LEARN Build Your Skills VOLUNTEER Share Your Skills PARTNER Collaborate with Us What is Literacy in Action? Literacy in Action (LIA) is a non-profit organization serving the Eastern Townships (Estrie) region of Quebec. Our purpose is to offer learning opportunities for English-speaking adults and their families. LIA works one-on-one with individuals who want support with their essential literacy skills. Reading, writing, math, communication, using technology, and working with others are all skills that allow us to explore and interact with the world and people around us. We host activities in communities across the Estrie region that connect these skills to daily life. All of our direct services and community activities are free. Learn More GET IN TOUCH 5 Rue Connolly Sherbrooke, Quebec J1M 1L8 connect@lia-estrie.org 819-346-7009 Want more information about a program or service? Contact us! Receive our Newsletter We are collecting your name and email address to send you our newsletter. Your information will be used only for this purposes and handled in accordance with our privacy practices. Some information may be stored using secure servers located outside Quebec or Canada. You may withdraw your consent at any time. You have the right to access, correct, or delete your information by calling us at (819) 346-7009 or by email at privacyofficer@lia-estrie.org

CONTACT We want to hear from you! To send us a message, fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Take me to the contact form If you would like to volunteer with LIA, click here to fill out our volunteer application form I want to volunteer with LIA! Phone 819-346-7009 Email connect@lia-estrie.org Address Facebook 5 Connolly Street, Sherbrooke, Quebec Canada J1M 1L8 fb.me/literacyinaction Instagram @literacyinaction.estrie

VOLUNTEER Share Your Skills Literacy Skills Coach Digital Literacy Skills Coach HELP Conversation Partner Skillsharer Community and Family Program Assistant Behind the Scenes Promotion Be a Bridge Volunteer with Literacy in Action As a volunteer with Literacy in Action, you can help nurture the vitality of the English-speaking community in the Eastern Townships. Tell us about yourself and why you want to get involved and we will match you with an opportunity that fits your skills and interests. Literacy Skills Coach Empower adult learners by helping them build foundational reading and writing skills. As a Literacy Skills Coach, you will meet 1-to-1 with a learner to practice reading, comprehension, writing tasks, and everyday literacy skills in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer About Essential Skills Digital Literacy Skills Coach Digital Literacy Skills Coaches help individuals who need guidance on how to use basic functions on their device. As a Digital Skills Coach, you will work 1-to-1 with an adult learner LIA's Tech Hub. Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer HELP Conversation Partner Meet up with a public healthcare or social services worker weekly to help them practice their English speaking skills. Receive training, join a community, and get an opportunity to make a difference through dialogue. Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer Community & Family Program Assistant Help out at one of LIA's community programs or family literacy workshops! This could involve setting up the activity space, welcoming participants, explaining activities, reading stories, overseeing and assisting participants during the sessions, and cleaning up. Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer Skillsharer Do you have a specific skillset or expertise you would like to share with others? Reach out to LIA and we will help you organize a skillsharing workshop where you can coach an individual or group in your community. Board Member We want the voices of community members at the table to help us make the best choices for the organization. You don’t need extensive experience or qualifications to become a board member. Just a passion for lifelong learning and community engagement (and availability for monthly board meetings). Find Out More Sign Up to Volunteer Learn More Sign Up to Volunteer Behind the Scenes Are you skilled in administration, paperwork, graphic design, cleaning, organizing, filing, landscaping, video editing, or maintenance? Volunteer to help LIA with day-to-day tasks that keep a non-profit running smoothly. Promotion Spread the word about LIA! Share our events on social media. Put up posters in your community. Use your contacts or spheres of influence to make our work known. Contact LIA Contact LIA Be a Bridge Want to see LIA come to your community? We go where we are invited and where we can be of service. If you know of an organization that we can partner with to offer our programs & services, tell us about them and tell them about us! If you know someone who would benefit from our coaching services, especially our services for one-to-one reading & writing support, help them reach out to us so we can start a conversation.

PRIVACY POLICY Introduction How does Quebec's Law 25 define personal information? How do we gather your personal information? What personal information does LIA gather? How do we use your information? With whom do we share personal information? How long do we keep personal information? Where is personal information stored? How do we protect personal information? Information privacy rights of individuals Cookies and similar technologies How to contact us Privacy Policy updates Introduction Literacy in Action (LIA) is a not-for-profit volunteer-oriented organization that promotes adult literacy and lifelong learning. LIA designs, delivers, and supports free community-based programs and direct services. Our activities build on core literacy skills and provide hands-on learning opportunities for English-speaking adults and their families in the Estrie region of Quebec. We respect your privacy and work hard to protect your personal information. To provide our programs and services, we sometimes gather personal information from participants, volunteers, employees, donors, and website users. Whenever possible, we use information that does not identify you personally. By providing LIA with your personal information- for example, when you complete a registration form, make a donation, respond to our communications, or interact with us online, you agree that LIA can use it according to this Privacy Policy. By interacting with LIA, whether by registering, donating, or communicating with us, you acknowledge that your information will be processed as described in this policy, which may include storing or transferring your data using trusted digital services necessary to operate our programs (see Section 5.) This Privacy Policy applies only to LIA’s website and services. It does not cover other websites, including those of our service provider platforms or independent third parties. If you visit these websites, we recommend that you review their privacy policies before sharing any personal information. You are never required to give us information that is not needed for our services. Choosing not to provide optional information will not affect your participation. Please read the following sections for more details about how we protect your privacy. 