CALP Connections: September 2026
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities, Call for CLN Board Applications, Become a CALP Portal Blog Contributer, and more...
A Message from Dave Albrecht,
CLN Board Chair
CLN Board Chair
Hey everyone—it’s me AGAIN, Dave Albrecht, Chair of the CLN Board and Executive Director of Two Hills Adult Learning!
WOW…what can I say? Another programming year is over! It seems like just yesterday my team and I were in the throes of program planning, and now we’re already wrapping up our program reviews and getting ready for another cycle. Annual reports are done, reflections are underway, and it’s time to build on another exciting year.
And what a year it has been!
I’ve got to say, this past year was fantazz-magical (Yep, I just made up a new word. I don’t think it’s going to catch on, and I’m fairly certain Oxford won’t be calling anytime soon).
This was my second year on the CLN Board and my first year as Chair. For those of you who may not have heard, we can be a pretty fun group—even when we’re drowning in policy review!
Just ask any of the CLN team.
SERIOUSLY. JUST ASK THEM!
We love opportunities to talk about ourselves. 😏
Speaking of policy and governance, the Board tackled a big one this spring. We took a good, hard look at CLN’s purpose and gave it a bit of a refresh to better reflect who we are, who we serve, and what we hope to accomplish.
Our new purpose is:
So, what do you think? Can you see the opportunities this opens up for CLN while still keeping us focused on what matters most—our membership?
And yes…that means YOU!
This past year has also brought its fair share of other changes: changes to the CLN budget, the Symposium format, CLN staffing, and much more. Through all of it, I have to give full kudos to the CLN staff for navigating those changes with the professionalism, finesse, and skill we’ve become so accustomed to - that sometimes we almost forget just how much happens behind the scenes.
So I want to take this opportunity to remind all of us what a great team we have working away in the background — supporting, encouraging, organizing, troubleshooting, adapting, and helping all of us achieve the great things we do in our communities. 👏
Okay…enough about the past.
Time to look ahead!
First, a quick reminder that our AGM is coming up soon, so don’t forget to mark it on your calendar and register to attend!
And here’s a little spoiler alert for what’s coming next: the CLN Board is preparing to take another big leap.
We’re going to dust off the bylaws, crack them open, and give them a good review! Our goal is to have a draft ready to bring forward for approval at the 2027 AGM.
Exciting stuff, right?
Okay…maybe “exciting” depends on how much you enjoy bylaws.
Some of us apparently enjoy them more than is probably healthy.
Stay tuned!
And last — but definitely not least — I said this past year was fantazz-magical. Well, I think next year is going to be even better, which means I may need some help coming up with a word that is even more splendiferous.
Why?
Because this coming year marks CLN’s 40th Anniversary!
That means we’re pulling out the ruby slippers and getting ready to celebrate in style!
Are ruby slippers actually stylish? I have no idea. At my age, the concept of “style” gets a little fuzzy when you’ve lived through everything from bell bottoms to skinny jeans.
But that’s beside the point.
The important thing is…THEY’RE RUBY!
And ruby, as luck would have it, is the traditional gem for a 40th Anniversary.
So yes — we have a milestone worth celebrating, and celebrate we shall!
Best wishes to everyone who managed to make it this far through the not-so-blasé ramblings of Dave.
And, on a more serious note, if you ever have a thought, comment, question, concern — or even a great new word to replace fantazz-magical — please reach out to any of us on the Board.
We really are only an email click or phone call away.
Here’s to another great year of learning, connecting, growing — and maybe even a little ruby-slipper-wearing along the way!
Welcome Back, Lori St. Cyr!
We’re delighted to welcome Lori back to her role as Métis and Indigenous Liaison and Regional Support Staff for the North!
Lori is reconnecting with CALPs across her region, as well as others involved in activities and initiatives that support Indigenous learners.
If you haven’t had a chance to meet Lori yet, learn more about her roles as Métis & Indigenous Liaison and North Regional Support Staff.
Want to connect with Lori? Reach her at connect@calp.ca or 780-536-0424.
