on books, only one quarter of households in the lowest income brackets bought books.

The First Book Canada Effect
When children receive brand new, high quality books from First Book Canada, their interest in reading nearly triples. 99% of the schools and community-based programs that register with, and receive books from, First Book Canada report that they are able to increase and strengthen their literacy efforts and curricula as a result. Research indicates that when families participate in family literary intervention programs, full dependence on public assistance is reduced from 67% to 11%. First Book Canada addresses one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Canada's Ministers of Education Celebrate International Education Week

TORONTO, November 12, 2012 – The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), joins this week with over 100 countries from around the world to celebrate International Education Week 2012 (IEW 2012).

IEW serves to increase awareness and understanding of international education among participating countries through a variety of activities and events undertaken by governments, educational institutions, stakeholder groups, and individuals. More information about events and activities can be found on the CMEC‑sponsored IEW Web site, www.iew-sei.ca.

For IEW 2012, Canada has chosen the theme, "Canada Engages with the World: Realizing Our Potential through International Education." It underscores the value that Canadians place on connecting with the world through studying abroad, internationalized curricula, and international service, and on opening the world to Canada by welcoming international elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students, promoting international exchanges, and encouraging qualified foreign students to make Canada their home.

"We live in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world," said the Honourable Ramona Jennex, Chair of CMEC and Nova Scotia's Minister of Education. "International education ensures Canada's active engagement with that world and with the many opportunities it offers by encouraging Canadian students to consider the benefits of studying abroad and by welcoming international students here at home."

http://cmec.ca/278/Press-Releases/Canada%27s-Ministers-of-Education-Celebrate-International-Education-Week.html?id_article=582

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Skyline Elementary held its twice a year reading night for the students.

This reading night was a special night as the school dedicated a painting in memory of Lynn Rees Phillips, who was the beloved school librarian that passed away this past May from cancer.
 
The painting was commissioned and donated by the Skyline Elementary PTA.
 

Environment Online- ENO is a global virtual school and network for sustainable development

About Environment Online - ENO


Environment Online- ENO is a global virtual school and network for sustainable development. Our approach in learning has two dimensions: local and global. Learning is student and problem-centred with both online and offline activities. At the end of each theme there is a campaign week during which the results of learning are raised in local communities and on the web. Students eventually become ambassadors for the environment of their respective local communities and regions. Regular themes and have been forests, climate change, ecological footprint and different cultural themes. The official mascot for the ENO Programme is Frank The Frog.

The success of the ENO Programme is apparently because of the contents and the grassroot level coordination: it is run by teachers. It was officially recognised in Rio+20 Summit because of its 100 Million Trees campaign.;
 

Big Thompson Elementary to hold annual chili supper on Saturday

 

Reporter-Herald Staffreporterherald.com
 
The fifth-grade class at Big Thompson Elementary School will host the 62nd annual Big T Chili Supper Saturday, in gym of the school at 7702 W. U.S. 34, just west of Loveland.
At 4-8 p.m., students will serve Wendy's chili, chicken noodle soup and hot dogs along with desserts including brownies, pie and cake, and a drink.
Cost is $3 for children under 12 and $6 for adults. Tickets are available at the door.
In addition to the Chili Supper, Big T's PTA provides a silent auction, and the school librarian hosts a book fair in the library.
All proceeds go to Big Thompson Elementary School to help finance field trips, sports equipment, classroom materials and more.
 
http://www.reporterherald.com/lifestyles/neighbors/ci_21965818/big-thompson-elementary-hold-annual-chili-supper-saturday

Friday, November 9, 2012

Aboriginal Women's Programming Elements – Aboriginal Peoples' Program

Aboriginal Women's Programming Elements – Aboriginal Peoples' Program

As the Aboriginal Women's Programming Elements (AWPE) is a part of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program (APP), you are required to provide the information requested in the General Application Requirements along with the additional information requested for AWPE.

