CALP Connections: October 2026
2026-2027 Board of Directors, 2027 Literacy & Learning Symposium, Upcoming PD Opportunities, and more!
A Message from Lisa Dickner,
Executive Director
Executive Director
After a rather wet spring and buggy summer, I’m so grateful Autumn is here with hopes for very pleasant weather! Our fall PD and training calendar has kicked off, and we have much more to come in the weeks ahead. Check on our offerings often as we are always adding to them. If you don’t see what you need, let us know by sending us a customized note (Training Notification Form). We’re excited to reconnect with you and support you with your learning needs!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for CLN's 39th Annual General Meeting virtually on September 24th. These wonderful folks have come forward to join the CLN Board of Directors for the 2026 - 2027 year. If you’d like to connect directly with the Board, whether to consider taking a place at the table at some point in the future or share some of your thoughts – reach out any time to board@calp.ca.
We also encourage you to check out our 2025-2026 Annual Report!
CLN Board of Directors
Dave Albrecht, Chair
Krista Anderson, Vice Chair
Tanya Mercredi, Treasurer
Leslie Carbone, Secretary
Nicole Levesque, Director
Dyan Semple, Director
Brenda Stanton, Director
Community Learning Network's 2026-2027 Board of Directors
Dave Albrecht
Chair
Krista Anderson
Vice Chair
Tanya Mercredi
Treasurer
Leslie Carbone
Secretary
Nicole Levesque
Director
Dyan Semple
Director
Brenda Stanton
Director
CELEBRATING CLN’s 40th (RUBY) ANNIVERSARY!
This year’s event will be focused on celebrating and growing adult literacy and learning in Alberta.
SAVE THE DATE!
Community Learning Network (CLN) is very pleased to announce that we will be hosting the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2027:
Wednesday, April 28th to Thursday, April 29th at the Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre in Edmonton, AB.
Please mark your calendars!
At-a-Glance Agenda
| Wednesday, April 28 | |
| 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Registration |
| 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 - 1:45 pm | Opening Ceremony & CALP Recognition |
| 2:00 - 3:15 pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:30 - 5:30 pm | 40th Anniversary Celebration & Professional Community Gathering |
| Thursday, April 29 | |
| 8:00 - 9:00 am | Registration & Breakfast |
| 9:15 - 10:30 am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:30 - 11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00 am - 12:15 pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:15 - 1:00 pm | Lunch & Closing Activity |
BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW!
Location: Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre on Gateway Boulevard.
Use our group rate to book your room now!
Visit the CALP Portal Symposium page to find out more:
https://calp.ca/events/literacylearning-symposium-2027
Symposium Presenters
For all information related to presenting at the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2027, be sure to check out the Symposium Presenters Page on the CALP Portal here.
The Symposium 2027 Call for Presenters is now open!
Are you an expert, or do you know an expert, in our field who would like to contribute to the future of the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) system?
The Literacy & Learning Symposium Planning Committee is now accepting proposals for breakout sessions at the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2027, and we encourage presenters to submit presentation proposals.
Participation as a presenter will help attendees increase their knowledge and skills, provide for an exchange of ideas and solutions, and help attendees address the needs facing adult literacy and foundational learners in Alberta. In doing so, Community Learning Network (CLN), along with those selected presenters, will create a community of learning.
Symposium 2027 will focus on celebrating Community Learning Network’s 40th Anniversary!
We are seeking presentations with a focus on celebrating and growing adult literacy and learning in Alberta
Presenters will be asked for a session description which includes two or three learning outcomes for participants.
Deadline for submissions: Friday, October 16, 2026 at 4:30 pm.
Click here for more information or to fill out the form: https://calp.ca/events/literacy-learning-symposium-2026-registration-now-open/symposium-presenters
Please help circulate the Symposium Call for Presenters within your networks!
Check out the Presenters Page for the Call for Presenters Form, Customized Workshop information, and tailored resources:
Symposium Questions?
Please contact:
Tanis Harms
PD & Events Specialist
Community Learning Network
pdevents@calp.ca
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
To support CALP staff and volunteers, CLN provides professional development opportunities focused on supporting adult foundational learning in CALP-funded organizations. Find a training or gathering that supports you in the work you do.
We have a new learning management system! Flexible learning with the support of an instructor. Find out more about self-study courses below!
