CALP Connections: April 2025

Hello everyone, my name is Dave Albrecht. I joined the CLN Board of Directors this last year and am very excited to be a part of such an engaged and vibrant organization. Over the course of the past few months, we had a few changes and as a result did some internal restructuring with Board Members’ roles and responsibilities.  The role of Chair for the Governance Committee landed in my lap.  I know many of you are wanting to send your condolences, I mean after all who wants the boring task of dealing with policy.  Fortunately for me, I am a bit of a closeted policy nerd, and I have a secret passion for capturing the governance and culture of an organization in words. The most recent task of the Governance Committee is to develop some policy around advocacy, and I feel this is a task that the Board as a whole has embraced with great enthusiasm…so exciting! In reflection on this, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my thoughts on advocacy.

Advocacy: is it a nice thing to do or is it a must do? And who has time for it?

Read more here!

CLN membership renewal will be sent out by direct email to your organization's primary contact at each CALP beginning April 3rd.

Watch your email for the link to complete your CALP's renewal. In the meantime, you can get a head start by reviewing and updating your CALP's information in the Portal's online directory at https://calp.ca/find-a-calp-near-you.html 

To keep your membership in good standing, confirm a few details about your CALP and provide up-to-date contact information for key staff. 

A few things to keep in mind before you receive and fill out the renewal:

• If your organization receives a CALP grant directly from Advanced Education, you are automatically a member of the Community Learning Network
• There are NO membership fees or dues to pay
• Our membership year is aligned to the CALP grant cycle, from July 1st to June 30th
• Renewing your CALP's membership helps us ensure our records are current, so we can continue to keep you up to date about training and networking opportunities, new resources and supports, and other CALP news from across the province

The deadline to complete your membership renewal is Friday, April 25th.

If you have any questions, or if your CALP has not received the Membership Renewal form by April 10th, please contact Ellen Rodgers at office@calp.ca or call the provincial office at (1-877-485-4926) ext. 2

New Coaching Opportunity!

Building relationships, trust and inclusion with Elder Lucille Provost

Elder Lucille Provost is one of the Elder representatives in the CALP system and the Community Outreach and Learning Coach at Pincher Creek Adult Learning Program.  She is an active advocate for Indigenous learner engagement and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. Healing from her trauma is her gift to share with others.

Elder Lucille will spend time with you to explore and learn about topics such as Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Engaging with Indigenous Learners, Engaging with Elders, Truth & Reconciliation, and Reconciliation as Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Book a coaching session now!

Other Personalized Coaching

Coaching is also availble in any of these areas with CLN staff:

• Literacy Programming and Instruction with Rebecca Still
• CALP Database with Cheryl Lovstrom
• Goal Setting with Learners with Cheryl Lovstrom
• Communications Skills in small talk, 'big talk' (presentations) and group talk (facilitation) with Tanis Harms

Explore Coaching Options

The training calendar is also being updated regularly, so check the Training & Events calendar on the CALP Portal often!

Our Symposium Planning Committee is excited to announce that we have selected our three CALPx Talks presenters for 2025!

About the Session:

In the spirit of TED Talks, on our main stage we have curated our own independently organized event called, “CALPx Talks.” This session will feature three, 15-minute speakers on thought-provoking topics.

About Solange Lalonde:

Solange Lalonde, Managing Director of RMTL Consulting Inc., advances Indigenous-informed education through the use of the Relational Model for Teaching and Learning. She influences policy, and leads curriculum innovation, impacting universities, governments, and educators internationally while pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies.

Session Topic: Making the Field More Inclusive and Accessible

What is a “Human Library”?

It’s an exciting, interactive experience where YOU are the book! Step into the spotlight and share your unique story with others. Borrowers will engage in inspiring, 15 minute one-on-one conversations with YOU, the Human Book!

WHO: YOU! We’re looking for passionate volunteers who are ready to open up and share their incredible life experiences.

WHERE: At the “Wavemakers Cove” Refreshment Break – let’s make some waves together!

WHEN: Available dates & times:

• Tuesday, April 29  2:30 - 3:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 30  9:45 - 10:45 AM
• Thursday, May 1  10:15 - 11:00 AM

TOPICS: TBD – Your story, your choice!

This is your chance to shine and make an impact. Whether you’re sharing your journey, expertise, or life lessons, you’ll be inspiring others and creating unforgettable connections.

Ready to volunteer?
Contact Pat Halewich at pdevents@calp.ca  or call 306-821-6030 by April 9th, 2025 to secure your spot. (Note: Spots are limited, and it's first-come, first-served!)

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to make waves and be part of something truly special!

At-a-Glance Agenda

For planning your travel logistics, here’s our At-a-Glance Agenda.:

One of the many exciting experiences again this year at Symposium is the event App we will be using, which is called EventMobi. Each Symposium attendee will be given access to our EventMobi Event App via your email a week prior to the Symposium. You will be provided with information about how to download the EventMobi App from the Apple App Store or Google Play through the EventMobi Universal App to access event information.

Be on the lookout for more information coming to you via email the last week of April!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Pat Halewich, Symposium Lead, at pdevents@calp.ca  

From April 27th to May 3rd, National Volunteer Week shines a spotlight on the contributions of the 24 million volunteers across Canada. Volunteers are vital for many nonprofits, as they offer their time, skillsets, and passion to further their organizations vison. 

The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is "Volunteers Make Waves." It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.

Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting, and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer’s contribution toward creating impact in our communities. 

Recognizing and celebrating volunteers efforts during National Volunteer Week not only expresses gratitude, but also inspires others to strengthen community efforts.