LFv has three programs at the Florida Literacy Conference. This year our annual meeting is combined with a program.
The following programs and meetings are scheduled at the Florida Literaacy Conference May 6-9, 2008
March 11 is the early registration date for the conference.
Literacy Florida! Volunteers (LFV) Programs and Meetings
The Next Step: Retention and Persistence Strategies for Adult Learners and
Literacy Florida! Volunteers Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 7 from 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM at the Florida Literacy Conference.
Literacy Florida! volunteers Board Meeting (tentative --being scheduled)
Wednesday, May 7, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Florida Literacy Conference
Library Literacy Discussion Group
Thursday, May 8 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.
Volunteer Literacy Program Start-up
Thursday, May 8 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
To register for the conference go to www.floridaliteracy.org
March 11 Early Registration Rate: $180 Member $205 Non-member
Register by April 21: $205
On Site Registration: $245
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Subscribe to a Blog for Florida's Volunteer Literacy Programs
We are now allowing anyone to post comments to this blog. You do not need an account. But, we would prefer you to have an account so that everyone can see who comments. If you have an account and sign in, then some of your information will show. You do not need to sign to read posts and comments.
If you subscribe, you can get notification of posts. Do this by going to the bottom of this page and click on subscribe to posts.
Volunteer literacy groups can set up their own blogs. There is no cost, and it is an easy way to inform tutors and others. Your blog can be an easy way to post an electronic newsletter too.
Personal information is not required to set up an account. You only need an email address. It is easy to get a free email address for your organization. We have ours through hotmail, but there are many other free sources.
To set up your own blog account go to http://www.blogger.com/home
If you subscribe, you can get notification of posts. Do this by going to the bottom of this page and click on subscribe to posts.
Volunteer literacy groups can set up their own blogs. There is no cost, and it is an easy way to inform tutors and others. Your blog can be an easy way to post an electronic newsletter too.
Personal information is not required to set up an account. You only need an email address. It is easy to get a free email address for your organization. We have ours through hotmail, but there are many other free sources.
To set up your own blog account go to http://www.blogger.com/home
Communicating with Your Tutors
Prices continue to rise requiring volunteer literacy programs to get more creative in their communications. First class stamps go up in May to 42 cents. Programs need to use emailing and other electronic tools to save dollars and cents.
I know that there are folks out there who don't use email. But it can certainly save a program money. Why don't you be as proactive as possible to help tutors and students set up accounts. Use incentives to reward those who use it. You could give out "prizes" for those who use email. Why don't you share effective ways your programs communicate in the comments section of this post.
You could use a blog like this one to post announcments. It is an easy place to post upcoming events, newsletters and time sensitive items. Blogs are free and are interactive because anyone can post a comment. You can also set it up to receive a notice via your email when a blog is changed. The blogger can also add tags which make it easier for the public to find information in a blog.
For more about blogging go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogging
You can even have your own wiki like wikipeida, the source of the above article. Wikis are another tool I'll write about later.
Sandy Newell,
President, Literacy Florida volunteers
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
I know that there are folks out there who don't use email. But it can certainly save a program money. Why don't you be as proactive as possible to help tutors and students set up accounts. Use incentives to reward those who use it. You could give out "prizes" for those who use email. Why don't you share effective ways your programs communicate in the comments section of this post.
You could use a blog like this one to post announcments. It is an easy place to post upcoming events, newsletters and time sensitive items. Blogs are free and are interactive because anyone can post a comment. You can also set it up to receive a notice via your email when a blog is changed. The blogger can also add tags which make it easier for the public to find information in a blog.
For more about blogging go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blogging
You can even have your own wiki like wikipeida, the source of the above article. Wikis are another tool I'll write about later.
Sandy Newell,
President, Literacy Florida volunteers
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Writing and Getting Published
Adult Learner Essay Book
For many of us writing isn't easy, and this is even more true for adult learners. Because of this, it is important for tutors to include writing within lessons. It helps when the writing is for a purpose. You can include journal writing in each lesson or help students do practical tasks like preparing a grocery list or e-mailing a spouse in Iraq. You can also motivate students by asking them to write their life story.
When students share their stories in writing or as public speakers, funders can better understand why we need literacy programs. As dollars continue to be cut, this becomes more and more vital. If you get your student's permission, you can send their story to key community leaders or to those who "control" your program. Students are the best ones to advocate for your program.