Objectives

The objectives of the Women's Community Initiative are:
  • to influence public policy and decision-making related to concerns and aspirations of Aboriginal women;
  • to maintain the cultural distinctiveness and preserve the cultural identity of Aboriginal women;
  • to enhance and develop strong leadership capabilities, individual and collective skills and talents, so that Aboriginal women can play a central role in their own communities as well as participate effectively in Canadian society; and
  • to undertake projects to improve the social and economic conditions of their community.
The objectives of the Family Violence Initiative[*] are:
  • to examine and address issues of violence in immediate and extended Aboriginal families; and
  • to develop holistic and culturally-appropriate responses to family violence.
The objectives of the Self-Government Initiative are:
  • to develop Aboriginal women's positions, strategies and research on Aboriginal self-government;
  • to participate and partner with other Aboriginal and women's groups/organizations as well as Aboriginal governments on self-government initiatives; and
  • to communicate with and inform Aboriginal women on this very critical issue affecting their lives and those of their children and families.
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada is responsible for administering funding under the Family Violence Initiative for First Nations women living on-reserve. Information for Family Violence Initiative funding for First Nations can be found at: Family Violence Prevention Program for First Nations.

Eligible Recipients

In addition to the eligible recipients found in theAPPGeneral Application Requirements, eligible recipients include not-for-profit, autonomous Aboriginal women controlled:
  • organizations;
  • independent community groups; and
  • ad-hoc committees.
Deadline to apply is December 12,2012.

 

UNESCO's International Editorial Cartoon Exhibit at the Maskwachis College in Hobbema

Pictures: http://librarypathwaysandfootprints.blogspot.ca/2012/11/freedom-of-expression-exhibit-runs-at.html


NEWS RELEASE
An International Editorial Cartoon Exhibit at the Maskwachis College in Hobbema

Hobbema (AB) November 5, 2012— Maskwachis College will present an international editorial cartoon exhibit entitled Freedom of Expression in Broad Strokes from November 5-30 in the Peter Bull Memorial Library.

The traveling exhibit was put together by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom.

"The editorial cartoon offers a daily commentary on a current news event. Through satire, humour and caricature, the cartoonists offer a unique point of view. Freedom of expression is as critical to the cartoonist's work as it is to all journalists. The exhibit presents many facets of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as depicted by cartoonists from around the world", said David A. Walden, Secretary-General of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.
Since 2001, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom (CCWPF) have organized an annual international competition for editorial cartoonists in conjunction with the awarding of the CCWPF Press Freedom Award to a Canadian journalist who has suffered in the cause of press freedom. Over 700 cartoons are received each year, and the winners are honoured in Ottawa on World Press Freedom Day. The exhibit presents the best editorial cartoons received since the beginning of the competition.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared 3 May as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Day is also now used to draw attention to the dangers faced by journalists when reporting the news. According to the organization Reporters without Borders, 66 journalists were killed (16% more than in 2010), 1,044 journalists were arrested, 1,959 journalists, including cartoonists, were physically attacked or threatened, and 71 journalists were kidnapped in 2011.

-30-
Further information:

Contact person in Hobbema is Ms. Patricia Littlechild-Goodwill at Maskwachis College or Manisha Khetarpal at librarieshelppeople@gmail.com

Pauline Dugré, Communication and Information Programme Officer, Canadian Commission for UNESCO, 1-800-263-5588 ext. 4558 or 613-513-8902

UBC's Aboriginal eMentoring program opens up health field

By Gail Johnson, November 1, 2012


Every year, the University of British Columbia's faculty of medicine holds a certain number of spots for incoming First Nations students, but these aren't always filled. A group of researchers wants to change that. Through the innovative Aboriginal eMentoring B.C. program, the UBC team hopes to introduce more aboriginal youth to the wealth of career opportunities in the entire health-sciences field.

Sandra Jarvis-Selinger, associate director of UBC's eHealth Strategy Office, told the Georgia Straight that technology is a vital tool for reaching young First Nations people throughout the province, who might not necessarily consider a job in health care as they approach the end of high school.

The eMentoring program is geared to aboriginal kids in grades 6 through 12. Those who participate get matched with a UBC health-sciences student (who could be studying anything from nursing to physical therapy), and from there they connect via an online platform that allows for safe, secure discussions and semistructured activities.

