Opening Libraries and Minds to Citizenship Inspired: Preparing Future Americans for the U.S. Citizenship Test 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Gregg B. Gronlund, Branch Manager and Cuauhtemoc “Temo” Mendoza, Technology and Customer Support Specialist, West Oaks Library, Orange County Library System

What is Citizenship Inspired? How did we get from inspiration to implementation? The Success of Citizenship Inspired Where it stands today Related programs and offerings What you can do!

Citizenship Inspired helps students to practice their English skills, learn the actual Civics questions and answers that may be asked as well as Vocabulary keywords for the Reading and Writing portions of the Naturalization Test.

Why Citizenship Inspired? Community Need - Innovation – Relevance – New Resources / Services

How did we get from inspiration to implementation? 2007 Brainstorming Ideas – History – Civics - Citizenship

Details that went into the grant application 2008 IMLS Grant Application Submitted

Community Need # of Orlando area persons naturalized increased: 5,326 in 2005 / 9,247 in 2006 Opportunities to prepare limited Citizenship Test cost increase from $275 to $ ,185 non-citizen Orange County residents

Design Provide a support group of learners Online discussion Access to resources beyond the class Use of Technology Language Learning – ELLIS / English Chatter / Practice Makes Perfect

Grant Elements Budget – Grant Funds / Cost Share Personnel – Permanent OCLS Staff - Consultants Management Plan Dissemination Sustainability

Grant Elements Materials, Supplies and Equipment Schedule of Completion – October 2008 through March st Citizenship Inspired Classes January 2009

2008 IMLS Grant Awarded $120,000 Implementing the grant

Grant Elements What did these funds cover? Education and Immigration Consultants Curriculum Development Staff training and travel Advertising and Promotion Materials and Equipment Cost Share – Primarily OCLS staff % salaries/benefits

October 2008 to March 2010 Grant Implementation Period October - December 2008 Curriculum Development / Planning / Promotion January 2009 First Citizenship Inspired Classes Offered

Becoming a Citizen – Temo’s Story

How does Citizenship Inspired affect the Hispanic Community?

What is Moodle?

Customer Stories

Challenges & Rewards

Related Resources OCLS Created

Citizenship & Immigration Virtual Gallery Galleries/Topical/citizenship.asp

Library Materials U.S. Immigration Guides » Immigration guides provide an overview of how to start the United States citizenship process, a brief history of immigration policy, and the basics of immigration law. This list includes both print materials and eBooks. Green Cards and Visas » Find books that include instructions and assistance for the green card or visa application process. Citizenship Exam Books » Learn about the advantages of being an American citizen and review history and civics questions for the exam. Citizenship DVDs » These DVDs will help you prepare for the United States citizenship exam. Check out the Citizenship, Interactive series, which is available in different languages. Back to Top

Citizenship Inspired Website citizenship_inspired.asp

Follow Us!

Orange County Library System website

Changes

Initially at five libraries: Alafaya, Edgewater, Herndon, Orlando Public Library, and West Oaks Expanded to five additional libraries: Hiawassee, North Orange, South Creek, South Trail, and Southeast

Taught by Technology and Customer Support Specialists (TCSS) Held in the computer classroom Use of Moodle for Online Self-Paced learning 6 week class Most locations offering Citizenship Inspired monthly

Taught by Librarians, Lead Clerical Staff Held in the program room instead of the computer classroom Use of Online Self-Paced Class tutorial instead of Moodle 4 week class instead of 6 week class Most locations offering Citizenship Inspired every other month instead of monthly

Teaching Tools: Videos Booklet Flash Cards Handouts Online Self Paced Class Practice Interview

Student Profiles: Mexico Central and South America Africa Europe Asia

Self-Paced Online Classes Citizenship InspiredCitizenship Inspired Practice for the U.S. Naturalization interview and test by getting help on topics like civics, speaking, reading and writing, and giving a great interview.

Videos Used with Citizenship Inspired – YouTube Interview sample &feature=related – YouTube USCIS interview sample & more – YouTube A Promise of Freeedom – YouTube OCLS citizenship event &feature=related

The Practice Interview Call Customer in for Interview Verify I.D. Review the N-400 Form (test of English) Reading English Questions Writing English Questions Civics Questions Inform Customer of Probable Results

Success! Statistics

At 10 locations, Over 585 sessions presented, To over 3,962 customers.

Publicity, Events, and Awards

What do customers like the most about Citizenship Inspired: Instructor Led Practice Speaking / Writing English Practice Civics Questions Collaborative Learning Practice Interview

Customer Testimonials

Related Resources / Services

USCIS Citizenship Resource Center website

Soy Culto! userinterest/default.asp# soyculto

Right Service

What You Can Do! to receive electronic copies of Citizenship Inspired Alert your customers to websites and online material / videos available

What You Can Do! Alert your customers to fee card option for attending and/or accessing the OCLS online course Implement your own Citizenship Inspired presentations, adapted to your budget and community Encourage your library and county to participate in Right Service

What You Can Do! Continue to identify needs in your community and design innovative resources to meet them Seek grant funding opportunities