1. How does Quebec's Law 25 define personal information? Personal information Personal information is any data that directly or indirectly identifies an individual, such as someone’s name, their personal email or home address, their age, etc. This information must always be protected and kept confidential. Business contact information Basic business contact information, such as a person’s job title, business address, business email, and business telephone number, relating to the performance of their duties, is not considered confidential under Law 25. Sensitive personal information Some personal information is more sensitive than others. This includes information people expect to be kept very private, such as health information, financial information, or information about children under 18. Sensitive personal information requires clear, informed consent and stronger safeguards. We collect and retain personal information with informed consent and with explicit consent for sensitive information, in accordance with Law 25’s requirements. 2. How do we gather your personal information? We get personal information from you and through our interactions with you, including: When you register for events, activities, training, updates, or newsletters When you donate to our organization, in any form When you register as a volunteer When you apply for employment or are hired In the course of LIA providing services to you From partner organizations we work with when you have given them your consent From public sources, including information made public by law or shared on publicly accessible platforms, where permitted by law and consistent with this Privacy Policy Through inquiries or forms submitted on our website We collect only the information necessary for identified purposes and in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 3. What personal information does LIA gather? We may collect personal information about you, including: Contact and identifying information Name, email, phone number, home address Birth date/Age range Health and accessibility information Allergies, accessibility needs, emergency contacts, dietary restrictions, and other health-related information in case of an emergency/incident Demographics Gender, preferred pronouns, languages spoken Financial information Donations, household income (for funding/statistics), household status, SIN and banking information Program participation Attendance records, preferences and engagement in LIA programs and services Recruitment information CV, education, work history, professional affiliations, references and accommodations (for staff, intern, and/or volunteer candidates) Photos and videos Taken during programs and events for reporting to funders and for training, promotions and recordkeeping purposes May appear on our website, social media, newsletters, or other LIA materials Participants will be notified before being photographed using signs or announcements if direct notice is not possible You can always decline to be photographed or filmed at any time Website activity We do not use tracking cookies, but some service provider tools used to send emails or embedded videos may collect information to help LIA communicate more effectively Other records Evidence of consent you have given LIA About your consent We ask for permission in a clear, simple way You choose freely and know why we need your information You can ask for help to understand before providing consent Sensitive information & consent Sensitive personal information (health, financial data, information about children) requires clear, explicit consent and extra safeguards We do not collect personal information from children under 14 without parental consent 4. How do we use your information? We use personal information only for the following purposes: To provide programs and communicate Deliver personalized services and programs Share information about programs, events, and services (with your consent) Inform you about volunteer or job opportunities (with your consent) Send our newsletter (with your consent) To accept your donations (with your consent) To report to our funders about our programs and services To improve programs and services Understand community needs Review feedback Improve programs and support we offer For volunteer or job applications Review applications Assess qualifications and references Contact applicants To meet legal obligations Comply with legal or regulatory requirements Respond to lawful requests from authorities We use personal information only for the purposes listed above, unless the law allows us to do otherwise or you give additional consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time, unless we are required by law to keep certain information. 5. With whom do we share personal information? We only share personal information when necessary and in accordance with Law 25. This is limited to authorized personnel and volunteers supporting our programs or government authorities when strictly required by law (such as for tax or regulatory obligations). With your consent, we may share limited information with secure digital services that are responsible for storing the data we collect (such as providers of cloud workspace tools & CRM systems) With your consent, we may share limited information with marketing platforms to market our services. With your consent, we may also share your stories, photos, or feedback on our social media platforms. This might include your name if it appears in a photo or a program name tag. Note : Some service provider platforms may use cookies or tracking tools. We handle all information securely in accordance with Law 25 Other safeguards We do not sell personal information We do not share personal information for other purposes unless required or permitted by law When sharing personal information outside Québec, we ensure it is protected consistent with Law 25 6. How long do we keep personal information? We keep personal information only as long as necessary for reporting, legal, or administrative purposes, usually up to 2 years after your last activity with us We may contact former participants only to verify or update information that is still required With your consent, we may keep information longer to send you program updates, newsletters, or information about job/volunteer opportunities and donation options Information may be retained longer if necessary to meet legal obligations or linked with another person’s records (for example, child and parent records) When no longer needed, personal information is safely destroyed Note: Any health information included in an incident report is kept beyond two years, according to Law 25. 7. Where is personal information stored? Staff devices Limited access, protected by secure logins Online / electronic storage Stored on secure servers provided by trusted service providers Servers may be outside Québec or Canada, but strong security measures are in place Paper records Stored in locked cabinets and safely shredded when no longer required Tracking LIA keeps a data inventory of where and how long personal information is stored 8. How do we protect personal information? Limited access: Only staff who need your information can access it Physical security: Paper records are in locked cabinets Electronic security: Computers, email, and online systems are protected with secure logins, passwords, and encryption If something goes wrong: We assess risk if information is lost, stolen, or shared by mistake and notify affected individuals when serious harm is possible Compliance: All practices follow Québec’s Law 25 requirements 9. Information privacy rights of individuals Under Law 25, individuals have the following rights: Access: Request a copy of personal information we hold Correction: Request that inaccurate information be corrected Deletion: Request deletion, unless legally required to keep it Anonymization: Request that information be used only in anonymous form, when possible Online removal: Request removal of information online if it seriously harms your privacy or reputation Complaint: Lodge a complaint with Québec’s Commission d’accès à l’information (CAI) You can submit a Client Complaint form to LIA if you suspect a possible breach of your personal information; we will review it, take corrective action if needed, maintain a log of steps taken and inform you of outcomes as required by Law 25. If unsatisfied with our response, you may contact the CAI directly. 