Advocacy

I believe strongly in the educational, social and developmental value of children’s literature and story. A lot of my working life is spent on activities that build and promote children’s literature and story.

Literacy is essential, though something that many children lack, and I’m not just talking about the ability to read.  Children’s literature and story allow children to develop cultural, multicultural, information, media, visual, digital and global literacy.

Below are some of the organisations that I work with.   If you are interested in working with, or participating in, these organisations, just click on the links provided.  There is always room for more people who are dedicated to children’s literature and literacy in these, and other, organisations.

Book Links – The Centre for Children’s Literature

Our goal is to establish a Children’s Literature Centre in Queensland where young people can interact with authors, illustrators and storytellers. We aim to engender a love of literature in Queensland children and young people through our projects and events.  We also aim to increase the number of literate children and young people who appreciate all forms of story and how story is created.   Linking people and groups throughout the community with stories and experiences to build literacy and learning; to enrich lives; is a guiding principle for all of our activities.

I joined Book Links (QLD) Inc. in June of 2012.  I manage all the social media accounts, as well as the blog and website.  I assist with events management, as well as assisting with the management of our various resources such as the Travelling Suitcases.  These suitcases are filled with interesting and curious keepsakes from five of Queensland’s top children’s book authors and illustrators including their books; edited manuscripts and a DVD of the artists at works.  Find out more about them HERE.

I thoroughly enjoy working with the Book Links Committee and can not possibly express how grateful I am to work with, and learn from, some of the leaders in the QLD, and national, Children’s Literature Scene.

To find out more about Book Links (QLD) Inc, click HERE.

Children’s Book Council of Australia

The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a volunteer run, not for profit, organisation that was established in 1945 and is comprised of branches of individual members who are passionate about children’s and young adult literature.

I have only recently joined the CBCA – QLD Branch Committee.  I help with social media, and have joined the Community Projects Sub-Committee.  I look forward to blogging about what happens in the next 6 months.

I must say that the CBCA – QLD Branch Committee is comprised of amazingly qualified and beyond-super dedicated people.  I am greatly inspired by them, and look forward to years of learning from people who have years, and in some cases, decades more experience than me.

To find out more about the Children’s Book Council of Australia, click HERE.

Write Links – a critique and professional development group for aspiring and emerging authors

Write Links was formed in 2013 by Book Links (QLD) Inc. and SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) QLD in response to a need to encourage and assist writers and illustrators embarking on writing and illustrating for children.  It is administered by Book Links (QLD) Inc.

I present Professional Development Sessions, predominantly on using Social Media as an author and/or illustrator.  I assist with management of the group, and am an active participant in our Facebook group in which we openly share information regarding writing, illustrating, competitions, publishing opportunities and more.

To find out more about Write Links, click HERE.

StoryArts Festival Ipswich

In 2013 the name of this festival was changed to StoryArts Festival Ipswich. It began in 1995 as the Ipswich Festival of Children’s Literature and has been held every two years since then.  The festival offers FREE sessions for children and low cost sessions for adults and young adults with an interest in children’s literature such as teachers, librarians, and emerging writers and illustrators.
The festival aims to increase an awareness of the value of the arts in relation to writing and illustration and help build and maintain increased audiences for children’s literature. We plan to inspire young people to buy and read more books and gain an appreciation of the processes involved in writing and illustrating. We also aim to enthuse teachers and parents about the value of stories and encourage them to promote literature to young people.
The Ipswich Festival is organized and funded mainly by the Ipswich District Teacher-Librarian Network.  To find out more about the StoryArts Festival Ipswich, click HERE.
I manage the social media accounts, blog, and website for the Festival.  In 2013 I was absolutely blessed to be invited to be the in-house Children’s Literature Journalist.  I continued to manage the blog and social media accounts in 2014, and for the 2015 Festival.  I look forward to continuing my association with StoryArts Festival Ipswich.