CALP Connections: May 2026

I’ve spent a few years connected to the Community Learning Network board — long enough to see how the work has remained steady, even as everything around it shifts. Serving on the board isn’t about being on the front lines of program delivery, and it’s not about directing the work of Community Adult Learning Programs. It’s something different — and, in many ways, more subtle.

What I’ve come to appreciate is the role the CLN plays in creating space. Space for professional development to happen. Space for ideas to be shared. Space for practitioners from across the province to come together, learn from one another, and stay connected to a broader community of practice. As a board member, you’re not the one delivering that learning — you’re helping ensure the organization behind it remains steady, intentional, and able to keep doing that work well.

But if I’m honest, the experience has shaped me just as much as anything else. It’s deepened my understanding of how nonprofit organizations function — what good governance actually looks like beyond the theory, and how much thought goes into decisions that might seem straightforward from the outside. I’ve learned to listen more carefully, to weigh different perspectives, and to get comfortable sitting with complexity rather than just rushing to an answer.

It’s also kept me connected in a way that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Being part of the CLN board has meant ongoing exposure to people across CALPs who are thoughtful, committed, and deeply invested in their work. Those relationships — and the conversations that come with them — have broadened how I see this sector and my place within it.

Looking back, being part of a Community Learning Network board has been one of those steady, meaningful commitments. For me, it hasn’t been about big moments or recognition. It’s been about growth — gradual, sometimes quiet, but lasting. And that, more than anything, is what’s made it worthwhile.

Thank you for attending the Literacy & Learning Symposium and being part of our journey to “Illuminate” adult learning!

This year, we were all about making learning and learners visible in Community Adult Learning Programs, helping to clarify or explain resources and information that equips our system. Illuminating new ideas, making new information visible, shining a beam on connecting with others and leaving with bright hope for the future of adult learning. Your presence and participation helped us leave with many highlights of what is happening across our province in the adult learning system.

We’d love to hear about your experience! If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete the Overall Symposium Survey 2026

If you joined specific sessions, you can also share feedback through the individual track evaluations:

Track A

Track B

Your insights help us make future events even stronger. Thank you!

We invite you to be part of a training that helps you develop your own knowledge and skills for delivering adult literacy programming.

CLN is looking for CALP practitioners (literacy coordinators, literacy instructors and staff) who would like to expand their skills for working with adult literacy learners to participate in this 8-month blended learning. 

As a participant in this learning program, you will:

• gain confidence as a literacy practitioner
• expand your professional knowledge and practice to work with literacy learners
• apply your learning to the ways you work with adult literacy learners
• be part of a collaborative and supportive learning environment
• be compensated for your commitment to the learning

"I was able to build skills to increase my confidence, help my volunteer tutors, make me more willing to try new things and open up new avenues of learning that I didn’t know existed!"   (Past Participant)

You can find more information here.

The deadline to submit an SLP Expression of Interest for the 2026–2027 training is Friday, May 29, 2026.

For information on Strengthening Literacy Practices, contact Rebecca Still at (780) 554–6376 or literacy@calp.ca.

Reimagining CAEC Readiness: Collaboration and Innovation

https://calp.ca/blog/at-the-edges-of-practice-2026-04-07 

A Living Legacy: Recognizing Kate Nonesuch's Influence on Adult Literacy

https://calp.ca/blog/a-living-legacy-2026-04-15  

Spend More Time with Volunteers

https://calp.ca/blog/spend-more-time-with-volunteers-2026-04-15 

Volunteers and Learning Pathways

https://calp.ca/blog/volunteers-and-learning-pathways-2026-04-23 

What is Red Dress Day?

https://calp.ca/blog/what-is-red-dress-day-2026-04-23 

The Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award is Now Open!

This award honors innovation in adult literacy or adult-integrated family literacy programs in Canada. If you have an adult-focused literacy program that is making a positive impact on the lives of the participants, then consider nominating your program for the award.

Top awarded programs receive funds that can be used in the program or applied to operating funds. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2026.

You can find more information and a link to the form here.