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Newfoundland and Labrador Be the change…the graphic by Dawna Lee Background In 2004, the Literacy Network Ad Hoc Group (LNAG) was formed to encourage and support discussion among people involved and interested in community-based literacy work in the province. LNAG’s mandate was to find out what individuals and organizations would want and need from a grassroots provincial literacy network. LNAG held a series of brown bag luncheons, community discussions and teleconferences to connect communities throughout the province. We asked, “What are your values and visions for the new network?” The findings to this question were reported back during the “Be the change…” provincial literacy conference in December 2005. After that conference, LNAG was disbanded. Since everyone now knew what people wanted in a provincial literacy network, Literacy Newfoundland & Labrador was established. Using Graphic Recording for Research in Practice At the provincial conference, we chose to present our research findings using a graphic illustration. We wanted to be inclusive of the diverse conference participants. They represented all levels of literacy and learning backgrounds, and mirrored the reality of literacy within our province. We felt that a graphic illustration would be the best way to make sure we all had a shared awareness of the values we held as a community for the new literacy network. Choosing to use graphic recording to document our research also allowed us to open creative pathways within the organization and individuals. Since the graphic serves as a living document, this means that it is not a final report. Rather, it can and should be added to as the network grows with more ideas. Why we used a graphic:
The following graphic is how we presented our research findings at the “Be the change…” conference. Here is an explanation of what each element represents and illustrates. The Graphic Components
The centre of the graphic shows the method of gathering information. The Eye: The eye includes the word “Possibilities”. Our pre-conference provincial teleconferences gathered voices and explored the possibilities of the new network without negatively evaluating ideas. Above the eye is the word “literacy” and below the eye are the words “images” and “values”. This graphic document explores ideas and values about the new literacy network using metaphors and images. Three Intersecting Circles: One circle contains connecting stars and the words “connecting ideas”. Another circle contains the outlines of people with a telephone at the center. These two circles represent how we collected the information and shared our ideas. A third circle contains the word “values” which was the focus of the research. Grassroots Approach: The entire graphic takes the shape of a game board. Starting from the left top of the graphic are figures that appear to be watering and harvesting grass. The word “Strength” sits atop the grass and signposts planted in the soil read “How We Grew by LLIAN”. This section refers to the stories shared by the Labrador literacy community and how the Labrador Literacy Information and Action Network (LLIAN) supported grassroots groups through a community development approach to literacy. The figures represent how ideas are nurtured and transplanted among grassroots groups. Collaboration and Partnership: A recurring theme among participants was the idea of collaboration. We often heard that the new network should value the existing community partnerships and engage in networking activities. This wish is depicted by the hand extending from the grassroots level to the hand reaching from the provincial level. The theme of collaboration is also seen through the sharing of information between local and regional levels. Spin the Literacy Wheel: The segments on the wheel represent a variety of community literacy stakeholders that we heard from through the teleconference series: Family Resource Centers, English as a Second Language groups, Employment and Workplace, Justice, etc. Written on the spinner is the word “Funder”. Many voices told us that funding access was limited and often depended upon the “flavour of the day”. People said this was like spinning a wheel for literacy and hoping that your group would get lucky enough to receive funding. One Size Does Not Fit All: A common theme throughout the teleconferences and the “Be the change…” conference was the message that there is no one model that will work for all literacy groups and all communities. People agreed that the “cookie cutter” approach would not work for us because of diverse regions and groups in this province. We value emergent approaches to literacy programs. Inclusion and Access: Another central theme was making sure the new network would be inclusive and accessible to everyone seeking and sharing information about literacy. The graphic depicts a blue circle with an individual in the center. The figure is speaking the word “communication” and the word “listening” is feeding back. This is a reference to the value of clear language and the ability to respond to feedback. The new network should engage in two-way communication, not just do all the speaking. Circles: Surrounding the blue central circle are smaller circles that reinforce the value of inclusion:
Governance, Transparency and Accountability: Three interlocking gears have the words “governance”, “transparency” and “accountability” written upon them. These are the fundamental values for how the new network should operate. When these values are operational, they can produce the results depicted on the boxes: a shared vision, an active board, research, planning, process, and evaluation. The boxes form an organic and emergent structure as opposed to a created superstructure machine. Planted on top of the boxes are flags that represent community, groups and programs. Flocking Rules: Continuing along the path from governance are the words “Flocking Rules”. This is a reminder that, as an organization, the network should heed that we tend to move separately, as individuals and regional groups, but also together, provincially, for the common vision. This theme was evident at the conference when groups, communities and regions made an effort to voice diverse perspectives and show one another respect. Supporting Strong Regions and Working with Learners: The top right hand side of the graphic depicts the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Super-imposed over the province is a heart that symbolizes the love we all share for our individual regions. Surrounding the province are silhouettes of learners of all ages, cultures and gender. The learner circle is brought into focus through the coloured background. The message here is not to lose sight of the learner—that is why we are all here! The following words appear within the learner’s circle:
The Passionate Heart: Above the learner’s circle is another circle containing the words: “Learners, Province, and Community”. The word “Passion” is written on a banner across a heart. This message tells us that at the core of our work lies our passion and commitment to literacy. Change: A triangle floating in the upper right hand corner includes the words “Embrace Change”. This refers to a three-sided view of change we can adopt as a network:
Works Cited Literacy Newfoundland & Labrador, Report from the Be the Change… Provincial Literacy Conference Dec 1-3, 2005. St.
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