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rwrc Update By Donna Russett‘ Most people with low literacy skills never return to school or sign up for literacy programs. Instead, they cope as best they can in a world that demands sophisticated reading. writing and numerr acy skills. There is hope! Soon rural Canadians will have LINKS â€" Linking In- stitutes and Neighbours with Knowledge and Skillsâ€" to help them with some oftheir everyday literacy tasks. LINKS is the national project chosen by the Federated Women‘s Institutes of Canada (FWIC) at their literacy awareness workshops held in l998. LINKS has a disâ€" .tinctive style and symbol, the butterfly for use on all promotional material, Although national in scope, LINKS will be local in design. Branches, for example, may act as a mentor or “buddy,” they may be a re- source centre where participants can be assisted with difficult-toâ€"read documents, or they may choose to help seniors. LINKS will match volunteers with indi- viduals who need help with practical tasks involving reading. writing and numbers. All of this will be free. on a confidential basis, The LINKS Project is meant to be flexible. so that each Branch can partici- pate as they deem appropriate for their community and given their resources. As a first step, Branches should contact their local literacy groups. LINKS volun- teers will not serve as tutors. That is thejob of many local literacy groups. But the ex- pectation is that it can be a two-way referral system. Each Branch has received a new video and Workshop Kit. The Kit will help each Branch learn about LINKS and dectde what kind of project is best for them. A Media Kit suggests opportunities for pub» licizing your local LINKS project. It also includes draft press releases and radio spots. In 1998, many Branches took advantage of the media materials. According to the National Literacy Secretariat. it was the most publicized project they have funded to date. FWIC hopes that all Branches will hold a workshop to introduce LINKS by the Summer. 2000. Donna Russett is the MIC Executive Officer to FWlC. She can be reached at RR 3, Stirling ON KOK 3E0. Phone/Fax: 613395-4305. Correctionâ€"As noted on page 5 ofthe Winter 1999â€"2000 Home at Country, it is not a history of FWIC that will be ready for Convention 2000. but a history of the Women‘s Institutes in Canada. Applause, Applause: The Rowen Road Branch had a busy 1999. Branch President loan McNeil (right) applauded member Dorothy Dorae (left) for her work with the local literacy council. Dorothy received 25 pairs of mit- tens and 29 books for use by the Adult Literacy Council of Greater Fort Erie. Life Member Margaret Russell was chosen as Fort Erie's "Sen/or of the Yeari” the town’s Mayor Wayne Redekop pre- sented Margaret with a plaque. Another long-time member, Vera Rater-nan was recognized forknr'fling 272 baby set: for the Guardian Angels Program. To commemorate the lnremational Year of Older Per- sons, the Branch purchased two concrete benches for the local cemeteries. Suhmllted by Barb Wilkie. Public Halalions Chair. Bowen Road WI. Niagara "If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade." - Torn Pelers Lending a Hand lor Literary It was a tremendous effort by Norrhumberland West District members, and they were well re wardedt They raised nearly $600 from a craft and bake sale organ- ized to fundraise for their local Read Centre in Cabourg. This Dis- trict's effort was in support of the Literacy Project initiated by FWIC. District Public Relations Officer Dorothy Harnden is pictured working the bake tablet Submltled by Dorothy Hamden, PRO. Nonhuinbailand Wesl Home E Country, Spring 2000 l3