10. Cookies and similar technologies Website tracking: LIA does not directly use tracking cookies on our website. Any service providers we use follow their contractual obligations and privacy requirements under Law 25. Service provider tools and forms: Some website features, online forms, and other digital tools may collect personal information such as your name and email address, etc. to help us communicate effectively. All personal information collected this way is handled securely and in accordance with Law 25. Newsletters: We use Mailchimp, a trusted service provider, to send our newsletters. Mailchimp may track whether emails are opened or links are clicked to help us improve communications. You can unsubscribe at any time. Mailchimp handles your information securely and only for the purposes described here. Your choices: You can manage or block cookies in your web browser and unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time. 11. How to contact us For questions, comments, or complaints: Literacy in Action Attn: Angie Aucoin, Privacy Officer 5 Rue Connolly, Sherbrooke, J1M 1L8 (819)346-7009 privacyofficer@lia-estrie.org 12. Privacy Policy updates This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Québec’s Law 25 and is updated to remain accurate Please check this page regularly for updates If there are important changes, we will post a notice on our website Last updated: Sept. 9th, 2026

PARTNER Collaborate with Us What We Value in Our Partnerships Ways You Can Work with Us Referral Collective Approach Resource Exchange Funding What We Value in Our Partnerships A shared interest in serving the needs of English-speaking communities Sharing of responsibilities based on the strengths of each collaborator/organization Sharing resources as needed Data, research, and information Space and facilities Costs for collaborative programs Building bridges together Experimenting with ideas & piloting programs Authenticity & transparency Learning together how to best serve our communities A long-term view of partnership & community development work Respect for the capacity of others and their organizations Openness to diverse collaboration and communication styles Ways You Can Work with Us Referral Click the button below to fill out our referral form with a learner Contact LIA Our Programs & Services It can be an overwhelming and vulnerable experience for adults to ask for help to learn and/or practice essential skills like reading, writing, and using technology. We connect with new learners best through word of mouth and flier distribution. Having a trusted friend, social worker, religious organization, or health care practitioner refer someone directly to our free services can make all the difference. Examples: Explaining LIA’s services to your clients, encouraging them to book an appointment with LIA, checking in to see if they called, calling LIA with them, asking them for permission to give us a call on their behalf, and/or accompanying them to activities. Collective Approach When we use a collective approach with partners, our organizational strengths support the shared goals of a project or service. This allows us to better empower individuals and communities while operating within our respective capacities and learning from each other along the way. Examples: Collaborating on a shared project or program. Sharing human resources and funding opportunities by thoughtfully distributing roles and responsibilities among partners. Resource Exchange At LIA, we believe that resource sharing among partners is an effective way to sustain and manage superfluous materials, occasionally used space, and honour overlapping and/or complimentary mandates. Examples: Sharing time, budget, supplies (glue, scissors), human resources (coordinators, IT consultants, graphic designers), and space (meeting room, event hall). Funding Literacy in Action receives funding from multiple sources to make our programs and services possible. To learn more about how you can financially partner with us, visit our Donate page.

LEARN Build Your Skills Coaching 1-to-1 Coaching Tech Hub HELP Community Literacy Programs StoryMakers Arts & Scraps Family Literacy Programs Ready, Set, Grow Raise a Reader Previous Programs Coaching The core mandate of Literacy in Action is to empower English-speaking adults (ages 16 and older) to strengthen their essential skills, such as reading, writing, and digital skills. Our primary method of doing this is by pairing a learner and a volunteer to work one-to-one so we can customize this experience to meet the learner's needs. All our coaching services are free! Contact LIA for Info About Essential Skills 1-to-1 Literacy Coaching Essential skills are the skills that people need for work, learning, and life. Essential skills include reading, writing, numeracy, computer use, communication, creativity, problem solving, adaptability, and collaboration. LIA offers private, confidential coaching for English-speaking adults to improve their essential skills. Tech Hub Practice your digital literacy skills on your own phone, tablet, or computer with a personal Digital Skills Coach who will answer your questions and help you practice. Offered in partnership with Bishop's College School and community volunteers. Contact LIA for Info Contact LIA for Info HELP: Health and Social Services English Learners Program HELP is offered as a partnership between LIA and CIUSSS de l'Estrie - CHUS. Our goal is to support health and social services workers who are learning English through an online course (Dialogue McGill) offered by McGill University. Community Literacy Programs LIA offers free community programs that provide learning opportunities for adults (and sometimes their families) where they can try new things, share their skills, and build their core literacy skills in a welcoming English environment that honours their stories and values their learning journey. StoryMakers StoryMakers is a workshop series for English-speakers of all ages and abilities in the Estrie region, to explore new ways of telling stories, take ownership of our stories by sharing them in a creative way, and practice literacy skills. No matter our skill or ability level, we all have a story to share and new things to learn! Contact LIA for Info Contact LIA for Info Arts & Scraps Arts & Scraps is a workshop series for adults and their families that explores all the awesome ways we can transform various items & materials into works of art. It is an invitation to spend time in community, to learn new things, and connect with our creative spirit. Arts & Scraps uses creative literacy to foster practical literacy skills in a relaxed and playful environment. Game Nights LIA game nights are for adults of all ability levels. They're an opportunity to meet new people in the English-speaking community, and just have