A Message from Natasha Bozek, Director

Hey everyone, I hope you are enjoying this very balmy winter!

This fall I became one of your newest Directors on the CLN Board. I have sat on several Boards over the years, most often as a Secretary, Treasurer or staff member and these Boards have run the gamut from highly structured to no structure and very productive to barely surviving. Luckily the CLN Board has found a very happy medium between the two where we can have very productive meetings while having fun doing it in a relaxed and supportive environment.

I still consider myself a relatively new CALP staff, I’ll hit my 2-year mark in the new year! In my two years in the system, I have met some fabulous people and learned a lot about the need for foundational literacy support in our communities. Having said that, I still have so much more to learn and what better way to learn than by joining the Board. By doing this I hope to better understand the system, the role of CLN, and hope to contribute to the overall growth of the organization as we continue to support CALP staff across the province.

If you are interested in finding out more about the CLN Board, please contact Colleen Thiessen at 780-352-7257 or send an email to board@calp.ca 

Literacy & Learning Symposium 2024 Update

Our Symposium Planning Committee is excited to announce that we have selected our opening and closing keynote presenters for 2024!

Opening Keynote Presenter:

Todd Hirsch is an internationally renowned speaker and author, focusing on adaptability in the ever-changing global economic environment. An economist by training, he now focuses his research and writing on the subject of adaptability. Currently, he is the Director of the Energy Transition Centre, an incubator of tech start-ups focused on navigating our path toward net-zero carbon. Prior to this, he served as VP and chief economist for ATB Financial. Hirsch has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum (2022) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University.

Keynote Topic: The Economics of Community

Closing Keynote Presenter:

Dr. Karsten Mündel, Vice Provost (Learning Initiatives) at the University of Alberta, specializes in multi-disciplinary research and experiential pedagogies. With a background in adult education and community development, he served on the Camrose Adult Learning Council and currently leads UofA generative AI in education initiatives, blending innovative teaching with administrative expertise. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT are changing the way educators think about the classroom. In response, the University of Alberta has created a task force to look at the challenges, and opportunities of AI. Karsten Mündel is the chair of the task force and acting Vice Provost at the U of A. 

Keynote Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Learning

Watch for more information coming in February on how to register and all the fun and exciting events planned for the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2024! 

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Pat Halewich, Symposium Lead, at pdevents@calp.ca 

And remember - SAVE THE DATES!

Literacy & Learning Symposium 2024 - April 30th to May 2nd (In-person in Edmonton)

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Required Training

Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning – Online (5 weeks)

• January 25 - Mornings
• January 25 - Afternoons
• May 22 - Mornings

CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs Online (3 weeks)

• February 27 - Mornings

Register now for these upcoming training events! 

January 15 – Strategic Planning Series for CALPs (5 weeks) Board members and staff of CALP-funded programs are invited to take part in this interactive process to develop their organizational direction, goals and strategic plan.  

January 16 – Tech Talk (3 weeks) Learn the Tech Talk approach to teaching digital skills. You will discover an approach that is flexible and adaptable to learner’s needs. Use these tools to identify concepts, features and navigation that is common across digital devices and do away with the step-by-step method of digital instruction.

January 17 – Holding Safer Spaces (11 weeks) Following the work of Heather Plett, this series explores approaches and practices for learning and growing in the art of holding space for others – being open to the complexity of each other’s lives without judging, trying to fix or influence the outcome.

January 24  – Welcome to CALP! If you are new in your role in CALP, and still looking to get the lay of the land, this is the conversation for you.

March 26 - Adult Literacy & Learning in Family Literacy Programs (2 weeks) This training builds on the themes from CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs. It focuses on how to deliver fun and engaging family literacy programs that emphasize adult foundational learning as part of an intergenerational approach to learning.  

Connecting to Community Series

In this 4-session series, we will explore a collection of voices, resources, perspectives, and strategies intended to strengthen your organization’s connections to community. It is through a well-connected network that learners can find their way to the services and supports they need, whether through direct programming at funded organizations or indirectly through coordinated knowledgeable referrals.

January 22 - Literacy Awareness

February 20 -  Literacy Audits

Communities of Practice

Join your peers in informal online discussions facilitated by CLN staff. Grab a coffee, bring a question, share a success or challenge, and settle in for five minutes or all sixty.