"If we talk to kids in Grade 12 about getting into medicine and they don't have all their prerequisites in order, we're really reaching them too late," Jarvis-Selinger, who's an assistant professor in the department of surgery, said in a phone interview. "We wanted to not just reach kids who could come out to UBC, and doing this online transcends geography. This is also about creating role models for First Nations students. If you're living in a remote community and aren't around a college or university, you have very little to draw on. Here, they ask questions like, 'What was it like leaving Burns Lake to go to UBC? What's it like working in dentistry?' "

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as a four-year study, the eMentoring program is now in its second year. Among the First Nations groups participating are the Ktunaxa Nation, Shuswap Nation, Sto:lo Nation, and Inter Tribal Health Authority.

The project utilizes Icouldbe.org, an online-mentoring platform based in New York City. There, it connects at-risk inner-city kids with adults working in a range of fields with the aim of encouraging teens to stay in school, plan for the future, and achieve their goals. Icouldbe allowed eMentoring to adapt its curriculum and interface to suit aboriginal youth. For instance, the platform uses traditional First Nations imagery and incorporates cultural elements such as the medicine wheel.

Once on the website, students might ask questions, watch interactive videos, or navigate to relevant websites. Interactions are all asynchronous, meaning mentors and mentees can log in to their Icouldbe accounts whenever they like and jump in right where they left off.

A key component of the program is anonymity. Participants utilize user names to protect their identity.

http://www.straight.com/article-822801/vancouver/aboriginal-ementoring-opens-health-field

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Applications for the 2013 Anthony Thompson Award are now open



CILIP and its International Library and Information Group (ILIG) invite applicants from New Professionals working in South-East Asia to apply for a funded study tour to the United Kingdom in July 2013.

Applicants should have a maximum of five years post-qualification experience and not have made a previous professional visit to the UK.

The selection panel encourages applications for the 2013 award from the South-East Asian sub-continent. Given the emergence and importance of new professionals within international librarianship, applications for 2013 will be considered from qualified librarians of any age with up to five years post-qualification experience.

Preference will be given to applicants working in least developed countries in the region, for example Cambodia, East Timor, Laos and Myanmar (Burma), as defined by the United Nations at http://www.unohrlls.org/en/ldc/25/ .

Normally visits last for up to three weeks in June or July and it is hoped that the scholarship visit will be planned to coincide with CILIP's Umbrella Conference to be held in Manchester on 2nd and 3rd July 2013. The scholarship supports airfare to, and from, the UK,
travel within the UK and a small daily maintenance allowance.

Please see www.cilip.org.uk/ilig for further details

Nominations for 2013 Westbury Legacy Award now being accepted

The Westbury Legacy Award recognizes individuals in Alberta who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the academic and/or professional growth of individuals (i.e., students/trainees/volunteers) working in the areas of child, family and community research. This award commemorates the significant contributions made to the well-being of Alberta's children, families and communities by Dr. Robert Westbury who was the inaugural Board Chairman for six and half years at the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research (The Centre). This award demonstrates the commitment of The Centre in building capacity for child, family and community research.

For more information and to access a complete overview, background and nomination form, please go to http://new.research4children.com/admin/contentx/default.cfm?PageId=88404

Clorox company gives a grant to school libraries

McCaffrey Middle School is vying to win a grant of up to $50,000 from the Clorox Company to keep its school library open in 2013. It is the latest effort by the districtwide Save Our Libraries fundraising group founded after the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District shuttered all school libraries.

Cultural Communities Fund

Get Cash for Great Programming

Cultural Communities Fund The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office is now accepting nominations for the ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award, sponsored by the ALA Cultural Communities Fund. The award will recognize a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by developing and presenting a cultural or thematic program or program series during the previous year (September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012).

Nov. 5 to 9, 2012 has been proclaimed Technology Week in British Columbia

VICTORIA - Nov. 5 to 9, 2012 has been proclaimed Technology Week in British Columbia, John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology announced today.

"In July, our government launched a strategy to create and support jobs in B.C.'s fast-growing technology sector," said Yap. "Initiatives like B.C.'s Technology Week promote careers in technology by giving students a chance to explore different areas in the technology sector, check out career options and get involved in hands-on activities."