something fun to do in the evening! Contact LIA for Info Open Mic Nights LIA's Open Mic Nights are an opportunity to share stories, poems, and readings, sip some tea, and nurture creativity and culture in our community. No experience is required - you can use this as a moment to practice your delivery with zero judgement, share what you’re working on, or enjoy listening to others. Contact LIA for Info Creative Literacy Workshops Creative workshops lead by local artists that encourage adults to experience lifelong learning as they develop their creative skills. In partnership with the Atwater Writers Exhibition. Contact LIA for Info Family Literacy Programs Literacy in Action encourages English-speaking adults and children to build their literacy skills through free programs that engage the whole family in learning activities together. Contact LIA for Info Ready, Set, Grow Ready, Set, Grow is a great opportunity to meet new families and spend a moment with your baby or toddler singing songs and rhymes! Enjoy learning with your baby and/or toddler through songs, rhymes, and stories with other parents and children. Ready, Set, Grow is a 10-week program for children ages 0-3 and the adults in their lives. Ready, Set, Grow was created in partnership with ValFamille; Townshippers' Association; Maison de la Famille Les Arbisseaux; Maison des Familles FamillAction; and the Richmond, Danville and Drummondville Community Learning Center. The program is offered in various areas with local community partners. Raise a Reader At Raise a Reader, families come together to read, sing, and create in a welcoming, community-centered environment. Each session is designed to model simple, meaningful ways caregivers can incorporate language, storytelling, and creativity into everyday routines. Raise a Reader is a collaboration between the Lennoxville & District Women’s Center, the Lennoxville Library, and LIA. Contact LIA for Info Previous Programs These are programs that we do not currently offer, but they are an important part of LIA's history. Some of them might even pop up again in the future! SmART Science Discover the wonders of light with three workshops where adults and kids will explore scientific concepts, such as electricity, optical illusions and shadows. SmART Science is a workshop series for children ages 7+ and their families. Closed for Registrations Closed for Registrations SmART Science: Engineering Squad At SmART Science, we explore scientific concepts through creative activities. The Engineering Squad program is a 6-week science series where children 7-12 and their adults complete engineering challenges by designing and building cool contraptions. Online Learning Lounge These online workshops teach specific, practical digital skills that are used in the workplace, such as digital filing and Zoom. Offered in collaboration with the Atwater Library and Computer Centre. Closed for Registrations Books to Belly! Come as a family to listen to a story and participate in an easy and interactive cooking workshop where we will prepare a recipe inspired by the story we read. This program evolved into Books 'n Bites. Closed for Registrations Climate Circles The Climate Circles workshop series was a space to gather and discuss environmental issues in an effort to build both community and hope. Closed for Registrations Tinkers & Thinkers During the COVID Pandemic, we launched these hands-on family activity kits. FREE kits were supplied to participating families! They got to make up stories, have fun, and create things together. Closed for Registrations Migratory Roots Festival Migratory Roots Festival (MRF) was an event series all about art, stories, community, and literacy. It ran from 2022 to 2024 in six communities across the English-speaking Townships, Quebec, the Ndakinna. The festival featured community art created during our creative, cultural and core literacy workshop series, StoryMakers, as well original works from local artists. See MRF on Instagram

Version française Literacy in Action Development Goals: Empower English-speaking adults (ages 16+) with low literacy skills throughout Québec’s Estrie region to build stronger literacy-based life skills, improving their quality of life, financial security, employability options, community connection and sense of possibility. Go directly to donate 1. What is Literacy? Historically, literacy was understood primarily as the ability to read and write printed text. While these foundational skills remain essential, today's understanding of literacy is much broader. UNESCO ( United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ) and the OECD ( Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ) recognize literacy as the ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use information to participate fully in society, achieve personal goals, and navigate everyday life. This includes tasks such as understanding health information, completing forms, managing finances, using digital tools, communicating effectively, and making informed decisions. OECD Study on Literacy Skills "Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to participate fully in their community and wider society." UNESCO Institute for Statistics Literacy is more than reading and writing. For individuals and adults living with the challenges of low-literacy or illiteracy, the scope of the term “Literacy” now more accurately covers life skills such as numeracy, communication, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, digital skills and creativity and innovation. The Government of Canada’s Public Service Commission defines the importance of Literacy as an essential “Skill for Success”: ( www.canada.ca/jobs/training/skills-success ) Literacy skills: are needed for work, learning and life are the foundation for learning all other skills help people evolve with their jobs, adapt to workplace change and equip adults to navigate different stages of life Literacy skills fall on a continuum and there is no single threshold that separates literate from low-literate. The daily practice of reading, writing and calculating maintains and improves our literacy skills. It’s the “use it or lose it” principle. Literacy is a set of skills that can be improved with practice, education and upgrading of skills. The concept of “multiple literacies” assumes that individuals ‘read’ the world and make sense of information by means other than traditional reading and writing. 2. Real-World Impact of Low Literacy Low literacy refers to having limited reading, writing, comprehension, and information-processing skills that make it difficult to complete everyday tasks such as understanding health information, filling out forms, applying for jobs, managing finances, or navigating digital services. This does not mean a person cannot read—it means they may struggle with the literacy demands of daily life. We live in an information society where we depend a great deal on creating and distributing information through technology. This requires higher levels of literacy than at any previous time in history. Adults with low literacy may be more at risk to experience: Periods of unemployment or underemployment Lower income levels or higher risk of poverty. Poorer health outcomes Increased chances of conflict with the law Difficulties helping children with homework Lower self-esteem and confidence Community isolation and weaker civic engagement. For more detailed background on the real-life impact of low literacy, see Items 6 and 8 below. 