December 12 - Holding Safer Spaces Open Circle - Power of Mindset

January 24 –  Coffee with the CLN Board Join the CLN board for a candid and informal conversation. Members of the Board will share tips about board life and welcome questions from CALP staff, board members, volunteers, partners and stakeholders.

February 16 –  Ask Us Anything About Metis & Indigenous Worldview

More events are added to the CALP Portal Training & Events calendar periodically. Check the calendar regularly to see what is coming up!

Invitation to Virtual Circle

CLN hosts a virtual circle for CALP staff who self identify as Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit to come together to support each other with the challenges and the rewards that come with being an Indigenous person in the CALP world. The intent of this circle is to create space to amplify Indigenous voices within the CALP world and to draw on the wisdom and knowledge of these staff members from across the province.

In the circle we will:

• Consult with other Indigenous peoples working in CALP
• Have conversations on local and national events and issues that affect adult learners
• Discuss how to better support Indigenous learners
• A space to be, to learn, to listen and to gather

The virtual circle will meet via Zoom on January 11, 2024 @ 1:00 pm

For more information or if you would like to join the circle, please reach out to:

Lori St.Cyr, Metis & Indigenous Liaison 
connect@calp.ca  
780-536-0424

A Gift for Every Season - Nametags!

Looking for a staff gift this holiday season? Nametags are a great way to showcase the organization you are a part of, your name, and your role (if desired.)

Nametags can be purchased on the Portal and shipped directly to your CALP.

Click here to learn more and purchase your nametag!

Outstanding Contribution to Adult Learning Award Timeline

The CLN Board of Directors is pleased to announce we will be honouring the Outstanding Contribution to Adult Learning Award winner at the Symposium on April 30, 2024. This change in timing means you will need to start thinking about who you want to nominate now, as the deadline to submit nominations is March 15, 2024. You will want to look at the achievements of an individual, or organization, over the past year between March 2023 – March 2024.

We recognize the timing is different than you have been used to for many years; however, as a board, we really feel it is special to be honored among your peers when we can all celebrate together, and an event like the Symposium is the perfect opportunity.

The nomination package is available now and can be accessed on the Portal. We will remind you over the coming months to submit your nomination prior to the March 15, 2024 deadline.

The CLN Board of Directors is looking forward to seeing all the great work being done in CALPs around the province.

Beat the Cold with Online Learning!

Oh, baby, it's cold outside! Are you getting the feeling that learners are starting to hibernate? Why not offer online learning opportunities? Tutoring, information sessions, and classes are all great ways to reach out virtually. Connecting online has never been easier and participants can stay safe and warm while they learn.

When you're ready to promote those wonderful winter learning opportunities, Adult Learning Alberta (ALA) is the perfect place to post! It's free to CALPs and right at your fingertips. Each learning opportunity is displayed on the site events calendar, and upcoming events are also displayed on the home page. The site is user friendly and easy to navigate for staff and learners alike.

Add the link to your social media pages for even easier access: https://adultlearningalberta.ca 

Register for your CALP's free account today. Go to https://adultlearningalberta.ca/submissions/request-an-account or click the Login button at the bottom of the ALA home page.

This Month's Spotlight

Holding Spaces is defined as “being willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they are on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome.” 

This work happens regularly as we engage with learners, other team members, or simply walk through life with those around us. While the principles are valuable, the real question is, why should you invest 11 weeks in this learning?

As I pondered that very question a picture came to mind, one of a tree with deep roots and flourishing leaves. This tree represents my own Holding Space journey and reflects some of the areas of growth I’ve experienced through this training.

I have found that the topics, conversations, and my own personal reflections and applications have led me to feel more grounded and equipped as I engage people and strive towards balance and resilience in my life. The fruit of this learning has been a greater capacity for compassion, authenticity, and creativity. I’m confident that you will find this training meaningful and helpful no matter what your specific role is in the CALP system.

Holding Safer Spaces – Wednesday Mornings (10:30-12:00), January 17- March 27 2024

During the 11 weeks, you will have an opportunity to dive into content that will speak to both your personal and professional life. You’ll connect with other staff and share perspectives and reflections on weekly readings.

Invest in yourself and join the circle today!

Val Rathjen

Happy Holidays from CLN!

Season’s greetings and best wishes for a joyous holiday season, and a very happy New Year!

Please note the CLN office will be closed from Monday, December 25th, 2023 to Monday, January 1st, 2024.