The LCSW Nominations Committee is currently seeking out nominations for the LCSW 2012 Spirit Award and Community Service Awards. Nomination forms can be downloaded from links below and the deadline is September 8, 2012 at 5 p.m. Nominations must be submitted electronically to tweber@milwaukeeachiever.org and award recipients must be able to attend LCSW’s Annual Meeting set for Friday, October 12, 2012.

• LCSW Spirit Award (PDF)
• LCSW Community Service Award (PDF)

In a time when resources for adult education are tight, volunteers must advocate more than ever. Below are some free tips that take almost no time.

1. Bring up adult literacy in conversations with your neighbors, partners in the gym, or your tax preparer. What cause are you known for? Some easy to remember talking points:
   Prevention is cheaper than healthcare treatment.
   To educate is cheaper than to incarcerate.
2. Carry your blue LCSW tote bag to the store or farmers market. If you have been to an LCSW event in the last several years, you probably have one. Create a buzz and get our name out in the community.
3. Loan your LCSW pen to someone not typically affiliated with literacy. I know the pens from our conferences are awesome and write really well, but pass it on with hopes that someone not familiar with our cause will end up with it.
4. Forward this newsletter to someone you know – a pastor, a speaker for social justice, or your uncle.
5. Invite a non-literacy organization to get involved in a project. The Black Student Union from MATC assembled our annual appeal mailing at one of their meetings. Do you know a group that could get involved? Girl scouts, a confirmation class, or a dorm service organization.
6. Thank the associate at Half-Priced Books for keeping a jar out for LCSW donations. Mention that you are affiliated with the organization and that you appreciate their support. Not only will it make the store feel appreciated, you never know who is listening.

Make yourself known for the cause of literacy!