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A Message from Monica Sczyrba-Davis, Chair of the CLN Board
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I walk my dog out behind our home each morning and watch the sun come up; it is an opportunity to connect with the earth beneath my feet and observe what nature is up to. As the leaves change colour and let go of the trees they were attached to, I am reminded that November is an opportune time to reflect on the changes we are experiencing.
The deer and the birds are starting to gather in their family groups in preparation for what it is to come with the transition to winter. I have had the gift of gathering with my family for Thanksgiving and also gathering with my CALP team, our learners, my board, the CLN board and sitting around many tables to listen and share. A common theme around these tables is the impact we have on those in our circles through how we spend the hours we are given, and how we choose to show up in the world each day.
This time of year often feels hurried and full of deadlines; perhaps there are some “leaves” we could let go of so we can focus on staying connected to ourselves and our purpose. In my own learning journey, I am shifting my energy to being present with the people I am with for the time I have with them and letting go of the feeling of being prepared for all the tasks ahead. There is value in trusting in the knowledge we have and the stories that come to mind in the moment, generated by the people we share time with through the day. For example, I let go of my scripted Executive Director’s Report for my CALP Board AGM and opted for sharing learner experiences that illustrate our best work and the challenges that remain. This created less rush and more impact: it was real. An insightful story from one of my CALP team is more important to take time and listen to, than completing the next five items on my to-do list that day. There is an expression I read on the tag of my tea bag a couple of years ago: “Nature never hurries, yet everything is accomplished.”
I have observed that we miss out on learning, joy and opportunity when we place too much attention on completing tasks. Perhaps a few less tasks, with focus and intention on what we have capacity for, will provide just as much of the growth, connection and collaboration we seek. These are lofty goals for someone with a desk full of lists and sticky notes! I wish each of you clarity in your purpose and that you create space to take care of all the parts of yourself that need tending to in this season of transition. Our connections to ourselves and between each other are our greatest strength as a learning community. Thank you for all that you do, and know that your CALP work has even greater impact than what you see in your classrooms, you matter to many people and you help learners know that they matter to all of us.
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Literacy & Learning Symposium 2025 Update
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Dates: Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton West Edmonton in Edmonton
Please mark your training calendars!
Our Symposium 2025 Theme is: “Making Waves”
![[untitled]](_uploads/672be3fee1e61.png) SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM
We want to update you that in October we were delighted to receive 40 Call for Presenter submissions and we are now well in the midst of building our Symposium Program for 2025.
Watch for more information on how to register and all the fun and exciting events planned for the Literacy & Learning Symposium 2025 in February 2025!
KEYNOTE PRESENTERS
Looking for Keynote Presenters!
Between now and the end of December, the Symposium Planning Committee is in search of keynote presenters.
If you have suggestions of possible keynote presenters or topics you would like to see at Symposium 2025, please contact: Pat Halewich, PD & Events Specialist (Symposium Event Lead), Community Learning Network at pdevents@calp.ca
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Notice: CALP Portal Website Updates
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![[untitled]](_uploads/67253f8c2c128.png) A new and improved CALP Portal will be live on November 22nd, 2024! Updates will streamline your experience on the Portal by introducing a more intuitive and user friendly layout.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding updates to the CALP Portal, please contact Ellen Rodgers at office@calp.ca or (780) 485-4926 ext 2.
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Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
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We invite you to explore the many PD and training options for CALP staff. There are many new events for you to check out this month!
Register soon for these upcoming events!
- Finding Adult Literacy Resources - Nov 19, 2024 Explore the CALP Portal for ideas for teaching reading and writing, modules & workbooks, and helpful how-to teach reading videos.
- Volunteer Tutor Masterclass (Nov. 21 - Dec. 5) Volunteers are a critical partner in CALP. Dive in to learn strategies for recruiting, engaging and retaining volunteers and explore current trends and practices that will make you feel confident and excited about your volunteer program.
