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NLLLC Provincial Newsletter

The President's Corner

Greetings everyone!
By now all interested councils should have received their application for Summer Reading for Fun. The provincial board met in Grand Falls-Windsor on February 13&14 to discuss the strategic directions for the province and the changes that are happening at the National level in the near future. We were proud to have Bessie Merrigan, LLC National President, as an invited guest at the meeting. She gave us some insight into what is happening with the board. Now is the time to get fundraising started to send delegates to the AGM in Grand Falls -Windsor in October 2004. Also, please keep in mind that we are still looking for a council to host AGM 2005. Keep smiling spring is just around the corner and we can finally get out of this long winter which had record-breaking snowfalls.

Introducing Wanda Parr

In our last newsletter all of the members of the newly elected provincial board were highlighted except the representative from Labrador Wanda Parr. We feel the need to rectify this immediately as she is a vital part of the new Board.

Wanda lives with her husband Alec in a small community nestled in the South Coast of Labrador called Port Hope Simpson. She has two children, a son and a daughter, who are both attending university in St. John’s. Wanda has worked with the Labrador White Bear Literacy Council since 1996 and we are very fortunate she agreed to join the NLLLC Board. I sincerely apologize to Wanda for omitting her from the list.

Seeking a Provincial Treasurer

Vanessa Reid, the provincial treasurer, has decided to step down for personal reasons. Is there anyone among you who is interested in this position or can you identify someone in your community or council who might prove to be a good board member? The Newfoundland and Labrador Laubach Literacy Council is planning for the future and I think it will grow very strong over the next few years. The Board meets face to face approximately 2 - 3 times a year and has teleconferences approximately twice a year. The Board pays all expenses for hotels, meals and transportation. The next meeting is scheduled for May 7 and 8 in Corner Brook.

Qualifications:

1. Although knowing how to add and subtract is important, it is not essential. We can provide you with a calculator. The numbers are not so big as to cause great stress.
2. You must be able to read and write effectively to read bank and government correspondence. You will be one of three signing authorities. This is to protect you as well as the organization.
3. You need to be organized. You will need to know how to file and keep pertinent information so as to ensure receipts are kept in a logical manner.
4. You need to be aware of time lines as you need to complete forms for the organization for their charitable and incorporation status. This is essential to allowing the organization to keep moving.
5. Both male and female members can apply although I am sure Lloyd would prefer to have another male on the Board. He is vastly outnumbered, but he is not complaining - yet.
6. A sense of humour and a lot patience is critical. The Board is in a ‘learning mode’ and requires people with a lot of patience who will laugh at us and with us when we" goof.”
7. This is a volunteer - working position. In other words you will work a lot but won't get paid for it.
8. Training is provided "on the job" so to speak. It's a trial by fire thing with everyone throwing in their two-cents worth. (This is why you need a sense of humour)