The B.C. government and the private sector are working together to promote our technology sector through various activities, such as the BC Innovation Council's (BCIC) Acceleration Network.

http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2012/11/explore-your-future-in-technology.html

The $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund

Support Your Community!

The $1,000,000 Aviva Community Fund com-petition is back to inspire local or national ideas to create positive changes within com-munities across Canada. Individuals or chari-table organizations can submit an idea for a cause they feel passionate about and then become actively involved in promoting the cause to start making change . Visit www.avivacommunityfund.org.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Aboriginal Arts Organizations grant deadline is December 1

http://www.affta.ab.ca/organization-project-grant-program.aspx

EU Culture Programme: Funding for collaborative projects between Europe andCanada

EU Culture Programme: Funding for collaborative projects between Europe andCanada

Deadline for submissions: May 2013

The EU Culture Programme is a fund set up and managed by the European Commission. It funds projects and initiatives that develop cross-border collaboration between cultural operators and organizations in at least three European countries. Each year, the program also offers funding for projects linking European countries to one or more countries outside of Europe (referred to as "third countries"). In 2013, the Programme has identified Canada or Australia as the "third countries."

Key features:

  • Applications must come from a consortium of organizations from at least three European countries, plus one or more from Canada.
  • Any type of organization can be a partner – small or large companies, co-operatives, charities, businesses, universities, municipalities, government departments, etc.
  • Almost any type of arts and culture project is eligible, but the program excludes projects that are solely focused on the media or audiovisual sectors, or focused solely on translation.
  • Grants of up to €200,000 may be awarded for projects lasting up to two years. This amount can be no more than 50% of the total project budget.
  • At least 50% of the project activities must happen in the "third country" (i.e. Canada).

Web links to help you access the Programme

  • Cultural Contact Points (CCPs) in Europe
    This links to a full list of the CCPs in 35 of the 37 eligible countries in Europe. A CCP is an organization designated by the European Commission to provide information about the program and to stimulate collaborations between organizations in their country and partners in other countries.
  • Three Step Guide [PDF]
  • Strands of the Programme
  • SPPACE: UK Projects (Database of UK partners that have been funded since 2007. Strand 1.3.5. indicates projects funded with "third countries.")

Canada Council information seminars

In January and February 2012, the Canada Council's Audience and Market Development Office hosted a number of seminars in Canada to provide:

  • general information on EU funding for arts and culture
  • specific information about the Culture Programme and funding for "third country" partnerships
  • tips on how to find and collaborate with European organizations

The seminars were presented by Geoffrey Brown, the director of EUCLID and a UK-based consultant who specializes in sharing European and international information. He oversees the culture.info website and the membership of Connexus.

Listen to the online seminar (length: 2 hours)
Download a slide presentation from the seminars [PDF]

Contact:

We're interested in learning if you are planning to access this fund. Please email us, and while you're at it, let us know if this information has been useful, and what else we could do to help:

Kelly Langgard, Coordinator
Audience and Market Development Office
Canada Council for the Arts
350 Albert Street, P.O. Box 1047
Ottawa ON K1P 5V8
1-800-263-5588 (toll-free) or 613-566-4414, ext. 5272
TTY: 1-866-585-5559

The Serving Communities Internship Program (SCiP)

SCiP Internership

The Serving Communities Internship Program (SCiP) gives your organization three gifts:

  • People
  • Capacity Building
  • Growth for the Sector - illustrating why working in this sector is a rewarding career choice for Albertan students

So, how does SCiP work? As an Alberta nonprofit/voluntary sector organization, SCiP is free for you to participate in. Get started by signing up at joinscip.ca

Then, post your internship position; students apply to SCiP and will contact organizations with positions of interest to them. From there, interview applicants and hire your intern! If you need any help going through these steps, contact Volunteer Alberta.

By participating in SCiP you will help students explore new experiences, meet new contacts and develop new skills, plus they receive $1000 from SCiP and the Government of Alberta (upon successful completion of their internship).

Thousands of students are awaiting your posting! It's simple. Sign up today.

For more information contact Volunteer Alberta:

Phone: 780-482-3300 ext. 223

Email: scip@volunteeralberta.ab.ca