CALP Connections: May 2024

A Message from Chelsey Friedt, CLN Board Secretary

As I reflect on my two-year journey with the Community Learning Network (CLN) Board, I find myself filled with appreciation for the opportunities and insights it has provided.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being on the board has been the chance to work alongside passionate individuals like Colleen Thiessen and Lisa Dickner. Their leadership has not only inspired me, but has also deepened my understanding of effective governance and community engagement.

Through our collaborative efforts, I've come to appreciate the collective strength that comes from diverse perspectives and shared goals. Together, we've tackled challenges, explored new ideas, and celebrated successes, all while fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

What I value most about this experience is the chance to contribute to something larger than myself. Each meeting, each decision made, has been an opportunity to make a positive impact on our community and support the vital work of Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs).

As my time on the board comes to a close, I'm grateful for the friendships forged and the lessons learned. While I may be stepping back, the experiences and insights gained will continue to guide me in my future endeavors.

Thank you to my fellow board members for your dedication and camaraderie. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you. Here's to the CLN and the remarkable journey we've shared together.

Literacy and Learning Symposium 2024

Thanks for joining us at Symposium 2024!

Our Symposium Planning Committee and our CLN team want to express our sincere gratitude for your presence at Symposium 2024.

Thank you for joining us as we explored "the power of community" together. Your participation helped make our symposium a resounding success. From the dynamic main stage to the vibrant Inspiration Playground, the innovative breakout sessions, and the lively Block Party, your engagement and enthusiasm were truly appreciated.

We believe that events like Symposium 2024 are instrumental in fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and catalyzing positive change. It was inspiring to witness your passion for community building and your dedication to making a positive impact. Your presence made the event all the more memorable and played an integral role in bringing our shared vision to life.

Once again, thank you for being a part of Symposium 2024. We are immensely grateful for your support and look forward to the opportunity to continue our shared learning and growth.

REMINDER: Symposium 2024 Evaluation Forms

Your feedback is important to us and is used to plan future events. Please complete your evaluation forms by Friday, May 10th at 4:30 p.m.

Session Feedback Forms:

The link to the Evaluation Form is available electronically on the EventMobi App as follows:

1. On your device go to the Event URL: https://eventmobi.com/symposium2024 (login with the email you registered with and your password)
2. Go to “Agenda” on the lefthand side and click on the breakout session to open it.
3. Click on the “LINKS” to open the “Symposium 2024 Session Evaluation” (Note: Each track has a separate form and 2-part session forms are linked to the part 2 session)
4. Complete the evaluation form for this session and click “Submit”
5. Please complete an online session evaluation form for each breakout session you attended.

Symposium 2024 Post Event Survey:

The link to the Overall Symposium 2024 Evaluation form is available electronically on the EventMobi App as follows:

1. On your device go to the Event URL: https://eventmobi.com/symposium2024 

     (login with the email you registered with and your password)

2. Go to “Symposium 2024 Post Event Survey” on the lefthand side and click on it to open it.
3. Click on the “Overall Symposium 2024 Evaluation” to open the form.
4. Complete the evaluation form and click “Submit”

Session Handouts

Access to the Symposium Session Handouts will be available on the EventMobi App until Friday, May 10th at 4:30 p.m.

Symposium Highlights

Opening Ceremony

Mike Fernandez - Assistant Deputy Minister, Advanced Education 



Adult Learner Speaker - Sifa Kalonji, Red Deer Public Library Adult Literacy Program

Opening Keynote - Todd Hirsch

  

Inspiration Playground 

CALPx Talks - Brigid Hayes, Lisa Mort-Putland, Brad Kotowich

Energizer - led by Kammi Rosentreter

Symposium Block Party - Dave Pallett

Closing Keynote - Dr. Karsten Mündel

Power of Community Speakers - Lisa Berry, Dani Ducross, Karen Keyes, Leslie Carbone, Lee Holfeld

Symposium 2025 - SAVE THE DATES

Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Edmonton

2024 Outstanding Contribution Award Recipient

Congratulations to Sharon Schwab from Ponoka & Rimbey Adult Learning Society for winning the 2024 Outstanding Contribution Award! This recognition is a shining example of Sharon's passion and dedication to adult learning, and we are honoured to have her as a source of inspiration in the CALP community.

Years of Service Recognition

Every year, the Community Learning Network takes the opportunity to honour CALP staff who have reached milestones in their years of service to the CALP network. 

We would like to congratulate Wendy Peverett from ECALA and Lois Polege from Flagstaff Community Adult Learning for 25 years of service in the CALP system. All of your contributions and dedication to your communities have undoubtedly made a lasting impact.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Required Training

May 22 Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning - Online (5 weeks) (Currently FULL and taking waiting list submissions)

Additional Training

MAY:
May 23 Database – Annual Reports Learn how to use the CALP Databases’ Evaluation and Final Reports for CALP reporting.

