Welcome to a special episode of the Literacy Quebec Podcast for International Women’s Day!

***A head's up for listeners we discuss sexual assault and violence in this episode.***

Check out the LQ Facebook page for our annual #WomeninLiteracy campaign throughout the week to come!

To kick off the week in this episode Chris and Jaimie spoke with Natasha Harvey from the Girls Action Foundation. We discussed the important work that the  Girls Action Foundation does to support girls, young women, non-binary, LGBTQ+ youth in becoming leaders in their communities. We also discuss what is International Women’s Day, what is feminism and how there are many feminisms, and that Natasha’s definition of feminism is for everyone, based on bell hook’s work. We also discuss why we still are working towards equity today.  Girls Action Foundation is collecting writing, poetry, stories, artwork recipes and more for their zine that celebrates International Women's Day. Check out their previous books here https://www.girlsactionfoundation.ca/zines.

Our Members have a jam-packed March for you! Member upcoming events can be found here: 

Welcome to the 6th and final episode of season 4!
It’s Black History Month 2020!

In this week’s episode we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today!
We have special guest Kassandra Kernisan the executive director of DESTA on Literacy Lowdown this week. We spoke about DESTA’s mission and services, why they don’t specifically do anything special for Black History Month and the importance of their services for the English speaking  black youth community.

Check out https://destabyn.org/ for more info about their services and how to attend their upcoming events!

Last month, LQ Member, The Learning Exchange was a part of Wurd UP, which, according to the Facebook event page,  "is an annual FREE community literacy series developed to support youth and their families fromLaval Senior Academy (LSA) and Laval Junior Academy (LJA) as well as the greater English-speaking community of Laval. Evenings are designed to explore and promote literacy skills." This year Wurd UP celebrated the launch of the Ile Ife Africana Studies Collection (IIASC)

Deanna Smith, writer, performer and Laval Senior Academy alumna, helped to establish the IIASC at the LSA. Smith shared with TLE a book list for Black History Month and beyond for readers of all ages to learn more about Black history and books that centre and represent Black characters and experiences. TLE has purchased many of the  books from the list to share with the community. Contact TLE for the complete list of their resources!

Thank you to Deanna Smith and TLE for sharing this list with us today. We will highlight some of the stories on the list. Below you will find some of the books from the list:

There's a HUGE amount of events in March! Check out our new Member events section of our website to learn more! Click the button below to learn more:

​Do stats really count? A Conversation with Statistics Canada

Welcome to the 5th episode of season 4 of the Literacy Quebec Podcast! In this week’s episode we are talking about statistics! Numbers can be scary and confusing, but with help from Samuel Dupéré, Manager, Montréal Data Service Centre, Statistics Canada we learn why data is important and how we can learn to use data to advocate and show impact. We also learn that it is important to ask the right questions and how to look for reliable sources of information. 

​Statistics Canada is a public service that is available to community members and is a valuable resource especially to non-profit organisations. They have recently expanded their services to help build the capacity of individuals and organisations to become more literate in developing surveys, collecting, using and understanding data through workshops and presentations. Learn more about what they offer: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/wtc?MM=as

The Learning Exchange also joins us to promote the upcoming event  Wurd Up -  Community Literacy Series February 20, 2020 6:30-8:30 at Laval Senior Academy, with Deanna Smith to launch of the Ile Ife Africana Studies Collection (IIASC). Free event with special programming for younger children https://www.facebook.com/events/115319436499378/
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Upcoming Events

• It’s Black History Month. To learn more about the month: https://moishistoiredesnoirs.com/en/about/the-origin-of-black-history-month
• Literacy Unlimited is looking for 3 volunteers to join their Board of Directors: http://www.literacyunlimited.ca/we-are-hiring/
• Quebec City Reading Council - Travelliin’ Toddler Time - March 13 9:30-11:00- Pets theme at Morrin Centre https://www.facebook.com/events/599908517518268/
• Chateauguay Valley Literacy Council  - Tuesdays 2-4 pm Time to Learn English Workshops  https://www.facebook.com/events/467854440577324/?event_time_id=467854460577322
• Laurentian Literacy Centre - Bead Chimes Workshop for learners and their families Feb 21 at 4 pm https://www.facebook.com/laurentianliteracycentre/photos/rpp.1604266949836534/2445493675713853/
• Literacy in Action -  Drop in Tuesdays 1-6pm stop by for free coffees, snacks, a chat or to read a book. There is an onsite Computer tutor between 1-4pm (please bring your own electronic device)  https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyInAction/
• Literacy in Action - Poetry Workshop Series Thursday Feb 20 to April 30 6:30-8:00pm at Lennoxville Library 
• Literacy in Action - Game Night (ages 16+) Feb 24 at 5pm at LIA office.
• Literacy in Action Feb 27-March 26th Books to Belly read and cook together! 
• LQ at the 2020 Scotiabank Charity Race (April 25-26 2020)