3. Literacy in Action: The Case for Financial Partnerships in Reducing Low Literacy LIA has been working for over four decades to deliver our mandate to help English-speaking adults with low literacy skills in the Estrie region improve their quality of life. As a CRA-registered charitable organization the need for financial partnership is critical in order to meet the growing low-literacy challenges in our communities. Over 80% of LIA’s current funding comes from Québec government programs; with a level of year-to-year uncertainty in program renewals and very limited possibility of growth in funding, LIA needs private financial partners to maintain current service levels, much less meet the growth in demand. The predominantly rural profile of the communities within LIA Estrie’s region represents a significant additional resource and logistical challenge, with resulting cost requirements. The challenges in meeting the needs of our rural communities, as well as the related costs, are compounded by the profile of the individuals within the communities who need LIA’s services – we work only with the official English-speaking minority within the overall Québec population. For an independent statistical case for additional funding sources with mandates that are in alignment with that of LIA you can review: The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (“PIAAC”) literacy segment definitions are shown in sections 4, 5 and 6 below with related metrics in section 7. 4. Low Literacy - The Objective Assessment The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (“PIAAC”) is an international adult literacy survey conducted by the OECD. It is typically administered every 10 years and measures adult skills in 3 areas: Literacy: The ability to read and retrieve information from texts Numeracy: Understanding and using numerical information Adaptive Problem-Solving: Solving problems where situations change during the solution process 5. The PIAAC Literacy Survey - 4 Literacy Levels Level 1 and Below: Limited understanding of the language spoken in the country. Level 2: Basic literacy level; below the minimum threshold for functioning well in the workplace and society Level 3: The threshold for functioning well in an information-rich society. Level 4 and above: High-level functioning skills. 6. Why Literacy Levels Matter Literacy is strongly linked to employment, earnings, and overall well-being: 67% of individuals with literacy levels below Level 1 are in the labour force, compared to 94% of those at Level 4 or above. The unemployment rate is just 2% for people at Level 4 and above, rising to 7% for those below Level 1. Literacy is linked to various aspects of quality of life: Health: 36% of people with Level 1 literacy report good or excellent health, vs. 67% at Level 4 or above. Life Satisfaction: 66% of people with Level 1 literacy report high life satisfaction, vs. 84% at Level 4. Political Engagement: 25% of those at Level 1 feel they can influence political decisions, vs. 29% at Level 4. Trust: 26% of individuals at Level 1 trust others, vs. 53% at Level 4 and above. Volunteering: 26% of people at Level 1 engage in volunteer activities, vs. 49% at Level 4 7. Low Literacy - The Metrics: Québec vs Canada vs International (OECD) Click to download a PDF: Low-Literacy with English-speaking Communities in Quebec . (Literacy Quebec). 8. Literacy Matters: Literacy is More than Knowing how to Read and Write There are a variety of literacy skills that help us understand and participate in the world around us. The impact of low literacy affects individuals and society as a whole, and has consequences for many issues. Following is a summary of data from Statistics Canada, ABC Life Literacy, Literacy Québec, Fondation pour l’Aphabétisation, PIACC, and OECD. Human Rights: Literacy is a human right recognized by international declarations signed by Canada. Civic Engagement: As education and skill levels increase, so does people’s confidence that they can play a role in political affairs. Only 32% of Canadians with less than a high school diploma believes this, while 60% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher hold this opinion. Economy: When society has an educated and skilled workforce because of high literacy levels, this has a direct impact on economic growth. Workplaces that provide learning opportunities ensure their employees have up-to-date skills and generate personal and financial gains that contribute to their well-being. Work: In Canada, those with low literacy are 50% more likely to be unemployed and 45% of Canadians in unstable work situations have no educational credentials and have difficulty with job security. Digitalization: As we move more deeply into a digital society with increasing jobs, services, and learning going online, there is concern for the gap being created and the increase in those with low literacy skills. This is particularly important, seeing that compared to 2013, results from the 2023 PIAAC survey showed that adults who used the internet rose from 76% to 93%. Health: Canadians with the lowest levels of literacy are 50% more likely to be in poor health compared to Canadians with higher literacy skills. 19.3% of Canadians function at the lowest level, where they may, for example, have trouble or be unable to read the dosage instructions on a medicine bottle. This is particularly alarming seeing that 38.7% of men and 35.4% of women aged 55 to 65 in Québec are at or below level 1 in literacy, and for Canada, 34.7% of men and 27.1% of women are as such. Poverty: 46% of adult Canadians at the lowest literacy levels live in low-income households, versus 8% of adults at the highest literacy levels. Family: Reading to children before school age develops their language skills and their interest in reading and learning. Children of parents with higher education levels have higher literacy levels. Without a strong support system and foundations at home, a child is less likely to be as successful and engaged in school compared to children with adult support and strong foundations at home. Lifelong Learning: Learning becomes easier and more efficient with literacy skills, which contributes to confidence in acquiring new skills and information. Those with higher literacy skills are more likely to participate in workplace training and adult education programs. 9. How Can We Partner Financially with Literacy in Action in Helping the English Speaking Minority in Québec Overcome the Impact of Low Literacy and Improve Their Quality of Life? There are several partnership options available. Selecting the option that best suits your individual priorities from the three options below will take you to Literacy in Action’s page on CanadaHelps. Since Literacy in Action is a not-for-profit charitable organization recognized by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), your financial support is considered to be a donation and an income tax receipt will be issued on LIA’s behalf by CanadaHelps. 1. Lifelong PARTICIPANT Financial Partner: You have participated in LIA literacy events and they have helped you. As a Townshipper who would like to help others experience similar benefits, you would like to partner with LIA financially on a monthly commitment basis for the same price as a low-end app on your smart phone - ongoing monthly support of $5-$20/month, or a one-time donation of $20-$50. Help someone begin their literacy journey! Become a Lifelong PARTICIPANT Financial Partner 2. Engaged COMMUNITY Financial Partner: You appreciate the important work that LIA does in helping English-speaking Townshippers improve their literacy skills and achieve their growth potential. As a Townshipper who wants to support the vitality of our English-speaking Townships community, you would like to help commit to a monthly financial sponsorship of $21-$50/month, equivalent to the cost of a couple of books, or a one-time donation of $51-$100. Become an Engaged COMMUNITY Financial Partner 3. Literacy in ACTION Growth Financial Partner: The demand for LIA’s literacy services continues to grow, which creates a need for additional staffing and programming resources. You recognize the importance of strategic growth and would like to contribute financially either with a monthly engagement of $51-$100+/month or a one-time donation of $101-$1,000+. Become a Literacy in ACTION Growth Financial Partner Thank you! Your financial Partnership in helping Literacy in Action is critical to the health and vitality of our English-speaking Eastern Townships community! Questions? Please contact Doug Bowker, LIA’s Development Officer at financialpartner@lia-estrie.org

