Ideas from the Field

These tips and tricks come from CALP staff who have seen them work in their own communities:

• Contact your CCI or local post-secondary schools and encourage them to refer any students who may not meet their entrance requirements. Make sure you are the first organization that comes to mind to help these learners.
  
  
• Create a “Brew Crew” where you choose a new organization to meet in your community and take them coffee and muffins.
  
  
• Introduce yourself to real estate agents, they can be some of the first people who meet newcomers in your community.
  
  
• Some CALPs host parent support nights through the school to work with parents on basic math and literacy strategies to teach their children. This can be a safe way for an adult to be introduced to what you do. Family literacy programs can also be a great way to introduce literacy to parents through their children.
  
  
• Ask your local municipality to include your brochure or other information in their monthly newsletter (usually distributed with the town utility bill).
  
  
• Coasters at the local pub or placemats in local restaurants can be a great way to let people in your community know what you offer.
  
  
• Attend interagency meetings.
  
  
• Get your information into the Welcome Wagon.
  
  
• Most importantly, make sure you are serving the community learning needs! If you are adding value and helping learners in your community word of mouth will be your largest asset.