Required Training
Have you and your staff completed the training required for your CALP grant? There are two trainings required by Advanced Education for CALP-funded organizations.
Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning
All staff involved in the oversight and delivery of literacy and foundational learning programming must complete this training. There are 2 training delivery options available.
Self-Study Training – on-going registration. Course closes on December 17, 2026.
Facilitated Training (5 weeks)
- January 27, 2027 (Save the date)
- May 12, 2027 (Save the date)
CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs
All staff responsible for the oversight and direct delivery of family literacy programs, including contracted facilitators and instructors and volunteers, must complete this training.
Facilitated Training (4 weeks)
Training for All Staff and Volunteers
Training on topics relevant to all CALP roles.
- AI Learning Lab (Oct 13–Dec 18) On-going registration
- Connecting Newcomers with the Support They Need through the AAISA Knowledge Hub (Oct 15)
- Literacy and Foundational Learning (LFL) Sleuths (Nov 25)
Training for Instruction
Training on topics related to instruction in adult foundational learning.
- CALP Essentials for Family Literacy REFRESHER (Nov 5)
- What’s New in Adult Literacy (Dec 3)
- Staff Picks: Teaching Digital Skills Strategies & Resources (Dec 10)
Training for CALP Management
Training on topics related to the operations and management of CALP-funded organizations and programs.
NEW Self-Study Courses
CLN launched a new learning management system this fall. Flexible professional learning you can complete independently with the support of an instructor.
- Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (Sept–Dec 17) (ongoing registration)
- Introduction to AI (Oct 13–Dec 18) (on-going registration)
Coaching
Our one-on-one coaching sessions offer you the unique opportunity to connect with CLN staff who have expertise on many topics. Whether you have specific questions or want to explore new areas of growth, our personalized coaching is designed to bring you practical and actionable learning specific to the work you do everyday. As with CLN training, there is no cost for coaching.
Browse Coaching Topics
Professional Communities
Find support and connections with your peers in any of these communities of practice:
Regional Communities
Gathering in Circle: Join CLN staff and your peers this October for a day of in-person networking, connecting and conversation. You’re welcome at any of CLN’s events. Choose the event that works best for you.
- Grande Prairie - Tuesday, October 6 (Registration closed)
- Vegreville - Wednesday, October 14
- Drumheller - Wednesday, October 21
- Lethbridge - Thursday, October 22
- Stony Plain - Tuesday, October 27
More Communities of Practice Online
Volunteer Tutor Community of Practice (Oct 21)
Take Time for Your Wellness: Wellness Wednesdays start in November!
- Personal: Exploring What Matters Most to You (Nov 4)
- Spiritual: Finding Meaning, Purpose, and Connection (Dec 2)
- Psychological: Supporting a Healthy Mindset (Jan 13)
- Emotional: Understanding and Managing Emotions (Feb 10)
- Professional: Enhancing Wellbeing at Work (Mar 3)
- Physical: Caring for Your Physical Wellbeing (Apr 7)
Literacy in Action
Organizations across Canada and here in Alberta are working hard to meet the changing needs of adult learners.
Foundational Adult Learning Portal (FALP) is an online resource designed for use in a CALP where learners can build skills in math, reading & writing and using technology. The website includes tools that allow learners to find areas where they need improvement and then to build those skills.
ABC Life Literacy Canada offers ABC Skills Hub, where you can find a wide range of free online courses especially designed for adult learners from reading to self-regulation to protecting personal information online.
Both websites are designed for learners to work on their own or with a tutor. Why not combine building digital skills along with literacy and numeracy skills? Want to learn how? Contact Rebecca Still, CLN Literacy Specialist at literacy@calp.ca
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This Month's Spotlight
October is Women’s History Month in Canada—a time to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of women and girls who have shaped our history, communities, and culture. Since its official designation in 1992, this month has been an opportunity to reflect on progress toward gender equality and to honour the leaders, activists, innovators, and everyday changemakers who continue to inspire us.
Explore these resources to learn more, share stories, and take action:
Government of Canada – Women’s History Month
Canadian Women’s Foundation – supporting gender equality and programs for women and girls
Let’s use this month to honour the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a future where everyone can thrive.
Quote of the Day
One individual cannot possibly make a difference, alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference - all the difference in the world!
- Jane Goodall