Canada
Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills.
The contest is looking for volunteer judge(s)! This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how CNIB supports braille literacy, while fostering creativity in young minds. Publishers, library staff and children's authors are welcome to apply.
Responsibilities
May – June:
Depending on your familiarity with braille, you may be invited to attend one or more of the following:
- In-person or virtual introduction to braille and CNIB braille literacy programs.
- Tour of CNIB Hub or invitation to local CNIB program for children, youth, families.
- Tour of Beyond Print braille production facilities (Toronto)
July - August:
- You will receive text versions of all entries. Entries may be in English or French, and will include poetry, stories and essays. Entries will be of various lengths, from both primary and secondary students. Each entry you receive will have been assigned a score for Braille Proficiency. You will be adding a Creativity score for each entry and the combined scores will determine the winners (equal weighting is given to braille proficiency and creativity).
- Number of entries may vary, but you should anticipate reviewing approx. 50 entries.
- Creativity Scores for each entry will be due by early September
This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how CNIB supports braille literacy, while fostering creativity in young minds. The volunteer Judge(s) for this program will be announced and featured on the contest website.
- Author or publisher of books for children or young adults OR other professional with expertise and experience in the field of literacy.
- Bilingual Judge is preferred but we will also consider applications from teams who want to work together to judge English and French entries.
- Knowledge of braille is NOT required but applicants must be interested in learning more about the importance of braille literacy.
- Reliable and organized.
- Minimum 19 years old.
- Volunteers agree to abide by our Volunteer Code of Conduct. It outlines what you can expect from CNIB and what the CNIB expects from you.
Send a letter of interest by email to Karen Brophey, Central Lead, Literacy at karen.brophey@cnib.ca.
Please also include the names and contact details for two references.