Teaching Reading Learn evidence-based strategies for teaching reading to foundational learners.
May 14 Airdrie (In-person)
May 16 Lethbridge (In-person)

Psychological First Aid In this 2-day workshop, develop a personal understanding of the effects of stress, loss, trauma and grief on others, with emphasis on self-care and personal protection.
May 15-16 Consort (In-person)
May 30-31 Taber (In-person)
May 30-31 Valleyview (In-person)
June 10-11 Lloydminster (In-person)

JUNE:
June 4 Never-Fail Writing Method Launch Join us as we showcase a new, on-demand training about teaching writing. Learn how to give feedback so learners want to keep writing! 
June 10 CALP Tutor Training (Bellevue) Invite your tutors to come to Bellevue. This session will explore the core content a volunteer tutor needs to begin supporting an adult Albertan with basic speaking, listening, reading, writing, numeracy and/or basic digital skills. 
June 17, 18, 19 Assessing Writing using writeforward This 3-session series is a practical introduction to the writeforward assessment tools for assessing writing skills in adults. 

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.

Literacy Practitioners Share, Learn, Grow June 11

Ask Us Anything about Metis & Indigenous Worldview with guest, Elder Dave Matilpi June 11

Regional Connections Cafes

West Region - May 24, Jun 17
South Region - Jun 13
East Region – Gather in person with CALP staff from your region. Attend one or both of these in-person sessions.

• East Connection Café - LIVE in Wainwright – May 30
• East Connections Café – LIVE In Lac La Biche – June 13

Don't miss out!

Events are periodically added to the CALP Portal Training & Events calendar. Be sure to check the calendar regularly to see what is coming up!

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)

CLN Board Nomination Application Form 

The CLN Membership will elect our Board for 2024-2025 at our virtual Annual General Meeting on September 24th, 2024.

Reminder: CLN Membership Renewal

A CLN membership renewal was sent out by direct email to your organization's primary contact at each CALP in April. The deadline to complete your membership renewal was Friday, April 26th.

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 fill out the renewal:

• If your organization receives a CALP grant directly from Advanced Education, 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.

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

Reminder: Share your opinion! Chance to win $75 gift cards

Did you access training or supports from CALP-funded organizations, CLN, Calgary Learns, ECALA or Alberta Routes? We’re waiting to hear from you!

Our anonymous survey ends June 3. Click the link to participate:
https://norquest.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1HunBrVfodcx6Yu 

If you already completed the survey, thank you! Your input will shape the future of our services.

Complete the survey to enter the draw for one of seven $75 gift cards for your organization.

If you have questions about the survey, please contact cindy.boucher@norquest.ca. 

Thank you!

Literacy in Action

There are two new opportunities to connect with people from across Canada who are doing similar work as CALP staff and learn what others are doing in their communities to reach adult foundational learners.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is hosting a session on "Promoting Literacy in Rural Communities: Bridging Communities through Innovation". This Innovation Lab is a moderated discussion on promoting literacy in rural communities, featuring a diverse panel of educators and community advocates. You are invited to join them as they endeavor to create equal opportunities for education and empowerment in every corner of our rural communities:

Date: May 9, 2024

Time: 11:00 am

You can register here.

ABC Life Literacy Canada is also hosting a forum on “(Re) Defining Literacy”. This forum is to bring literacy researchers and practitioners together to discuss the theme, to network, and to explore possibilities for collaboration.

Date: Tuesday, June 11

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 

• 11:00-12:00 - Panel speakers and discussion
• 12:00-2:00 - Networking activities

Please register by Tuesday, June 4th. You will receive an agenda a few days before the event. 

This Month's Spotlight

The annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award was created in 2004 by Canada's premiers to recognize literacy achievements in every province and territory. This year is an especially important milestone for the award as it’s the 20th anniversary since the award was first launched in 2004. The award recognizes:

• Outstanding achievement,
• Innovative practice, and
• Excellence.

This year, Advanced Education has expanded the award to honour individual Albertans as well as organizations working to help adults gain and build on the literacy and foundational learning skills they need to enrich their lives. Alberta has celebrated learners and educators in community, Indigenous, and family literacies.

Help us celebrate and recognize the work and leadership of a community literacy organization by completing and submitting a nomination package . This is a great opportunity to showcase the crucial work that our Foundational Learning Assistance (FLA) and Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) partners do for Albertans, and you are encouraged to consider submitting a nomination. Many of the past winners in recent years have had a strong link to delivering FLA and CALP.

For more information, visit the Council of the Federation website. For other literacy-related events visit our Alberta Government Literacy Awareness Events and Resources page.

Nominations close on May 10, 2024.

If you have any questions about the award and nomination process, please don’t hesitate to email ae.calp@gov.ab.ca.