EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS' UPDATE

In addition, we wish to focus on those people with literacy challenges who may never attend a program, to determine how public services can be more accessible.

The General Public

We hope to be working on a number of fronts to make sure the general public is more aware of literacy issues. We have developed a "new look" including an updated logo. This is part of our effort to brand the OLC as the organization to speak for literacy issues in the province. This new look will lead to an overall communication package to present information on literacy and the OLC to the general public.

We recently held a two-day strategy session with key stakeholders to take stock of the social marketing work done to date and to chart a threeyear direction that will meet the needs of the literacy community and complement existing work. We will shortly have a plan that builds on the OLC's social marketing work of the last four years.

Government and Decision-Makers

We will continue to provide informed advice and build awareness with both politicians (federal and provincial) and government representatives. This includes building a relationship with the new provincial government to provide a positive legislative environment for literacy. We will provide this informed advice by first consulting with our members.

As part of its work on family literacy, the OLC has put together a provincial working group on family literacy - Action for Family Literacy Ontario (AFLO). In less than a year, AFLO has developed a vision, mission and values statement, the beginnings of a communications strategy and some preliminary research on best practices. In the future, a top priority is to move the work of AFLO forward by raising awareness about the multiple benefits of family literacy programming, and the need for greater financial support for programming and services.

The OLC welcomes back Lorri Sauvé as a project manager. Lorri will support the work of AFLO and coordinate July's Foundational Institute in Family Literacy.

Executive Director Changes

THE OLC BOARD OF DIRECTORS would like to wish Sue Folinsbee the very best and every success in all her future endeavors. Sue is leaving the OLC to work on a number of exciting projects being coordinated by the Labour Education Centre. This work will include the "Hospitality Workers Resource Centre" and a "Union Passport to Learning." Both projects are designed to assist unionized workers with their literacy, vocational training and employment counseling needs.

Over the past 2-years Sue has been a real asset to the OLC in her role as Co-Executive Director. Her strong determination, ability to advocate on behalf of people with literacy challenges and her knowledge of access and equity work has inspired the organization to form new and beneficial partnerships. We would like to thank Sue for her excellent contributions to the work of the OLC.

At the same time that we are sad to announce Sue's departure, the board is pleased to announce that Anette Chawla has been confirmed as Executive Director. Anette has worked with Sue as Co-Executive Director for the past 2-years and demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the work of the OLC. The board is confident that under Anette's leadership the OLC will continue to look for the most effective and respectful ways to help people who have literacy challenges in Ontario.

On behalf of the OLC Board of Directors,
Aaron Cantor, President and Chair