Knox Youth Centre

Though I haven't been commenting for the last couple of days about my "literacy project," I haven't stopped thinking about it. I have actually been trying to network with those I know and then contact those I don't know, but who are presently working in complimentary fields or projects. My excitement builds!

I spoke with the Executive director of the United Way today about the project. She is an amazing person with whom I have worked "complimentarily" when she was still involved in the Calgary Board of Education. She is still very active in public education, but in a very different context. She was not only excited about the project, but will put me in touch with the various agencies whose work I would be supporting through this action. I can become part of the conversations that result in service provision. I thank her so much for her support.

I also had lunch today with a good friend who works with the Calgary Board of Education. He works closely with the board of Trustees as well as the Chief Superintendent. He made some very useful and practical suggestions and still provided lots of encouragement. He's the one who suggested the name "Knox Youth Centre." It makes sense to me. He also knows my strengths as well as my challenges. He knows that someone has to get me out of the big picture and into the details or this will never happen. He helped me see which details needed most attention and how I still need to focus on my nemesis: quantitative research data. His wisdom is so appreciated.

So I am developing a proposal to present - on paper - to the stakeholders, the potential sponsors, my employers, and other interested parties. This step must not be forgotten. Otherwise the space will not be available.

So I am off to do the nitty gritty.

Where do I get help if I need it in Calgary?

I was just looking at the Calgary Children's Initiative site on the web to try to see what they are about. Without commenting on what I learned, I did find that they list available services and links to them on their site. The page where the links are listed in alphabetical order is here.

Some of the ones listed have me confused as to why they are there, but someone obviously thought they would be useful to SOMEONE. Others will take you to the home page of an organization and then you will have to find what you are looking for within the site. All the same, I figured that it is important to know where to go for help if you want it. Being healthy, having some level of sanity, and being able to find your own support are helpful if you want to develop a sense of spirituality.

I am still trying to get this conversation out to those who might want to join. I am going to send it out to the mailing list I developed here at my work. This is SO LIMITED, that I hope any visitors will help spread the word and send the link to their friends. Feel free to do so!

Namaste!