We encourage you to reach out, say hello, and share what you and your community have been up to! Lori is looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and communities across the province.
Register Now for The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation CLN Event
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is a time to remember the children who never returned home, honour Survivors and their families, and reaffirm our collective responsibility to reconciliation.
This day was established in direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #80, which called for a statutory holiday to ensure public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools. Recognizing this day remains a vital part of the reconciliation process.
We invite the CALP community to come together in commemoration by listening to Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and reflecting on how we, as adult learning providers, can foster greater understanding, respect, and healing within our communities.
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 11:45 a.m.
On this day, we encourage you to wear your orange shirt as a symbol of remembrance and a commitment to reconciliation.
Notice of Community Learning Network's Virtual Annual General Meeting
The CLN Board of Directors invites you to join us for our Annual General Meeting, taking place from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. We will be opening with messages from Cora Roberts, Director of Foundational Learning and Skills Development, Advanced Education.
Registration on the CALP Portal is now available:
https://calp.ca/events/cln-annual-general-meeting-2026-2026-09-24.htm
Information About our AGM
- All organizations funded directly through the Government of Alberta's Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) Grant are eligible to be member organizations of the Community Learning Network. There are no dues or fees associated with CLN membership.
- For your CALP to be considered a Member in Good Standing, your organization must be directly funded by the Government of Alberta’s Community Adult Learning Program Grant as of July 1st, 2026, and must have had a representative complete CLN's membership renewal.
- Each member organization in good standing is entitled to one vote on matters that are put before the membership. Under CLN's bylaws, voting privileges are granted to member organizations, not to individuals.
- If more than one person from your CALP will be in attendance, please delegate one person at time of registration to act on behalf of the organization for the purposes of voting.
Important Notes About the “Virtual” Format of our AGM:
- When you join the online AGM, voting delegates will be confirmed as you enter the virtual AGM room. Further details will be provided when you join.
- Please ensure only one person from each member organization is responsible for voting.
- Voting will take place using the “polling” feature on Zoom.
- An online moderator will monitor the chat box feature throughout the meeting, to ensure that members still have the opportunity to ask questions “from the floor”.
AGM Package:
The following documents are included in the 2026 CLN AGM Package, and is available on the CALP Portal for members to review prior to the Annual General Meeting:
- Meeting Agenda
- AGM Minutes (September 2025)
- Audited Financial Statements (2025-2026)
- Operational Budget (2026-2027)
- Nominees for the CLN Board of Directors (2026-2027)
Literacy & Learning Symposium 2027
The Literacy & Learning Symposium is CLN’s annual professional development event designed to support Alberta’s Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) staff, volunteers, and system stakeholders by providing relevant learning, connecting and contributing opportunities to equip our community to serve adult Albertan’s as they pursue their literacy and foundational learning goals.
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!
To find our more, please visit the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2027 page on the Portal.
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED!
Did you know that the Literacy & Learning Symposium Committee at the CLN spends hours compiling and analyzing the feedback you share on your breakout session and overall evaluations from the event? This essential feedback guides our decisions for future planning to ensure the event is accessible, enjoyable, and relevant to your professional development needs. Two areas stood out from the 2026 feedback that have directed change for the 2027 event.
Duration
Evaluation feedback from the 2026 Symposium was clear – CALP staff want the duration of Symposium to be longer to provide more time together for connecting and learning. Some felt that having one very full day of learning resulted in a pace that was not conducive for retaining learning or creating space for formal and informal networking during this annual in-person event.
In response to your feedback, CLN explored options that aligned with our mandate and the budget available for Symposium. Here’s what we came up with: rather than one evening event followed by a full day of learning, we have changed the format to two half days of learning.
What might this change mean for you?
- Impact on travelling: Starting at lunch on Wednesday means many CALP organizations have the capacity to travel to the event that morning. Finishing on Thursday after lunch provides travel time during the workday as well. We hope this assists CALPs in spending fewer overtime hours for travelling, fewer funds for accommodation and sustenance, and less energy driving after a full day of learning and connecting.