ABOUT What is Literacy in Action? Our Vision/Our Mission Our Team About Literacy in Action A Network of Lifelong Learners Across the Estrie Region Literacy in Action (LIA) was founded as St-Francis Literacy Council in 1980. In 2002, its name changed to more accurately reflect the goals of this non-profit organization. Regardless of its name, its mission has remained intact; to create English-speaking learning environments where adults can learn through and with community, outside of formal, competitive, and grade-based education. Today, with the support of our dedicated team, partners, and various types of volunteers (board members, coaches, animators, and more), we are able to serve the English-speaking communities of the Estrie region. Based on Laubach's learner-centered approach, better known as Each One, Teach One, we connect individual learners with a volunteer coach to guide their learning process. This plays out in different ways. We all need help at different stages in our lives. Having access to someone for support or assistance often allows us to move forward and achieve our goals sooner. All of our community-based, lifelong learning activities are for you , and they're free! Our Mission Literacy in Action (LIA) is a not-for-profit volunteer-oriented organization that promotes adult literacy and lifelong learning. LIA designs, delivers, and supports free community-based programs and direct services. Our activities build on core literacy skills and provide hands-on learning opportunities for English-speaking adults and their families, in the Estrie region of Quebec. Our Vision To empower individuals in our community and maximize their potential in ways that benefit themselves and society at large. Meet The Team Joanna Bateman Executive Director Angie Aucoin Operations Coordinator Serena Selby Literacy Programs Coordinator Cynthia Roy Systems Administrator Ann Oxford Multimedia Lead Doug Bowker Development Officer Alanna Fernandes HELP Research Coordinator Our Board Annie Potter President Evelyn Miller Vice President Louise Caron Treasurer Eva Lettner Secretary Mary Ellen Donnan Director

English version Objectifs de développement de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha : Autonomiser les adultes anglophones (de 16 ans et plus) ayant de faibles compétences en alphabétisation dans la région de l'Estrie, afin de les aider à développer de meilleures compétences de vie axées sur l'alphabétisation, améliorant ainsi leur qualité de vie, leur sécurité financière, leurs perspectives d'employabilité, leur lien avec la communauté et leur sentiment des possibles. Aller directament aux donations 1. Qu'est-ce que l'alphabétisation ? Historiquement, l'alphabétisation était principalement comprise comme la capacité de lire et écrire. Bien que ces compétences fondamentales restent essentielles, la conception actuelle de l'alphabétisation est beaucoup plus large. L'UNESCO ( Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'éducation, la science et la culture ) et l'OCDE ( Organisation de coopération et de développement économique ) reconnaissent l'alphabétisation comme la capacité d'accéder à l'information, de la comprendre, de l'évaluer et de l'utiliser pour participer pleinement à la société, atteindre des objectifs personnels et naviguer dans la vie quotidienne. Cela comprend des tâches telles que la compréhension des informations sur la santé, le remplissage de formulaires, la gestion des finances, l'utilisation d'outils numériques, la communication efficace et la prise de décisions éclairées. Étude de l'OCDE sur les compétences en alphabétisation « L'alphabétisation est l'aptitude à identifier, comprendre, interpréter, créer, communiquer et calculer à l'aide de documents imprimés et écrits dans des contextes divers. L'alphabétisation implique un continuum d'apprentissage qui permet à chacun d'atteindre ses objectifs, de développer ses connaissances et son potentiel, et de participer pleinement à sa communauté et à la société dans son ensemble. » — Institut de statistiques de l'UNESCO (EN) L'alphabétisation va bien au-delà de la lecture et de l'écriture. Pour les individus et les adultes qui font face aux défis d'un faible niveau d'alphabétisation ou de l'analphabétisme, la portée du terme « alphabétisation » englobe désormais plus précisément des compétences de vie telles que le calcul (la numératie), la communication, la collaboration, la résolution de problèmes, l'adaptabilité, les compétences numériques, ainsi que la créativité et l'innovation. La Commission de la fonction publique du gouvernement du Canada définit l'importance de l'alphabétisation comme une « compétence essentielle pour la réussite » ( www.canada.ca/fr/emploi/formation/competences-success ). Les compétences en alphabétisation : sont nécessaires au travail, à l'apprentissage et à la vie quotidienne ; constituent le fondement de l'apprentissage de toutes les autres compétences ; aident les gens à évoluer dans leur travail, à s'adapter aux changements en milieu de travail et préparent les adultes à naviguer à travers les différentes étapes de la vie Les compétences en alphabétisation s'inscrivent sur un continuum et il n'existe pas de seuil unique qui sépare les personnes alphabétisées de celles ayant de faibles compétences. La pratique quotidienne de la lecture, de l'écriture et du calcul permet de maintenir et d'améliorer nos compétences en alphabétisation. C'est le principe du « l'utiliser ou le perdre ». L'alphabétisation est un ensemble de compétences qui peuvent être améliorées grâce à la pratique, à l'éducation et au perfectionnement des compétences. Le concept de « littératies multiples » part du principe que les individus « lisent » le monde et donnent un sens à l'information par d'autres moyens que la lecture et l'écriture traditionnelles. 