Joses DeMoranville wrote his story of living on the streets in New York titled, Living My Dream. It was published in the 2007 edition of student essays by the Florida Literacy Coalition. Joses is a board member of our organization. He also serves on the student advisory committee of the Coalition. You can download the book of essays which includes his story at http://www.floridaliteracy.org/EssayBookhome.htm
Joses got his basic literacy skills through the Palm Beach County Library literacy program. He then completed high school through the Leon County School ACE program. Joses' story is on page 55 of the book.
There is still time for your student to get his or her own story published. The deadline for student stories for 2008 has been extended to March 7.
Letter Writing Campaign
Students have also been asked to write to their congressman through April 2007 to get the federal dollars increased. The funding for adult adult education has been severely cut. To learn more about how to write a letter go to our wiki at http://literacyflorida.wikispaces.com/Advocacy
We posted the most recent announcement of ProLiteracy.
Picture of a St. Patty Parade from
Florida Memory
Write Around Florida
People enjoy writing about their home town or around subjects they know. There are thousands of Florida pictures you can use at the www.floridamemory.com web site.
The site also has a new online writing tool. Go to http://www.floridamemory.com/OnlineClassroom/writing/
Select a picture, write a story and download it.
Your story is saved to a word file along with the photo. It then can be edited and rewritten. This is an easy way to prepare a final copy for the essay book or prepare a story to give to a family member.
For many of us writing isn't easy, and this is even more true for adult learners. Because of this, it is important for tutors to include writing within lessons. It helps when the writing is for a purpose. You can include journal writing in each lesson or help students do practical tasks like preparing a grocery list or e-mailing a spouse in Iraq. You can also motivate students by asking them to write their life story.
When students share their stories in writing or as public speakers, funders can better understand why we need literacy programs. As dollars continue to be cut, this becomes more and more vital. If you get your student's permission, you can send their story to key community leaders or to those who "control" your program. Students are the best ones to advocate for your program.
Joses DeMoranville wrote his story of living on the streets in New York titled, Living My Dream. It was published in the 2007 edition of student essays by the Florida Literacy Coalition. Joses is a board member of our organization. He also serves on the student advisory committee of the Coalition. You can download the book of essays which includes his story at http://www.floridaliteracy.org/EssayBookhome.htm
Joses got his basic literacy skills through the Palm Beach County Library literacy program. He then completed high school through the Leon County School ACE program. Joses' story is on page 55 of the book.
There is still time for your student to get his or her own story published. The deadline for student stories for 2008 has been extended to March 7.
Letter Writing Campaign
Students have also been asked to write to their congressman through April 2007 to get the federal dollars increased. The funding for adult adult education has been severely cut. To learn more about how to write a letter go to our wiki at http://literacyflorida.wikispaces.com/Advocacy
We posted the most recent announcement of ProLiteracy.
Picture of a St. Patty Parade from
Florida Memory
Write Around FloridaPeople enjoy writing about their home town or around subjects they know. There are thousands of Florida pictures you can use at the www.floridamemory.com web site.
The site also has a new online writing tool. Go to http://www.floridamemory.com/OnlineClassroom/writing/
Select a picture, write a story and download it.
Your story is saved to a word file along with the photo. It then can be edited and rewritten. This is an easy way to prepare a final copy for the essay book or prepare a story to give to a family member.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Reading Instruction for Low Level Adult Learners
Directed literacy instruction was the topic of the free workshop sponsored by Literacy Florida! Inc. volunteers (LFv) this month. Program managers and volunteers from Duval, Collier, Lee, Sarasota, Leon, Palm Beach and Lake Counties learned instructional strategies proven to succeed with low level adult learners.
Sharon Jaskula, workshop presenter, said, "Because we knew our adult learners may only stay with us for six or so months we developed our Fast Track program to provide as much basic reading instruction possible fast!" Participants learned how to introduce basic grammar rules using family and dating analogies. We found out how the program helps adults learn clues to break words into syllables and sound out words. Sharon said her learners asked why no one had shown them these tricks before.
Everyone attending the workshop received a scripted, set of activities, worksheets and more. Sharon recommended that tutors or teachers should follow the curriculum step by step to help learners get the basics.
