In the midst of this crazy year, I have been reflecting on the roles we all play in Adult Learning programs across the province. There are so many variations amongst us. However, one thing I believe we all share is our motivation to make a difference in the lives of our learners. As we roll with the waves of change, let’s not forget that we can still find ways to encourage, to cheer and celebrate and honour our learners and each other. What none of us could do alone, we CAN do together! 

Thank you to all of you who have inspired and strengthened me on my journey – sharing stories, resources, and strategies along with laughter and the occasional tear (or growl ). Thanks for being part of the Community Learning Network family. 

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

Lois Polege
Adult Learning Coordinator, Flagstaff Community Adult Learning
CLN Board Secretary

Registration Now Open for CALP Essentials For Family Literacy Programs Online!

For CALP organizations who have been wondering how they might access training for their family literacy staff and volunteers you can now take it online! CLN will be piloting an online course for CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs in December and January. The same content found in the in-person training is explored through weekly Zoom meetings and self-study modules. Click on the date below to take you to the December registration page.

December 1, 8, 15, 2020

January 12, 19, 26, 2021 - Registration to open soon. 

Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning online course coming soon!

CLN has been working hard to make Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (IAFL) accessible to CALP-funded organizations. Starting in February, we will be piloting IAFL online! You can expect the same quality content through weekly Zoom meetings, self-study modules and Portal discussions. Watch the Portal for more information on online courses running in February, March and May 2021.

Upcoming November 2020 Training Events and Connections Cafes

Register for the following upcoming training events and Connections Cafes in November!! Click on the name of the training to get to the registration page directly. 

November 16 - CALP Database Bits and Bytes: Entering Learning Opportunities

November 17 - CALP Database Bits and Bytes: Registering Learners

November 17, 24 & December 1 - Tech Talk (Online)

November 18 - CALP Database Bits and Bytes: Timesheets

November 19 - CALP Database Bits and Bytes: Evaluation and Final Reports

November 26 & 27 - Psychological First Aid (Hanna) 

Regional Connection Cafes - Grab a coffee, bring a question, share a success or challenge, stay for five minutes or settle in for all ninety. These monthly Connections Cafes are an opportunity for you to connect with CALP staff in your region.

November 12 - West Connections Cafe 

November 18 - Central Connections Cafe

November 18 - East Connections Cafe

November 20 - North Connections Cafe

November 20 - South Connections Cafe

November 26 - Metis Settlements Connections Cafe

From Response to Recovery: Managing in Uncertain Times

Managing a nonprofit organization can be a complex undertaking, especially in times of uncertainty. In this workshop, IntegralOrg’s Mike Grogan will discuss the effects of current trends such as the prolonged economic downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic on nonprofit organizations and offer tools – like IntegralOrg’s COVID-19 Recovery Checklist – to assist organizations to navigate the recovery phase. The workshop will also cover techniques for how, even in uncertain times, organizations can define goals, create strategic plans, and position themselves for sustainability.

This workshop is on Wednesday, November 25 - 1:00 - 2:30 pm. Click here to register. 

CALP Nametag Orders

Just a reminder if you have new staff or board members that started this year and you want to order them a professional, shiny nametag to wear in meetings and to trainings you can do so online.  

You can choose between silver or gold, and have your first and last name, organization and title printed on the tag with the CALP logo. You might also choose just to have first names on your tags, like our CLN staff.

There is a 3 line maximum for set-up and printing on the tags. Each tag costs $15, including shipping. To order your nametag(s) go to https://calp.ca/purchase.

If you have any questions before you order please contact Shaba Qureshi, CLN Program Support at office@calp.ca.

November is Financial Literacy Month

November is Financial Literacy Month. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Financial Literacy Month. It is also a challenging time for many Canadians who may be struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, it is important to help Canadians understand their finances.

The goal this year is to help Canadians gain financial confidence and make informed financial decisions relevant to their circumstances by equipping them with practical tips and tools.

During Financial Literacy Month, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) engages with Canadians and works together with organizations from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to help strengthen the financial literacy of individuals and families.

Throughout the month, organizations from across the country are encouraged to host events and share resources aimed at helping Canadians understand their finances and empowering them to:

• manage their money and debt wisely
• save for the future
• understand their financial rights and responsibilities

​​A complete list of financial literacy events and res​ources offered by Canadian organizations is available in the Canadian Financial Literacy Database​.​

For 10 financial literacy tips to mark 10 years of Financial Literacy Month read ABC Life Literacy's blog. 

For more tips and tools visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's page. 

NEW Internet Skills Program from ABC Life Literacy

ABC Internet Matters empowers Canadians who aren’t comfortable using the internet with the knowledge they need to get started. The program consists of a free workbook and downloadable resources to help new internet users learn how to use the internet. With ABC Internet Matters, adult and senior Canadians will develop a basic understanding of what the internet is, how to access it, and how to stay safe online.

 For more information on ABC Internet Matters program:

EN: www.abcinternetmatters.ca  
FR: www.questiondinternetabc.ca

What’s the state of the sector today?

Take ABNN’s nonprofit survey to inform our combined understanding and decision making.

A lot can happen in a few months – what nonprofits were dealing with in the spring is vastly different than the struggles of today. To help build an understanding of the current state of Alberta’s nonprofits and charities, ABNN is conducting a fall sector survey. What are your funding, operating and staffing challenges? What support and policy decisions do you need on the road to recovery? 

The data and results from this survey will be shared with the sector, government partners and funders to support ongoing dialogue. The information gathered in our last two surveys was used by Alberta organizations for grant applications, resource development, programming direction and as part of advocacy and media outreach. Numerous funders, including the Government of Alberta and Alberta community foundations, also used the survey data to inform their funding decisions. 

The more organizations that complete the survey the better picture we can get. Please share the survey by forwarding it to your network and including it in your own newsletters or social media.

The survey is open until Friday, November 6. 

Take the survey now: https://bit.ly/3kw4MmP

This Month's Spotlight

Thinking about the highly engaging and amazing opening and closing keynotes from Literacy and Learning Symposium 2020 (virtual)? Wish you could watch them again? Well you can!!

Click here to watch Opening Keynote Tina Varughese's energetic and highly entertaining keynote. Just a reminder that you can only watch her recording until November 20, 2020.

Click here to watch Closing Keynote Alexandra Samuel's informative and thought provoking keynote. This recording will be available indefinitely. 

*This Month's Spotlight is a new feature in CALP Connections highlighting monthly news, interesting facts or timely happenings in the world of adult literacy from Alberta or around the world. If you have something to submit, please send an email to office@calp.ca with the subject header This Month's Spotlight.