2. L'impact réel du faible niveau d'alphabétisation Un faible niveau d'alphabétisation désigne des compétences limitées en matière de lecture, d'écriture, de compréhension et de traitement de l'information, ce qui rend difficile l'accomplissement des tâches quotidiennes telles que comprendre des informations sur la santé, remplir des formulaires, postuler à des emplois, gérer ses finances ou naviguer dans les services numériques. Cela ne signifie pas qu'une personne ne sait pas lire ; cela signifie qu'elle peut éprouver des difficultés face aux exigences de la vie quotidienne en matière d'alphabétisation. Nous vivons dans une société de l'information où nous dépendons grandement de la création et de la distribution de l'information par le biais de la technologie. Cela exige des niveaux d'alphabétisation plus élevés qu'à n'importe quelle autre période de l'historique. Les adultes ayant de faibles compétences en alphabétisation risquent davantage de faire l'expérience : de périodes de chômage ou de sous-emploi de niveaux de revenus inférieurs ou d'un risque accru de pauvreté de moins bons résultats sur le plan de la santé de risques accrus de conflits avec la loi de difficultés à aider leurs enfants avec leurs devoirs d'une baisse de l'estime de soi et de la confiance en soi d'un isolement communautaire et d'un engagement civique plus faible. Pour obtenir des informations de référence plus détaillées sur l'impact réel d'un faible niveau d'alphabétisation, consultez les points 6 et 8 ci-dessous. 3. Literacy in Action/Action Alpha : L'importance des partenariats financiers pour réduire le faible niveau d'alphabétisation Literacy in Action/Action Alpha œuvre depuis plus de quatre décennies pour remplir son mandat : aider les adultes anglophones ayant de faibles compétences en alphabétisation dans la région de l'Estrie à améliorer leur qualité de vie. En tant qu'organisme de bienfaisance enregistré auprès de l'ARC (Agence du revenu du Canada), la recherche de partenariats financiers est essentielle pour relever les défis croissants liés au faible niveau d'alphabétisation dans nos communautés. Plus de 80 % du financement actuel de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha provient de programmes du gouvernement du Québec. Compte tenu d'un certain niveau d'incertitude d'une année à l'autre quant au renouvellement des programmes et d'une possibilité de croissance du financement très limitée, nous avons besoin de partenaires financiers privés pour maintenir les niveaux de service actuels et pour répondre à la demande croissante. Le profil majoritairement rural des communautés de la région desservie par Literacy in Action/Action Alpha en Estrie représente un défi logistique et d'allocation des ressources supplémentaire et significatif, entraînant des coûts inévitables. Les défis liés aux besoins de nos communautés rurales, ainsi que les coûts qui y sont associés, sont exacerbés par le profil des personnes qui ont recours aux services de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha : nous travaillons exclusivement auprès de la minorité d'expression anglaise officielle au sein de la population globale du Québec. Pour consulter une analyse statistique indépendante justifiant la recherche de sources de financement additionnelles dont les mandats concordent avec celui de LIA, vous pouvez examiner les éléments suivants : Les définitions des segments de l'alphabétisation du Programme pour l'évaluation internationale des compétences des adultes (« PIAAC ») sont présentées dans les sections 4, 5 et 6 ci-dessous, accompagnées des mesures relatives à la section 7. 4. Faible niveau d'alphabétisation : l'évaluation objective Le Programme pour l'évaluation internationale des compétences des adultes (« PIAAC ») est une enquête internationale sur les compétences des adultes menée par l'OCDE (l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économique). Elle est généralement administrée tous les 10 ans et mesure les compétences des adultes dans trois domaines : Alphabétisation : La capacité de lire et d’extraire des informations de textes. Numératie : La compréhension et l'utilisation d'informations numériques. Résolution adaptative de problèmes : La résolution de problèmes lorsque les situations évoluent au cours du processus de résolution. 5. L'enquête sur l'alphabétisation du PIAAC – 4 niveaux d'alphabétisation Niveau 1 et inférieur : Compréhension limitée de la langue parlée dans le pays. Niveau 2 : Niveau d'alphabétisation de base ; inférieur au seuil minimal pour fonctionner adéquatement sur le plan professionnel et social. Niveau 3 : Le seuil requis pour bien fonctionner adéquatement dans une société riche en information. Niveau 4 et supérieur : Compétences fonctionnelles de haut niveau. 6. Pourquoi les niveaux d'alphabétisation comptent L'alphabétisation est fortement liée à l'emploi, aux revenus et au bien-être général : 67 % des personnes ayant un niveau d'alphabétisation inférieur au niveau 1 font partie de la population active, comparativement à 94 % de celles qui se situent au niveau 4 ou supérieur. Le taux de chômage n'est que de 2 % pour les personnes se trouvant au niveau 4 et supérieur, alors qu'il grimpe à 7 % pour celles se situant sous le niveau 1. L'alphabétisation est liée à divers aspects de la qualité de vie : Santé : 36 % des personnes ayant un niveau d'alphabétisation de niveau 1 déclarent être en bonne ou excellente santé, contre 67 % pour celles du niveau 4 ou supérieur. Satisfaction à l'égard de la vie : 66 % des personnes ayant un niveau d'alphabétisation de niveau 1 signalent une grande satisfaction à l'égard de leur vie, contre 84 % au niveau 4. Engagement politique : 25 % des personnes de niveau 1 ont le sentiment de pouvoir influencer les décisions politiques, contre 29 % au niveau 4. Confiance : 26 % des individus de niveau 1 font confiance aux autres, contre 53 % au niveau 4 et supérieur. Bénévolat : 26 % des personnes du niveau 1 participent à des activités de bénévolat, contre 49 % au niveau 4. 7. Faible niveau d'alphabétisation – Les mesures : Québec c. Canada c. International (OCDE) 8. L'alphabétisation est importante : l'alphabétisation va au-delà du simple fait de savoir lire et écrire Il existe une variété de compétences en alphabétisation qui nous aident à comprendre le monde qui nous entoure et à y participer. L'impact d'un faible niveau d'alphabétisation touche les individus ainsi que la société dans son ensemble, et entraîne des conséquences sur de nombreux enjeux. Voici un résumé des données provenant de Statistique Canada, de ABC Life Literacy, de Literacy Quebec, de la Fondation pour l'alphabétisation, du PIAAC et de l'OCDE. Droits de la personne : L'alphabétisation est un droit humain reconnu par des déclarations internationales signées par le Canada. Engagement civique : À mesure que le niveau d'éducation et de compétences augmente, la confiance des gens dans leur capacité à jouer un rôle dans les affaires politiques augmente également. Seuls 32 % des Canadiens ayant un niveau de scolarité inférieur au diplôme d'études secondaires le croient, comparativement à 60 % de ceux qui possèdent un baccalauréat ou un diplôme supérieur. Économie : Lorsqu’une société dispose d'une main-d'œuvre instruite et qualifiée grâce à des niveaux d'alphabétisation élevés, cela a un impact direct sur la croissance économique. Les milieux de travail qui offrent des possibilités d'apprentissage garantissent que leurs employés possèdent des compétences actualisées et génèrent des gains personnels et financiers qui contribuent à leur bien-être. Travail : Au Canada, les personnes ayant de faibles compétences en alphabétisation sont 50 % plus susceptibles d'être au chômage, et 45 % des Canadiens se trouvant dans des situations de travail précaire n'ont aucun diplôme d'études et éprouvent des difficultés en matière de sécurité d'emploi. Numérisation : À mesure que nous progressons vers une société numérique où de plus en plus d'emplois, de services et d'apprentissages migrent en ligne, l'écart qui se crée et l'augmentation du nombre de personnes ayant de faibles compétences en alphabétisation suscitent des inquiétudes. Cet aspect est particulièrement important puisque, comparativement à 2013, les résultats de l'enquête PIAAC de 2023 révèlent que la proportion d'adultes utilisant l’Internet est passée de 76 % à 93 %. Santé : Les Canadiens ayant les plus faibles niveaux d'alphabétisation sont 50 % plus susceptibles d'être en mauvaise santé par rapport aux Canadiens possédant des compétences en alphabétisation plus élevées. 