Literacy and Learning Symposium 2023, 2023 Wage Survey Results and more...
A Message from Rochelle Galeski, Director
The CLN Board’s recent April meeting was engaging with time for many thoughtful conversations. One discussion focused on, “What do CALPs need from the Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions or their local MLA to be able to continue their work with foundational learners?” We brainstormed a variety of responses that distinctively represented our diverse board. We discussed family literacy programs and where they “fit” under STP; challenges such as board and volunteer tutor recruitment; and regional differences that are unique to each CALP and, more broadly, how change can be difficult.
We acknowledged the resilience exemplified by CALPs. Running successful programs in CALP requires fluidity, resiliency and flexibility in communities that are complex and diverse. Learner needs and community demographics are distinctive and constantly shifting. CALPs adapt to government changes, funding changes, ever-changing workloads and changes in learner population and needs. As we navigate these shifts and changes the CLN continues to provide professional development opportunities that are relevant to our needs.
As a result of our conversation, we have resolved to give voice to CALPs with some unique and participatory solutions. We invite you to join the CLN Board for a focused conversation in our upcoming Coffee with the Board on May 24, 2023, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm. We want to hear your ideas about how Minister Madu can help us and what we need from his ministry to be successful. The CLN Board will ensure the Minister receives the feedback from this meeting
Ultimately, your voice and your stories are meaningful and are an important part of advocating for your CALP. We hope to hear your story so we can learn from one other.
Energizer Session – “Spark Through Joy, Hope and Positivity”
Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon
Gurdeep is a Sikh-Canadian dancing Bhangra, a traditional folk dance of Punjab, and talking about joy, hope, positivity and inclusivity for healing/optimism. In 2006, the poet, author, artist and, more recently, Twitter–famous Bhangra dancer moved to Canada and travelled across the country before finally settling in the Yukon. Gurdeep’s videos have, collectively, been watched over fifty million times from various platforms.
ChimeLive Virtual Event Platform for both the Virtual and In-person Symposium
Each registered attendee will be given access to our custom ChimeLive virtual event platform, which will provide all the information, activities and entertainment that attendees will need for a great Symposium experience.
Our customized virtual event platform will have schedules of daily events and links to the Zoom virtual sessions. ChimeLive will also be used as our virtual event App during the in-person Symposium with similar features.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ATTENDEES:
A week before the Symposium starts registered attendees are given access to ChimeLive via the attendee’s email and a pre-set password, which has been sent directly to each attendee via email from canada@chime.live
(Note: Passwords to access the event will be automatically generated, and will NOT be the same as your CALP Portal password.)
Please be on the lookout for the email from ChimeLive in your inbox on Wednesday, May 3rd. If you do not see it, please check your spam folder and if it isn’t here, please email Pat Halewich, Symposium Event Lead, at pdevents@calp.ca
We look forward to seeing you at Symposium 2023!
2023 Wage Survey Results
This winter, CLN conducted an anonymous survey on wages and pay for CALP staff across the province. We are pleased to share that the data is now available for viewing.
110 CALP Staff completed the survey. While some regions had far fewer respondents than others, we have created a provincial summary, as well as summaries for each region. To preserve anonymity, individual roles have been sorted and colour coded into "role types," determined by the respondent's responsibilities and tasks.
The survey included questions about the following:
CALP staff hourly pay
Percentage of hourly pay funded through CALP funds
Prep Time and Mileage
Other benefits
You can access the 2023 CALP Wage Survey results on the CALP Portal or search the key word "wage" in the resources section of the Portal.
Note: You must log in with a CALP Portal account to access this document.
CLN Board of Directors: Call for Applications
The CLN Board is currently recruiting Community Adult Learning Program Staff and/or CALP Board Members to join our team.
We’re looking for individuals who will bring their passion and their skills to the CLN Board.
If you are interested in learning more, please see the CLN Board Member Position Description or email board@calp.ca. (Note: A Portal sign in is required to view the CLN Board Member Position Description)
The CLN Membership will elect our Board for 2023-24 at our virtual Annual General Meeting on September 28th, 2023.
Nominations for the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award
Just a reminder that the Call for Nominations for the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award's deadline to submit a nomination package is June 30th.
Each year, the CLN Board of Directors recognizes the achievements and dedication to community-based adult learning by presenting the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award at the Literacy and Learning Awards ceremony in September.
The award is open to CALP-funded organizations, employees and Board members. If you know of a CALP or an individual who has been exceptional throughout the 2022-23 year, please submit a nomination.
We want your feedback on CALP-funded professional development services and supports! The CALP PD Survey opens May 4, 2023 and it only takes 10 minutes to complete.
Respond by June 11, 2023 and enter a draw to win one of 7 gift cards for $75 for your organization.
Whether you have services and supports from the Community Learning Network, Calgary Learns, ECALA and/or Rural Routes, this survey will allow you to provide anonymous feedback and input into the CALP PD system. Your input helps us measure the impact of the work we do to support you in your role, and is one of the ways you can contribute to actively shaping the CALP system.
You might receive the same link several times from different organizations or colleagues. Please take the survey only once. We want to hear from all staff, instructors, leaders, and volunteers who are accessing CALP Professional Development opportunities. Please distribute this survey widely within your organization.