Sharon and her literacy staff developed this customer friendly instruction as the literacy program director with the Jacksonville Public library. The library got into the literacy business in the mid-1980's. In the late 1990's they added small group instruction as part of a three year program improvement grant funded by a Lila Wallace Readers Digest coordinated through the American Library Association, Office of Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS). This curriculum is based on their years of experience.
This workshop was successful because of our partners. I want to thank the Sarsota County Public Library for handling local arrangements. Sarah Hoeffel, the library's Hispanic outreach coordinator with the library, arranged for the room, promoted the program and set up the refreshments provided by the library. The Region 3 Adult Literacy Center provided travel stipends for those who drove from outside the county. They also advertised the training.
This is one example of services we provide our members, and we often open up the workshops to other literacy programs. Check out this blog for announcements about future trainings.
Our annual meeting will be held at the Florida Literacy Conference in Orlando in May 2008.
This year we are sponsoring three programs at the conference, one on student persistence, another on how to start a volunteer literacy program and a networking program for library literacy programs.
To learn how to become a member.
Sandy Newell, President LFv
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Sharon Jaskula, workshop presenter, said, "Because we knew our adult learners may only stay with us for six or so months we developed our Fast Track program to provide as much basic reading instruction possible fast!" Participants learned how to introduce basic grammar rules using family and dating analogies. We found out how the program helps adults learn clues to break words into syllables and sound out words. Sharon said her learners asked why no one had shown them these tricks before.
Everyone attending the workshop received a scripted, set of activities, worksheets and more. Sharon recommended that tutors or teachers should follow the curriculum step by step to help learners get the basics.
Sharon and her literacy staff developed this customer friendly instruction as the literacy program director with the Jacksonville Public library. The library got into the literacy business in the mid-1980's. In the late 1990's they added small group instruction as part of a three year program improvement grant funded by a Lila Wallace Readers Digest coordinated through the American Library Association, Office of Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS). This curriculum is based on their years of experience.
This workshop was successful because of our partners. I want to thank the Sarsota County Public Library for handling local arrangements. Sarah Hoeffel, the library's Hispanic outreach coordinator with the library, arranged for the room, promoted the program and set up the refreshments provided by the library. The Region 3 Adult Literacy Center provided travel stipends for those who drove from outside the county. They also advertised the training.
This is one example of services we provide our members, and we often open up the workshops to other literacy programs. Check out this blog for announcements about future trainings.
Our annual meeting will be held at the Florida Literacy Conference in Orlando in May 2008.
This year we are sponsoring three programs at the conference, one on student persistence, another on how to start a volunteer literacy program and a networking program for library literacy programs.
To learn how to become a member.
Sandy Newell, President LFv
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
Sunday, December 9, 2007
New Tutor Training for Low Level Learners
Dear Program Managers and Volunteer Tutors,
As President of Literacy Florida! volunteers (LF volunteers), I am pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a new in-service for tutors, trainers and program managers on February 1, Friday, in Sarasota. This training is for programs needing new strategies to reach the very lowest level adult and teen learners.
Fast Track Reading System for Volunteer Tutors
February 1, Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sarasota
Explore the “Fast Track Reading” course developed specifically
for lower-level readers by the Jacksonville Public Library.
The system incorporates a unique, accelerated approach to reading instruction that
focuses on syllable division, syllable types, and other word attack strategies.
LFv is hosting this free workshop at the Selby Public Library, the downtown library in Sarasota,1331 First St, on February 1, Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST. The library has found proven instructional strategies that work with basic reading students who have not succeeded in other programs. Sharon Hastings Jaskula, long time manager of the Jacksonville Public Library’s award winning literacy program, is the program presenter. Register today by sending your name, program name, telephone number, fax number and e-mail to literacyflorida@hotmail.com. Also include your title (Program Manager, Tutor Trainer, Tutor, Teacher etc.)
The Jacksonville Public Library developed this program with funding from a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), a federal grant administered by the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Check out the LFv blog for information on health literacy, board management, fundraising, grants, recruiting trainers, and how to become a member of LF! volunteers member.
