President’s report by Sylvia Provenski

Fall is a time of change. As I look out my window, I see change happening all around me. As I reflect on my past two years as President, I am amazed and pleased at the changes that have taken place within this organization. However, what pleases me even more is what future changes will bring to literacy.

Literacy Partners has a new attitude! An attitude of confidence. We are confident that literacy in Manitoba will continue to see improvements in many areas, such as public awareness, resources, and networking.

We also have a new vision. We are looking forward to a brighter future, and moving forward along the road to lifelong learning.

Soon, people all across Manitoba will sit up and listen. They will be able to hear our new radio ads and see our outdoor advertising campaign, Reading…Manitoba’s Future.

Businesses in Manitoba will be able to take a more active role in assisting literacy programs through the Menu Marketing campaign, or through the proposed Endowment Fund. Literacy Partners is also exploring a distance delivery model that will allow learners to have access to basic education in their own homes using their television sets and a VCR.

This has been a very challenging and exciting two years for me.

This past September LPM had their annual board and staff retreat in Brandon. This was an opportunity for all those responsible for the many Literacy Partners projects - board and staff - to get together. It was an awesome experience. There are many talented, energetic, and hard working people “behind the scenes” of this organization, and I commend every one of them.

This is the end of my two-year term as President, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Yes, it has been hard work, but I have learned so much in such a short time while in this position. There is no professional development training that could equal the on-the-job training that occurs while being a board member. I have agreed to stand for another term as your President. I am hoping that you will consent with your vote, to having me stay on for another term.

With the terms of members Pat Mowatt, Vi Ouellette, and Marge Warkentin coming to an end, there are three vacancies to be filled. Marge is standing again.

John Chabih

I would like to serve on the Board of LPM because I believe that there are great resources available but not everyone knows about them. I want to promote these resources so all people have the opportunity to improve themselves.

The expertise I bring to the board includes Pre-Employment, Youth Support, Employment and Education counselling, Promotions and Public Relations, and strong advocacy skills.

I am a Board Member of Manitoba Work Info Net. I am affiliated withWinnipeg Organization of Recruitment Coordinators, CACEE. I work at New Directions and the Military Family Resoource Centre

Anne Lavack

I would like to serve on the board of LPM because I feel I can make a useful and positive contribution to this very worthwhile cause. As an educator, I am constantly aware of the importance of literacy, and enhancing literacy levels throughout Manitoba is a goal that is definitely worth striving for. It is wonderful to see the real improvements that enhanced literacy can bring to people’s lives.

The expertise I bring to the board includes my experience as a university educator at Concordia University and University of Winnipeg, my expertise in social marketing (Ph.D. in Marketing from University of British Columbia), my knowledge of business and administration in nonprofit organizations (MBA from University of Manitoba), and my ten years of experience in advertising and marketing research gained working in both Winnipeg and Toronto.

I am affiliated with the following volunteer organizations: Member of the Board of Directors and Program Director of the Advertising Association of Winnipeg 1998-2000; Member of the Board of Directors & Chairman of the Marketing Committee for the University of British Columbia Alumni Association 1992-1994; Member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Youth Hostelling Association 1988-1990.

I am affiliated with the following work-related organizations: member of the Academy of Marketing Science; member of the Society for Consumer Psychology; member of the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada: member of numerous committees at the University of Winnipeg, including the University Senate, the Pension Committee, and the Department Curriculum Committee, among others.

Marge Warkentin

I am running for a 2nd term on the board of LPM because I wish to continue learning about and being a part of social marketing. I am interested in and committed to adult and family literacy. I feel I can bring northern and Family literacy issues to the table.

The expertise I bring to the board includes connections with programs in Northern Manitoba, experience in program development and teaching , family literacy and provincial steering committee.

I am affiliated with the following volunteer organizations: Literacy Partners of Manitoba, Canadian Parents for French, Mennonite Brethren Church (various committees), and Flin Flon Parents for Music Education.

I am affiliated with the following work-related organizations: the Community Adult Learning Centre, Read with Me Program, Flin Flon.