This survey is administered through NorQuest College. All data collected through this survey is anonymous and is not linked to your e-mail or your organization. If you have questions about the survey, please contact cindy.boucher@norquest.ca
2023 - 2024 CLN Membership Renewal
CLN membership renewal was sent out by direct email to your organization's primary contact at each CALP during the week of April 10th.
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 Skilled Trades and Professions, 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 Wednesday, May 31st.
If you have any questions, or if your CALP has not received the Membership Renewal form, please contact Ellen Rodgers at office@calp.ca or call the provincial office at (1-877-485-4926) ext. 2
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Registration is now open for all May events.
May 24: Coffee with the CLN Board - Let's Brainstorm Together!The CLN Board of Directors would like to brainstorm with you, and hear your ideas about how Minister Madu can help CALPs be recognized, strengthened and have the resources we need from his ministry.
June 6-7:Engaging with Indigenous Learners (University nuxełhot’įne thaaɁehots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills) Learn about local, regional, and national issues of relevance to adult Indigenous learners to help you create a supportive and welcoming learning experience for Indigenous learners in your community. Connect with and build relationships with community members from your local First Nations Colleges/University.
Psychological First Aid
This course will support CALP-funded staff, volunteers and system partners to develop a personal understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with emphasis on self-care and personal protection.
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.
Ask Us Anything About Metis & Indigenous Worldview: June 15
Have you developed and delivered an innovative adult literacy program that you have been offering for over a year? Has your program made a difference in the lives of the participants? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award.
Are you wondering what ‘innovative’ means?
The Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award is sponsored through ABC Life Literacy Canada, and they have prepared a list of frequently asked questions. Here is their answer to what an innovative program means:
"When we say we're looking for innovative literacy programming, we mean that you've tried something new, maybe even taken a risk. Perhaps you're reaching a new community, or teaching literacy in a new and different way. Your program fills a gap, and it's making a difference. Not sure if your program could be considered innovative? Give us a call and tell us about it. We're happy to advise you on your program's eligibility before you put your application together."
If you’re not sure if your program is considered innovative, I would encourage you to contact ABC Life Literacy Canada and have a conversation!
To find contact information, learn more about the award, and to access the application click here.
The submission deadline is June 5, 2023, at 5:00pm EDT
This Month's Spotlight
On Monday, May 29th Albertans will vote in a provincial election.
In the Building Literacy Guide, Dr. Allan Quigley reminds us “the very nature of education is not only to build knowledge but to encourage critical thinking and learner empowerment”. One way CALP staff can do just that is through civic literacy.
There are a number of resources available to support learners develop their civic literacy skills:
How to Encourage Adults to be Civically Engaged. When you have strong civic literacy skills, you know how to make your voice heard by all levels of government—before, during and after an election.
A Guide to Voting. Created in partnership with Elections Canada, A Guide to Voting includes information, links, and activities to help learners understand voting basics, such as how to register to vote, different ways to vote, and the accessibility resources available.
Who Should Be Allowed to Vote? Foundational Literacy (Norquest) Module 1. Using the topic of voting in Canada participants review several reading strategies to enhance their reading skills.
Learners need a far more significant voice in what is, after all, their own future. If even a third of our learners and graduates were to write to political decision-makers lobbying for adequate, stable funding, the thousands of letters could not be ignored. (Source"Naming the Elephant": Literacy Classism,Human Rights and the Need for aNew Conversation)
Quote of the Day
"Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be."
– Unknown
Contact Us
Community Learning Network
c/o University of Alberta - SCSC - South Campus
2-211, 11610 – 65 AVE NW Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1
P: 1-877-485-4926
E: news@calp.ca
![[untitled]](_uploads/644bf76f94a72.jpeg)
The CLN Board’s recent April meeting was engaging with time for many thoughtful conversations. One discussion focused on, “What do CALPs need from the Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions or their local MLA to be able to continue their work with foundational learners?” We brainstormed a variety of responses that distinctively represented our diverse board. We discussed family literacy programs and where they “fit” under STP; challenges such as board and volunteer tutor recruitment; and regional differences that are unique to each CALP and, more broadly, how change can be difficult.![[untitled]](_uploads/64501f7449037.jpg)
We are very excited to have over 320 attendees join us at Symposium 2023 on:![[untitled]](_uploads/644adfcf2d0e4.jpg)
![[untitled]](_uploads/644bf1420f07c.png)
This winter, CLN conducted an anonymous survey on wages and pay for CALP staff across the province. We are pleased to share that the data is now available for viewing.![[untitled]](_uploads/64494af9276a1.jpg)
The CLN Board is currently recruiting Community Adult Learning Program Staff and/or CALP Board Members to join our team. ![[untitled]](_uploads/644a9ca3d7160.jpg)
Just a reminder that the Call for Nominations for the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award's deadline to submit a nomination package is June 30th.![[untitled]](_uploads/644bf89b18f0c.png)
Help shape the CALP system! 
Please be sure to review and update your CALP's information in the Portal's online directory at 
Have you developed and delivered an innovative adult literacy program that you have been offering for over a year? Has your program made a difference in the lives of the participants? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award. ![[untitled]](_uploads/6424644b4361e.jpg)