I also want to thank you for all of your hard work and wish you a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Sandy Newell,
President, LFv
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
850-245-6624
As President of Literacy Florida! volunteers (LF volunteers), I am pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a new in-service for tutors, trainers and program managers on February 1, Friday, in Sarasota. This training is for programs needing new strategies to reach the very lowest level adult and teen learners.
Fast Track Reading System for Volunteer Tutors
February 1, Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sarasota
Explore the “Fast Track Reading” course developed specifically
for lower-level readers by the Jacksonville Public Library.
The system incorporates a unique, accelerated approach to reading instruction that
focuses on syllable division, syllable types, and other word attack strategies.
LFv is hosting this free workshop at the Selby Public Library, the downtown library in Sarasota,1331 First St, on February 1, Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST. The library has found proven instructional strategies that work with basic reading students who have not succeeded in other programs. Sharon Hastings Jaskula, long time manager of the Jacksonville Public Library’s award winning literacy program, is the program presenter. Register today by sending your name, program name, telephone number, fax number and e-mail to literacyflorida@hotmail.com. Also include your title (Program Manager, Tutor Trainer, Tutor, Teacher etc.)
The Jacksonville Public Library developed this program with funding from a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), a federal grant administered by the State Library and Archives of Florida.
Check out the LFv blog for information on health literacy, board management, fundraising, grants, recruiting trainers, and how to become a member of LF! volunteers member.
I also want to thank you for all of your hard work and wish you a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Sandy Newell,
President, LFv
literacyflorida@hotmail.com
850-245-6624
Volunteer Literacy Program Resources
Read more below about health literacy, board management, fundraising, grants, recruiting trainers, and how to become a member of LF! volunteers.
Health Literacy
As tutors and adult learners know, coping with poor health and hospitals is more difficult if you struggle with reading. Patients entering hospitals are asked if they have an advance directive, but the form is too hard for many to read. A simpler form is now available.
Typical written advance directives are written at a 12th grade level. This form is used by patients to document end-of-life treatment wishes, designate decision-makers, and promote discussion on treatment. An easier to read advance directive form written in a 5th grade level can be downloaded for free in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese at http://www.iha4health.org/
Volunteer programs can use this and other medical forms as real life examples in lessons.
Board Management
Many of Florida’s literacy programs are run by nonprofit boards. To learn more about board basics go to:
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Board Management
http://www.allianceonline.org/FAQ
This site compiles questions related to Board Development, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Financial Management and Risk Management.
At your next board meeting, use the following list of fundraising tasks to evaluate your program.
BOARD FUNDRAISING TASKS
Have input into fundraising plan
Organize and participate on fundraising committee
Identify and cultivate new prospects/donors
Ask peers for donations
Always be an advocate for the agency
Make introductions for staff to follow-up
Accompany staff on key visits to funders
Help with expressions of thanks when appropriate
Give to the volunteer literacy program
STAFF FUNDRAISING TASKS
Accompany staff on key visits to funders
Help with expressions of thanks when appropriate
Research new and existing donors
Write case materials
Assist board in any way possible
Write proposals
Accompany board members on solicitation visits
Ask for money when appropriate
Take care of all logistics related to fundraising activities
Plan, plan, plan
Grants
Dollar General
The Dollar General Adult Literacy Grants award funding to non-profit organizations that provide direct service to adults in need of literacy assistance. Organizations must provide assistance in one of the following instructional areas:
Adult basic education;
General education diploma preparation; or
English for speakers of other languages.
The next open solicitation for request for proposals will be in January 2008. Please check in January at http://www.dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.071019.aspx
If you would like advice on grant writing, contact Sandy Newell, 850-245-6624 or literacyflorida@hotmail.com.
Florida Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants
The next application for LSTA grants is due March 2008. The application will be available at http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/bld/Literacy/Funding2.html Libraries can use the 2007 application as a template to develop a draft. There will be no major changes in the grant application for 2008. Technical assistance for libraries on grant writing is available through Sandy Newell snewell@dos.state.fl.us
Recruiting Trainers
One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of running a volunteer tutoring program is training tutors. Well trained tutors is the basis for a successful literacy program.
Programs need to offer volunteers additional opportunities to help your program. Recruit and mentor new trainers. Look for those who do well in the tutor training workshop. Observe their communication skills and understanding of how to work with adults. Candidates include experienced tutors and people with good facilitation and communication skills. Potential trainers need to know how to provide quality, interactive learning experiences for adults.
