September Milestones and New Beginnings

Ah September in Ontario! The air is crisp and the leaves are becoming an ever-changing paint palate.  Our minds drift back from the beach and the woods, and onto the goals and dreams that require us to roll up our sleeves and get down to it.

Yesterday was Action Read’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).  As usual, it was a wonderful celebration of the people and things that make Action Read awesome.  It was a little bit quirky and upbeat (like us!), and serious and considered where it needed to be.  A big thank you to everyone who showed their support by attending!

Serious and considered, indeed!

For Action Read, the AGM is an opportunity to take stock.  It is a milestone of sorts in that we recognize all that we have done, and all that we have achieved. We acknowledge those who made big strides towards their goals, or those people who really made a difference in our little community. From supporting over 196 learners and 150 volunteers in adult one-to-one tutoring and small groups, to bustling family literacy programs throughout the city, to the development of innovative policies and learning groups such as cash register training, computer programs for youth, financial literacy training and the healthy living project: 2013-2014 has been an action-packed year!

                                                                                   


The friendly faces of our learners, volunteers and staff!

                                                                                   
As individuals, recognizing and rewarding our many milestones plays a huge role in helping us to stay motivated to learn and grow. Milestones are an opportunity to reflect on our successes, and to learn from what didn’t go so well.  Milestones are achieved through careful reflection and planning, and so it’s also a time to identify new goals and opportunities.  It is therefore fitting that we have our AGM in the fall, when new beginnings are on everyone’s mind.

Learning as an adult is not easy. Life is busy, demands are many and taking the time to build reading, writing and numeracy skills can require a leap of faith.  When you celebrate milestones, you recognize that your hard work is paying off.  You see yourself as capable and competent.  Your faith is affirmed!

Marc and Captain David J.

Milestone achievement would not be possible without the support of many individuals.  Huge thanks to our many volunteers for their commitment, hard work and encouragement. Thanks also to our devoted staff, who provide expertise & who go the extra mile.

Finally a special thanks also to our Board members – our unsung heroes - for the invaluable contribution that you have made to Action Read.  Best of luck to our incoming board members. 

The 2013-2014 Board of Directors: (clockwise from back left:): Barb Saunders, Sharon McLaughlin, Edgar Riel, Anne Purkis (Chair), Ida D’Silva (Treasurer), David McConnell, Luke Van Pelt, Devon Sivill (Vice-Chair), Kendra Dewar-McKinley,  Lois Gottlieb 

Whether the milestone is an annual organizational celebration, or the successful completion of a milestone learning task, taking the time to recognize our accomplishments is satisfying, healthy and motivating. Congratulations to everyone who celebrated a milestone in 2013-2014 - however large or small!