Our Kids Power Conference was held on November 1 at the London Public Library, Central Branch. 80 enthusiastic students from 17 schools were selected to participate in a full day of workshops. Keynote Sean Hakim got the kids up and moving. Through comedy, music and stories he touched on fear, responsibility, peer pressure and believing in yourself. The conference also included a challenging boot camp class, a workshop on how to make healthy eating choices at school, a session on the difference between bullying and conflict, lots of active team building exercises and so much more. 

This conference is designed to help students recognize their unique leadership qualities, develop their skills and be inspired to bring positive initiatives back to their own schools.

Thank you to our amazing volunteer Dianne Cooke for helping us on the day of the conference and to the Optimist Club of Middlesex-London for sponsoring our event once again this year.

This conference is only made possible through the many community partners that volunteer their time to speak to the students. Thank you to:

•  Shannon McKie - The Athletic Club

•  Chelsey Moore - Powerhouse Training Systems

•  Alana Dalby - Child and Youth Network

•  Natasha Roberts - Thames Valley Children’s Centre

•  Charis Parker and staff - Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre

•  Crystal Branan and staff - Bob Hayward YMCA

•  Leroy Hibbert - LUSO Community Services

•  Sarah Foster and Ruth Major - London Public Library

Check out our gallery to see photos from this fabulous day.

As a small organization, we rely on volunteers to make our many programs possible. Elena Petcu, second year Biology student at Western University, continues to amaze us with her commitment to our organization. Despite a busy school schedule she has managed to volunteer her time at our Book Camp, After School Program, Literacy Nights, In the Know Tutoring and selling 50/50 tickets at the Knights game. She is an outstanding person, a dedicated member of our community and we are very thankful to have her on our team.

Do you want to start making a difference? We are always in need of volunteers! We are currently looking for more support for our In the Know Tutoring Program and Family Literacy Events.

In the Know Tutoring
Be placed in an elementary school in the city that needs assistance. This may be one-on-one tutoring, homework help, computer support or even a brain games club. Work with the school to find out what they need and to create a schedule that works for you. 

All In the Know schools are close to the Western Campus. A commitment of at least a one hour per week is required and all volunteers must complete a police check. 

Family Literacy Events
Help children and families at schools across London learn unexpected ways of developing literacy. Run a fun, interactive station at one of our themed events in October, February and April. Dates and locations vary, commitment is flexible and training will be done on-site.

Please contact Vivette Martin at (519) 433-8996 ext. 229 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about these and other opportunities. 

Around the World-themed Family Literacy Nights have started once again! These events, at eight schools across the TVDSB, show parents unexpected ways of developing literacy and how they can continue this learning at home.

Activities include making flags, direction twister, coin rubbings and eight other exciting stations. The students even get to try out some apps on our new iPads. The events run until October 24 and will reach hundreds of children and families.

Investing in Children, in partnership with the London Public Library, held our annual Book Camp on August 13-17. The camp designed for 10-16 year olds connects children and teens who love to read and write with various professionals.

It was another successful year with incredible campers and inspiring guests including authors Leah Bobet, Judie Oron and Evan Mundy, illustrator Ryan Mahy and actors/playwrights Cliff Cardinal and Elizabeth Kantor.

Check out our talented campers' work here and visit our photo gallery for some great shots from the week.