Learning in Solidarity

This document includes the following information:- Foreword - What is clear writing and design? - Writing in clear language- Clear design - Document testing - Oral and Internet communication - Advocating for clear writing - Clear language workshop - Workshop exercises - Workshop handouts- Workshop overheads- Resources

This curriculum guide is for trade union educators who are involved in setting up and implementing literacy programs for union members. The guide identifies what makes a trade union approach different from other approaches to workplace literacy. It provides guidelines for curriculum writers and instructors who need to develop materials for union programs.

This handbook has been developed by the Canadian Labour Congress as part of its action plan Learning in Solidarity: Sharing a Vision of Union Literacy. Unions intending to set up or strengthen a literacy program for their members will find this guide helpful.

This handbook is designed to help unions negotiate literacy and basic skills programs for their members. It is intended for those unions just starting to consider the possibility of bargaining for a literacy program, as well as unions that already have language on training but are seeking to add a basic skills component.

We've all been at events where we've felt confused or left out when we don't understand what's going on. Sometimes, this happens because of the way people talk or how information is presented. Over the last few years, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and other labour groups have taken steps to integrate a literacy and clear language approach into their communications, courses and conferences to avoid that confusion and sense of exclusion.