Making Books Together on October 2nd, 1:30 pm at our library

October 2nd, 1:30-2:30 p.m. “Making Books Together” – promoting family literacy & learning at home.   Using easy to find recycled items and paper found around the house, have fun pencils, markers, crayons and collage paper making of a 2 simple books.

Parents + children ages 3 yrs and up

Read more at http://albertaartsdayslibraries2011.blogspot.com/2011/07/alberta-arts-days-framework.html

Volunteer survey highlights

Volunteers in public libraries survey

A dipstick survey was run on Survey Monkey from July 19 - 23, 2011. Library staff was invited to participate in the survey. The survey url was posted on TRAC and YRL listservs. 31 people filled the online survey. The goal was to investigate the tasks done by volunteers, policies, volunteer orientation system, and the process of volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, orientation, recognition, and management.  Just to understand volunteer trends and support framework. I also chatted with volunteers in our community.

The highlights

·        Top 3 tasks the volunteers are interested in:

o    One time special projects,

o    in preparation of stuff for the programs for children and

o    book sales

·        Volunteers deliver books for the homebound program: 58.1%

·        Volunteers offer one on one computer training: 22.7%

·        54.8% said that their libraries do not have a volunteer policy

·        Top 3 training needs for volunteers identified: Team building, Use of computers, Communications skills, and Leadership training

·        Volunteer recognition events were hosted in April, May, October, or December

Trends

·        The need for people to help people is stronger

·        Volunteers like to know the time commitment

·        Volunteers give time for the cause they believe in and are passionate about

·        Time commitment is short term

·        People volunteer for social satisfaction and fulfillment

·        People volunteer to get work experience

·        People volunteer to learn new skills

·        Volunteers like flexibility

·        Family and corporate volunteer is a segment waiting to be explored

·        Scarcity of short term opportunities

·        Volunteers like a friendly atmosphere and their work to be appreciated

Training opportunities

The volunteer development workshops organized by Volunteer Alberta in Wetaskiwin are as follows.

http://volunteercapacitydevelopment.blogspot.com/

http://workshopleadershipdevelopment.blogspot.com/

To sum up volunteers build the community capital and help with fund raising, spread the access to library services, showcase collaboration, and their dedication by giving time.

Thank you so much for responding. Thank you for sending the volunteer policies. I look forward to welcoming you at our library on Sept 21.

Emily Whittal winner of the BBQ set from Wordy the Octopus draw box

Emily brings her mother, grandmother and a friend to the library on August 10.

For further information about the draw process please visit the following page http://languagecoffeehousewordhouses.blogspot.com/

September 17: Environment Day Puppet Shows and Sept 19 Bag-it Screening at REM

September 17, 2-3 pm:  Environment Day and Puppet plays

·        Theresa to demonstrate upcycling clothes

·        Lynne puppet shows

September 19: Bag-it Screening at the Reynolds Museum

Screening of the film Bag-it in schools and at the Reynolds Museum

Bag It has been garnering awards at film festivals across the nation. What started as a documentary about plastic bags evolved into a wholesale investigation into plastics and their effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our bodies.  Join the Bag It movement and decide for yourself how plastic your life will be.

Streamline Libraries role:

• Purchase 3 copies of Bag-it movie
• Contact County
• Purchase public performance rights
• List the event on the library website and calendar
• Updates on library pathways
• Sell tickets $2/- all revenue and proceeds will come to the library (130 tickets) Tickets on sale at the Wetaskiwin Public library, city hall, John Maude’s office
• Distribute books
• Promote at Aug 27: Side walk Sale, Sept 7: Parade of Programs, Sept 17: Environment day
• Display of our environment books on Sept 19 at the screening venue REM

Partners:

• John Maude Financial Inc.
• Reynolds Alberta Museum
• Schools?
• Resources: Bag It and http://www.cleanuptheworld.org
• Wetaskiwin Public Library and Millet Public Library

September 9, 1:30- 4 pm International FASD day

Focus:  To educate general public and raise awareness about FASD

Possibility of activities and puppet shows in schools or community groups prior to the event.