- Impact on learning: Splitting up the learning sessions provides time for attendees to process, discuss, and explore their learning.
- Impact on connections: Providing two half days of learning builds in formal connection times through sessions, while also providing additional informal networking opportunities during meal times and during the unscheduled evening on Wednesday.
Sessions
Also clear in the evaluation feedback was that CALP staff want additional training. In response, Symposium 2027 will have an additional breakout track (replacing main stage speakers) in order to provide more customized learning options for your CALP role and responsibilities.
We look forward to you joining us in person in 2027 to learn, connect and contribute with others in the CALP system!
Curious to see the revised agenda? Here it is:
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 (Track A) |
| 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 (Track B) |
| 10:30 - 11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00 am - 12:15 pm | Breakout Sessions (Track C) |
| 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 p.m.
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:
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. Click the links to register.
Required Training
Have you and your staff completed the training required for your CALP grant?
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.
Facilitated Training (5 weeks)
- September 17, 2026
- January 27, 2027 (Save the date)
- May 12, 2027 (Save the date)
Self-Study Training - ongoing registration. Registration opens on September 8.
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)
Provincial Events
Gather with your peers from across the province and CLN staff to connect and show support.
Training for All Staff and Volunteers
- Understanding the 2026 Alberta Referendum and its Impacts for CALPs: Cutting Through the Noise (Sept 14)
- Building Community Capacity for Mental Health: Connecting with the Rural Mental Health Network (Sept 21)
Training for New CALP Staff
If you are new to CALP, join CLN staff and other new CALP staff for guidance and tips for working in CALP.
Training for Instruction
Training on topics related to instruction in adult foundational learning.
- AI Learning Lab (Sept 15)
Training for CALP Management
Training on topics related to the operations and management of CALP-funded organizations and programs.
- Strengthening CALP Boards (Sept 17)
- Adult Learning Alberta (ALA) Website Tour (Sept 22)
- CALP Database Learning Lab (Sept 23)
Self-Study Courses
CLN is launching a new learning management system this Fall - flexible professional learning you can complete independently with the support of an instructor. Registration opens on September 8.
- Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (ongoing registration)
- Introduction to AI (starts October 13)
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. Watch for October dates for gatherings in Lethbridge, Drumheller, Vegreville, Stony Plain and Grande Prairie!
- Volunteer Tutor Community of Practice (Oct 21)
- Take Time for Your Wellness: Wellness Wednesdays start in November! (Nov 4) (Save the date)
New CALP Portal Accounts and CALP Connections
If you have staff who need to be set up with a Portal account, we ask them to submit a request at https://calp.ca/user/request. Accounts are typically activated within 24 hours.
We also encourage everyone to subscribe to the CALP Connections e-newsletter! You can manage your subscription to CALP Connections in your Portal "Email Subscriptions" at https://calp.ca/email/manage/?lang=en
Order Your Nametags!
Nametags are a great way to showcase the organization you are a part of, your name, and your role (if desired). They can be purchased on the Portal and shipped directly to your CALP.
Literacy in Action
In recognition of International Literacy Day, Sept 8, CLN is releasing a new infographic, Literacy Matters in Canada. Using stats from the recent PIAAC 2022 (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) the infographic compares results of high and low literacy in health, economics, civic engagement and the value of literacy in our daily lives.
Share the infographic with friends, service organizations, businesses and politicians in your community to raise awareness of how improving adult literacy benefits individuals, families and communities.
Blog Backtrack:
Missed a post? We've got your back.
Missed a post? We've got your back.
This Month's Spotlight
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day — a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.
Orange Shirt Day began in Williams Lake, B.C., in 2013 and has grown into a national movement of remembrance, reflection, and reconciliation. The orange shirt represents the loss of culture, freedom, family, and self-esteem experienced by many Indigenous children.
On September 30, we are encouraged to wear orange, learn about the history and legacy of residential schools, listen to Indigenous voices, and reflect on our role in reconciliation.
Quote of the Day
Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practise reconciliation in our everyday lives — within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, schools, and workplaces.
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada