This is great opportunity for a young person looking for work experience in the non-profit/social media world. Great people to work with, flexible hours, easy location (Bloor and Dufferin), fantastic program.

Please contact kate@storyplanet.ca

Job Description

The social media intern at Story Planet will be responsible for managing our overall media presence and increasing visibility for our organization.

Responsibilities include the following:

- Post regular updates to our Twitter, Facebook, and blog. Suggested at least one post a day. These posts should relate to the following; information about Story Planet and updates on our progress, and articles, videos, images, and other media relevant to our cause and community.

- Participate in the planning of fundraising. Use social media to attract supporters and potential donors.

- Monitor a variety of relevant news and social media channels. Stay informed about the nonprofit, art, and literary communities.

- Report regularly to the Story Planet staff. Stay informed about new developments at Story Planet.

- Track website and Facebook statistics and develop strategies to increase traffic and reach.

- Assess Facebook and Twitter design and develop and present strategies on how to better use these platforms.

Qualifications:

- Familiar with Facebook and Twitter

- Passionate about social media

- Friendly, personable, conversational

- Entrepreneurial

- Good writing and communication skills

- Comfortable with Microsoft products

- Adaptable and a fast learner

- Good research and data analysis skills

Image by Eric Kim

Workshop Series with Eric Kim

Thursdays 4:00-6:00pm at the Story Planet Centre (1165 Bloor Wt. W.)

6 weeks: April 12 – May 17

For girls ages 12 – 18

Learn how to make your own comics from start to finish! Drawing, inking, writing – you will learn the fundamental skills in making your own stories. Works will be collected into a small booklet that you will be able to take home at the end of the sessions. Participants must register for all 6 sessions.

To register, email katherine@storyplanet.ca

Photo by Fred Lum from the Globe & Mail

As of Sunday March 18^th, more than 2300 Toronto library workers are now on strike. Over 98 library branches are closed; this also includes drop off centres so please don’t try to return any books during the strike. Story Planet’s intern extraordinaire, Jennifer Rowland, has more news on the library strike after the jump.

One of the biggest issues brought forward by the library workers is job security. About half of the 2300 employees who are now on strike are only employed part-time and were experiencing ongoing cuts to their hours. The union that is representing the Toronto Public Library Workers was focussed on securing full-time jobs for its members. As of now, library workers, for the most part, earn between $16 and $24 per hour.

There have been talks about Library closures since July 2011 and, throughout that time, everyone seemed to have an opinion on this issue. Remember Doug Ford taking on Margaret Atwood? That all stemmed from Ms. Atwood stating her support for Toronto libraries. Mr. Ford responded that he didn’t know who she is and that if she walked down the street, he wouldn’t recognise her.

Mayor Rob Ford has proven his intent on privatization.  With the budget being one of the most talked about news stories right now, have any of you wondered what fate lies ahead for the Toronto Public Libraries? We want to hear your opinions on this! How is the strike going to affect you and how do you feel about it?

For more information (or opinions!) you can check out various sites including the Love a Librarian site, which gives a detailed timeline of events that have led up the strike. You can find this campaign at:

http://ourpubliclibrary.to/2012/02/20/love-a-librarian/

Have a great day and happy reading!

A special thanks to Jennifer Rowland, Intern Extraordinaire for today’s post.

Hey, do you have a 10 to 14 year old interested in Manga and cooking?? That’s right, Story Planet together with FoodShare is doing a one of a kind Manga/Minestrone Workshop on Tuesday, March 13th! Check the flyer right here…Manga_Mania[1]

We need an awesome Social Enterprise Retail Manager and if that tweaks your interest, check out our listing at Charity Village!

We want to know what you were up to – did you visit a library together?  Start reading a classic?  We think every Friday should be a family reading day!

To help you get your own weekly family tradition started, we have put together a list of kid-approved books. There is something here for every age (but we know that adults will secretly want to read them all too!)  Check out the full list after the jump.

6-8 years old:

One of the latest books by Robert Munch, “Good Families Don’t” guarantees a laugh for the whole family.

Another good choice would be “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi and Ron Barrett – imagine if your food fell from the sky!

9-13 years old:

“Small Change for Stuart” by Lissa Evans is a new book that was nominated for the Costa Children’s Book Award. This book is a new must-read for kids who love magic and fantasy.

And, enjoy “The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, for a classic dose of magic and fantasy.

14-18 years old:

If you haven’t read the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, this would be a great series to pick up! The books (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay) are full of action (but they definitely aren’t for younger kids). In fact, you won’t want to put the books down!

Do you have any books you would like to share with us?  What were your Young Adult favourites (if Bridge to Terabithia doesn’t make your short list, there will be trouble)?  What are your kids devouring right now?  Tell us all about it in the comments!

A special thanks to Jennifer Rowland, Intern Extraordinaire for today’s post.