19,3 % des Canadiens se situent au niveau le plus bas, où ils peuvent, par exemple, avoir des difficultés ou être incapables de lire les instructions de dosage sur un flacon de médicaments. C'est particulièrement préoccupant sachant que 38,7 % des hommes et 35,4 % des femmes âgés de 55 à 65 ans au Québec se situent au niveau 1 ou inférieur en matière d'alphabétisation, et que pour l'ensemble du Canada, ce chiffre est de 34,7 % pour les hommes et de 27,1 % pour les femmes. Pauvreté : 46 % des adultes canadiens ayant les niveaux d'alphabétisation les plus bas vivent dans des ménages à faible revenu, contre 8 % des adultes ayant les niveaux d'alphabétisation les plus élevés. Famille : Faire la lecture aux enfants avant l'âge scolaire développe leurs compétences linguistiques ainsi que leur intérêt pour la lecture et l'apprentissage. Les enfants de parents ayant un niveau d'éducation supérieur possèdent des compétences en alphabétisation plus élevées. Sans un système de soutien solide et de bonnes bases à la maison, un enfant est moins susceptible d'avoir autant de succès et d'engagement à l'école comparativement aux enfants qui bénéficient du soutien d'adultes et de bases solides à la maison. Apprentissage continu : L'apprentissage devient plus facile et plus efficace grâce aux compétences en alphabétisation, ce qui renforce la confiance dans l'acquisition de nouvelles compétences et de nouvelles informations. Les personnes possédant des compétences en alphabétisation plus élevées sont plus susceptibles de participer à des formations en milieu de travail et à des programmes d'éducation des adultes. 9. Comment pouvons-nous établir un partenariat financier avec Literacy in Action/Action Alpha pour aider la minorité d'expression anglaise au Québec à surmonter l'impact du faible niveau d'alphabétisation et à améliorer sa qualité de vie ? Plusieurs options de partenariat s’offrent à vous. En sélectionnant l'option qui correspond le mieux à vos priorités individuelles parmi les trois choix ci-dessous, vous accéderez à la page de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha sur le site web de CanadaHelps. Puisque Literacy in Action/Action Alpha est un organisme de bienfaisance sans but lucratif reconnu par l'Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC), votre soutien financier est considéré comme un don pour lequel un reçu fiscal aux fins d'impôt sur le revenue sera émis au nom de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha par l'intermédiaire de CanadaHelps. 1. Partenaire financier PARTICIPANT à vie : Vous avez participé aux événements d'alphabétisation de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha et ceux-ci vous ont aidé. En tant que résident de l’Estrie souhaitant offrir les mêmes bienfaits à d'autres, vous aimeriez vous engager financièrement auprès de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha sur une base mensuelle, pour le prix d'une application d'entrée de gamme sur votre téléphone intelligent — soit un soutien continu de 5 $ à 20 $ par mois , ou un don unique de 20 $ à 50 $ . Aidez quelqu'un à entreprendre son parcours vers l’alphabétisation ! Devenez un partenaire financier PARTICIPANT à vie 2. Partenaire financier MEMBRE DE LA COMMUNAUTÉ engagé : Vous appréciez le travail important accompli par Literacy in Action/Action Alpha pour aider les anglophones de l’Estrie à améliorer leurs compétences en alphabétisation et à réaliser leur plein potentiel. En tant que résident de l’Estrie soucieux de soutenir la vitalité de notre communauté anglophone locale, vous aimeriez vous engager à verser un parrainage financier mensuel de 21 $ à 50 $ par mois , (l'équivalent du coût de quelques livres), ou un don unique de 51 $ à 100 $ . Devenez un partenaire financier MEMBRE DE LA COMMUNAUTÉ engagé 3. Partenaire financier de DÉVELOPPEMENT Literacy in Action/Action Alpha : La demande pour les services d'alphabétisation de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha ne cesse de croître, ce qui engendre un besoin de ressources supplémentaires en matière de personnel et de programmation. Vous reconnaissez l'importance d'une croissance stratégique et souhaitez contribuer financièrement, soit par un engagement mensuel de 51 $ à 100 $ et plus par mois , soit par un don unique de 101 $ à 1000 $ et plus . Devenez un partenaire financier de DÉVELOPPEMENT Literacy in Action/Action Alpha Merci ! Votre partenariat financier pour aider Literacy in Action/Action Alpha est essentiel à la santé et à la vitalité de notre communauté anglophone en Estrie ! Des questions ? Veuillez communiquer avec Doug Bowker, agent de développement de Literacy in Action/Action Alpha, au financialpartner@lia-estrie.org

ESSENTIAL SKILLS Skills for Success Skills for Success are nine essential skills that the Government of Canada has identified as necessary to participate and thrive in learning, work, and life. These are foundational for building other skills and are important for effective social interaction. Reading Find, understand, and use information presented through words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to locate information on forms and drawings, and to read items such as emails, reports, news articles, blog posts and instructions. Digital Use digital technology and tools to find, manage, apply, create and share information and content. For example, we use this skill to create spreadsheets, safely use social media, and securely make online purchases. Collaboration Contribute and support others to achieve a common goal. For example, at work we use this skill to provide meaningful support to team members while completing a project. Writing Share information using written words, symbols, and images. For example, we use this skill to fill out forms and applications, and write emails, reports and social media posts. Problem Solving Identify, analyze, propose solutions, and make decisions. Problem solving helps you to address issues, monitor success, and learn from the experience. For example, we use this skill to make hiring decisions, select courses of action and troubleshoot technical failures. Adaptability Achieve or adjust goals and behaviours when expected or unexpected change occurs, by planning, staying focused, persisting, and overcoming setbacks. For example, we use this skill to change work plans to meet new deadlines, learn how to work with new tools and improve our skills through feedback. Numeracy Find, understand, use, and report mathematical information presented through words, numbers, symbols, and graphics. For example, we use this skill to perform calculations, manage budgets, analyze and model data and make estimations. Communication Receive, understand, consider, and share information and ideas through speaking, listening, and interacting with others. For example, we use this skill to listen to instructions, serve customers and discuss ideas. Creativity & Innovation Imagine, develop, express, encourage, and apply ideas in ways that are novel, unexpected, or challenge existing methods and norms. For example, we use this skill to discover better ways of doing things, develop new products, and deliver services in a new way. Contact LIA to Build your Skills