Free Citizenship Resources for Libraries

Free Citizenship Resources for Libraries

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has an agreement with IMLS to provide information and resources for legal immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship.  USCIS has created a special landing page on their Citizenship Resource Center for librarians: www.uscis.gov/citizenship/organizations/libraries.  Librarians can find information on establishing a citizenship corner at a library, a widget that can be added to a library’s website to direct patrons to USCIS resources, and information on upcoming webinars and training opportunities.  There is also a link where librarians can order a free copy of a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit, as well as posters and bookmarks.

Fundraising for Volunteer Literacy Programs & a Pre ESL Online program

One way a literacy program in California asks for funds is by putting a price on specific elements of their program.  See how they price it below. This PreESL program is online, but the same concept of pricing can be used for a regular literacy program. Share some of your successful methods for fundraising as comments to this blog.

The training program, Maintaining the Balance: A Guide to 50/50 Management, provides a process for improving program management and setting a price for aspects of your program. VALF provides this training. If your program is interested in hosting a program management workshop to start out your New Year, contact Sandy Newell, sandy.newell@dos.myflorida.com.

http://www.leamos.org/ is a subscription program.  Are you using this or other online subscription programs?  Share what you use and the pros and cons of the online software in comments below.

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Dear Friend,

Thank you for your friendship and support in 2013.  Your financial contributions made our 2013 activity possible - but we're still not done closing our budget gap for 2013. Won't you help? 

 

If you haven't included Centro Latino in your 2013 giving - today is the day! Thank you in advance for making a year-end tax deductible contribution that brings literacy to adults ages 16-88 not only in CA but in seven states. Our Leamos Literacy course can be completed in 150 hours-adults not only learn to read, but they do it online!  We tackle the literacy and digital divide through one course. In today's fast paced world of technology - that's priceless!

$150 pays for the entire Leamos course for one person - That's $1 an hour.
-$75 pays or 75 hours of Leamos instruction
-$25 pays for 25 hours of Leamos instruction
-$10 pays for 10 hours of Leamos instruction

Donations can be made by check payable to Centro Latino for Literacy and mail to 1709 West 8th Street, Suite A, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Or  online  by December 31st.

Thank you /Gracias!

Free Video Stories Online & to Download

Scene from Dating Show

Adults need real life scenarios to practice their English.  An adaptation of a fun one is the New York City Mayor's office free videos with instructional material available online for learners.   The only downside I see to this is the heavy emphasis on the New York urban environment.  Students can use them without a computer once the video is downloaded to a CD.  You might be able to transfer it to your smart cell phone.  If anyone downloads these, add a comment here on how you did it.

The most recent production is about going on a date -- where the couple thinks each other is rich.  They even get into banking as part of the story. The videos come with subtitles and  a full script in English and other languages along with a study guide.   

These provide discussion opportunities for students along with pointers related to working and social situations.  These include listening comprehension, vocabulary development, and understanding of communication strategies.  In the  “The Wedding” episode is the story of number of professionals (photographer, band, dress designer)  who get sick or pull out .  Then immigrants  step up to the plate and jump in to do the work. This is the big chance many have been waiting for.

View  the video at http://www.nyc.gov/html/weareny/html/videos/videos.shtml.  Scroll down and click on “The Wedding” (last segment) and check out the Study Guide as well.

This resource gives learners the chance to learn independently which is vital to the instructional process.  As you know, life happens and students often have to Step Out, our word for stopping formal program--but continuing to learn independently.  Thus these stories provide homework which can then be discussed in a tutor or small group session or can be used when learners leave your formal program.  Successful learners continue to study even if they are not in a regular program.