September 9 event details: Presentations, Mocktails and Wheel of Fortune activity

1:30-1:45 pm: Stacey to introduce FASD Day. Stacey/ Martha: What is FASD? What are its signs and symptoms?

1:45-2 pm: Presentation by Delores
More details to follow

Everyone is Welcome. Door Prizes.  Refreshments provided

Active working group:

·        Stacey from Prairie Central FASD Network

·        Dominique volunteering time (Children’s Services)

·        Patty from Catholic Social Services

·        Charles, Delores and Kathryn from Horizons Center

·        Manisha from Wetaskiwin Public Library

Our coach: Stacy Wolbeck, Network Coordinator, Prairie Central FASD Network, #3 Community Centre, 4516-54 St. Camrose AB T4V 4W7 Phone: (780) 672-0141, Fax: (780) 672-2833

Bookmark:

Join Us September 9^th, 1:30-3 p.m. for Special Guest Speakers, Mocktail Tastings, Games and A Chance to Network With Others in the FASD Community Ceremonies Begin at the Wetaskiwin Public Library 5002 – 51^st Street
 Come Help Us Recognize This Important Day

For further information, please visit http://fasdday9september2011.blogspot.com/

Announcing Personal Development Series by Shanti Wellness Centre

Wetaskiwin Public Library and Shanti Wellness Centre Presents:

6 Series on Personal Development on Wednesdays

This series will run over 6 weeks starting on October 12 and will be held at the Wetaskiwin Public Library. The series has been developed and created by Zaheen Nanji, Professional Life  Coach and Co-director of Shanti Wellness Centre, Wetaskiwin.

Cost: $ 50 for 6 weeks OR $10 for individual session

WEEK 1: Nine Keys that Successful People Have in Common

Have you wondered how some people attract what they want or get things done or are successful in what they do? They work with these nine keys subconsciously and now you will learn what these are and how to apply them to your life.

October 12, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WEEK 2: Chaos and Opportunity and How to Make a Good Decision

Learn the Universal Cycles of Change (UCC) Model that will help you understand how chaos leads to opportunity and how to look for that.

Are you sometimes faced with a dilemma on what decision to make? Learn a strategy to help you with that.

October 19, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WEEK 3: Who Am I at I Different Neurological Levels?

Humans operate consciously and subconsciously at different Neurological levels. Learn what those levels are and find out more about who you are.

October 26, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WEEK 4: How to write and Create Goals or Well Formed Outcomes

This is not your normal goal setting class! We all have goals, but how do you know that you are actually close to your goal? What would be your evidence that you have a well formed outcome? Learn the evidence, action and outcome you need for your goals.

November 2, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WEEK 5: Create a Compelling Future using Timeline Theraphy

Ever wonder why you take on too much or cannot complete tasks on time? Do you find that you cannot see far into the future or that you keep making the same mistakes? Find out:

·        how you code the past, present and future, and how it impacts your life.

·        How to change your timeline to increase flexibility and reach your goals.

November 9, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

WEEK 6: How to Use Language, 3 Senses and Eye Accessing Cues to Communicate Better and Increase Sales

Did you know we primarily communicate visually, auditory or kinesthetically? We can tell that by paying attention to language patterns and eye accessing cues. Find out your communication style and how you can increase sales by understanding your client’s communication style.

November 16, 2011
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

If you attend all 6 sessions, you will receive a gift certificate from Shanti Wellness Centre.

Register now: Call Manisha at the library 780 361 4447 or manishacommunications@gmail.com or visit the library.

September 15, 12-3 p.m.: Migrant Routes workshop @ the library

Our increasingly diverse communities and workplaces call for professional development that allows employees to learn about the experiences and challenges that newcomers face when coming to Canada.

The workshop can help you and your organization build a strategy around creating more inclusive spaces for all community members.

What will you learn about?