New trainers can attend a train the trainer workshop at a preconference to the 2008 Florida Literacy Conference. Technical assistance on program improvement and training trainers is also available from LFv. To get the latest on the 2008 preconference, go to http://www.floridaliteracy.org/con2008.html.
Health Literacy
As tutors and adult learners know, coping with poor health and hospitals is more difficult if you struggle with reading. Patients entering hospitals are asked if they have an advance directive, but the form is too hard for many to read. A simpler form is now available.
Typical written advance directives are written at a 12th grade level. This form is used by patients to document end-of-life treatment wishes, designate decision-makers, and promote discussion on treatment. An easier to read advance directive form written in a 5th grade level can be downloaded for free in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese at http://www.iha4health.org/
Volunteer programs can use this and other medical forms as real life examples in lessons.
Board Management
Many of Florida’s literacy programs are run by nonprofit boards. To learn more about board basics go to:
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Board Management
http://www.allianceonline.org/FAQ
This site compiles questions related to Board Development, Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Financial Management and Risk Management.
At your next board meeting, use the following list of fundraising tasks to evaluate your program.
BOARD FUNDRAISING TASKS
Have input into fundraising plan
Organize and participate on fundraising committee
Identify and cultivate new prospects/donors
Ask peers for donations
Always be an advocate for the agency
Make introductions for staff to follow-up
Accompany staff on key visits to funders
Help with expressions of thanks when appropriate
Give to the volunteer literacy program
STAFF FUNDRAISING TASKS
Accompany staff on key visits to funders
Help with expressions of thanks when appropriate
Research new and existing donors
Write case materials
Assist board in any way possible
Write proposals
Accompany board members on solicitation visits
Ask for money when appropriate
Take care of all logistics related to fundraising activities
Plan, plan, plan
Grants
Dollar General
The Dollar General Adult Literacy Grants award funding to non-profit organizations that provide direct service to adults in need of literacy assistance. Organizations must provide assistance in one of the following instructional areas:
Adult basic education;
General education diploma preparation; or
English for speakers of other languages.
The next open solicitation for request for proposals will be in January 2008. Please check in January at http://www.dollargeneral.com/community/communityinvestments.071019.aspx
If you would like advice on grant writing, contact Sandy Newell, 850-245-6624 or literacyflorida@hotmail.com.
Florida Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants
The next application for LSTA grants is due March 2008. The application will be available at http://dlis.dos.state.fl.us/bld/Literacy/Funding2.html Libraries can use the 2007 application as a template to develop a draft. There will be no major changes in the grant application for 2008. Technical assistance for libraries on grant writing is available through Sandy Newell snewell@dos.state.fl.us
Recruiting Trainers
One of the most interesting and challenging aspects of running a volunteer tutoring program is training tutors. Well trained tutors is the basis for a successful literacy program.
Programs need to offer volunteers additional opportunities to help your program. Recruit and mentor new trainers. Look for those who do well in the tutor training workshop. Observe their communication skills and understanding of how to work with adults. Candidates include experienced tutors and people with good facilitation and communication skills. Potential trainers need to know how to provide quality, interactive learning experiences for adults.
New trainers can attend a train the trainer workshop at a preconference to the 2008 Florida Literacy Conference. Technical assistance on program improvement and training trainers is also available from LFv. To get the latest on the 2008 preconference, go to http://www.floridaliteracy.org/con2008.html.
Here are more tips for recruiting trainers:
Recruit teams to work together.
Provide a “quality” workshop template with easy to follow instructions for the tutor
Invite potential trainers to a training workshop to share their experiences in specific area.
Observe new tutors and tap those who are most effective.
Contact experienced tutors who can not tutor regularly. They may not want to commit to tutoring a student weekly now, but may be willing to give a block of time within a couple of months to present the 10 to 16 hours needed to provide a workshop.
Always be on the look out for trainers and list this and other "jobs" as a volunteer opportunity on your tutor intake form.
Have a tutor trainer job description with specific duties and amount of time needed to prepare and give a workshop.
How to Become a LFvolunteer Member:
Individuals can join LF!v for only $15 and a group cost $25. Go to http://www.aflo.freeservers.com/membership.htm
for the membership form.
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