• The Canadian immigration system
• Challenges and barriers newcomers face
• Strategies to create equitable and welcoming spaces
• Tools to ensure that policies and practices that seem neutral do not have discrimination built into them
• Methods to build an inclusive community where all individuals and families are realizing their full potential

Migrant Routes workshops and materials are offered in English or French.  Resources include a DVD documentary that takes participants on a virtual exploration of Franco-African immigrants’ arrival in Alberta and the Karibuni (Ki-Swahili for “Welcome”) Educational Resource Manual that offers information and activities that can help to build understanding about migrant issues, the concept of integration and ways to make positive change towards inclusion.

For more information, please contact: Ashima Sumaru, Education Coordinator, Centre for Race and Culture, 780 425 4644, ext. 115, asumaru@cfrac.com

To register for the workshop in Wetaskiwin contact Manisha 780 361 4447 or send a email to manishacommunications@gmail.com

September 9, 8-9 am: PRINTS information sharing

September 9, 8-9 am: PRINTS Parents Role in Interacting with Teacher Support workshop information sharing and support. (Print awareness, print motivation, books and book sharing, and printing).  Please visit the following page to view a PRINTS session at the Norquest college on June 6  http://printsparentsroleinteractingwithteach.blogspot.com/

International Literacy Day Celebration: September 8, 12-3 p.m.: Intercultural communications workshop at the Literacy Office

What can I do to better communicate with newcomers to my workplace and organization?

Communication difficulties at the worksite are a common occurrence. A lack of understanding to what to do when communication difficulties arise leads to workplace dysfunction. This dysfunction is noticed at the workplace through various ways including duties not being completed, distrust and reinforced negative stereotypes.

The workshop on September 8th will look specifically at frequent issues at the worksite as it relates to communication and culture, the reasons as to why this takes place and (most importantly) provide tips and resources to you on how to overcome these issues at the workplace and organizations.

Partners:

• Alberta Employment & Immigration
• Wetaskiwin Community Literacy Program
• ABC Literacy for Life Foundation, GOOD READs Author reading (Waiting for confirmation)

Register now call Manisha 780 361 4447 or by email manishacommunications@gmail.com

September 8 International Literacy Day challenge

Check out the International Literacy Day Challenge from Canadian Literacy and Learning Network, which focuses on the workplace, at  http://www.literacy.ca/?q=ild_poll_challenge

The key result: Most people would like to read a book or do crosswords.

 

Take the Challenge

On September 8th, get involved and take the International Literacy Day Challenge. This year’s challenge focuses on literacy and essential skills for everyone, everywhere. Try out some of these activities to celebrate International Literacy Day – and continue to practice literacy and essential skills every day!
1. Read a book to a child
2. Have a child read a book to an adult
3. Start a blog
4. Take a professional development course
5. Join a social media platform – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
6. Write a letter to an old friend – the snail mail way!7. Share this list with friends and coworkers – and dare them to take the challenge!
8. Play a game of Scrabble
9. Look up and learn a new word (and continue to do so every day for a month!)10. Use a new form of technology (Smartphone, self‐serve checkout, etc.)

COW Bus @ the Wetaskiwin library on Friday, August 5th

Calling all parents, caregivers, grandparents of children in the age group of 1-7 years and family literacy practitioners and/or professionals.

The workshop is scheduled at the library for Aug 5, 2011 at 10:15am-11:15am and the 'Open House' Bus visits until 12:45pm.

Alberta Prairie C.O.W staff is pleased to provide free family literacy workshops to groups of parents, caregivers and stakeholders. These workshops run for 60-90 minutes. The COW Bus facilitators will bring a variety of family literacy materials for parents to view. They will discuss topics such as
 

• Books for different ages
• Different ways to use books
• Why use rhymes and songs?
• Book safety
• Beyond books: other activities to do at home

 
Alberta Prairie C.O.W. Project
#201, 11456 Jasper Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K  0M1
780 421 7323

For further information please visit  http://cowbusatthelibraryaug2011.blogspot.com/