- Staff Picks: Answers May Vary – Nov 26, 2024 Rediscover this tried-and-true guide for teaching learners with developmental disabilities. It has a new virtual look and feel.
- Small Talk and Big Talk (Presentation Skills) – Dec 12, 2024 Discover simple ideas you can implement immediately and that will increase your skill and confidence in one-on-one connections and making presentations!
Looking for something new?
- Planning for Learning Series Guided by Knowles’ five assumptions of adult learners, we will explore a collection of voices, resources, perspectives, and strategies intended to strengthen your organization’s design and delivery of learning opportunities to foundational learners.
- What's New in Adult Literacy Series Explore what’s new and effective best practices based on more recent studies for working with adult literacy learners.
- Adult Literacy Learners & Learner Identity – Nov. 15, 2024
- Indigenous Learners & Learning – Dec. 17, 2024
- Teach what is relevant to the learner-different ways of learning – Jan. 29, 2025
- Who is Paulo Freire and how is his pedagogy relevant today? - Feb. 18, 2025
- What is social justice? How does it connect to adult literacy learners? – Mar. 20, 2025
- Wellness Lunch & Learn Series: Self-Care…Because You Matter! December 3, 2024
New to CALP?
If you have recently started working in a CALP role, be sure to register for required training. CLN invites you to come meet other new staff to learn what supports are available to help you be successful in your new role!
Personalized Coaching
Would you like some guidance in a particular area of your work. Don’t know who to ask?
Book a coaching session with CLN staff in any of these areas:
- Literacy programming and instruction
- CALP Database
- Goal setting with learners
- Communications skills for small talk, big talk (presentations) and group talk (facilitation)
CLN’s training calendar is being updated regularly so check the Training & Events calendar on the CALP Portal often.
Communities of Practice
Join your peers for in-person or online for informal discussions and connections facilitated by CLN staff. Grab a coffee, bring a question, share a success or challenge, and settle in for five minutes or all sixty.
Commemorating Metis Week
On November 16, 1865, Louis Riel was executed for fighting for the rights of Metis people. To honour and commemorate his legacy, Faye Beauchamp would like to invite you join her online to learn and explore Metis culture and history together. This event is on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Register now!
Strategic Planning for CALP Boards (Coming Soon!)
Is your board in need of a strategic plan refresh?! We are pleased to bring back Strategic Planning for CALP Boards which is both fun and rewarding. This online series will walk CALP staff and board members through the key steps for creating or updating your strategic plan. By participating, board members can work together towards:
- Developing a clear roadmap for the organization's future.
- Enhancing decision-making and setting priorities effectively.
- Motivating your team about your goals and future.
Contact Corrie Rhyasen Erdman if you have any questions training@calp.ca
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Literacy in Action
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![[untitled]](_uploads/6717f3acd5d12.png) The Best of the Reader is now available for free online!
You may know about The Westcoast Reader, Canada’s longest running newspaper for learners. This past summer of 2024, Joan Acosta (editor, writer, publisher) donated digital copies of her updated 16 e-books for a series known as Best of The Reader to Decoda Literacy Library. The series contains the best stories from The Westcoast Reader from 1982-2009.
The Best of The Reader consists of stories, recipes, word games and puzzles based on Canadian everyday life, culture, and health for beginner to intermediate adult literacy and English language learners. Stories include exercises to build reading skills and improve language.
The website provides free access to all 16 e-books. Click on the e-book you are interested in and scroll down to "Electronic Resources". Click on the link that says "Click to access resource (Decoda Library)" to get the full text document online.
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This Month's Spotlight
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![[untitled]](_uploads/6706b8a868a59.jpg) November 2024 marks the 14th year of Financial Literacy Month in Canada. This national initiative, led by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), aims to advance the objectives of the National Financial Literacy Strategy 2021-2026. Throughout the month, FCAC collaborates with organizations from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to enhance the financial literacy of Canadians and bolster their financial resilience.
For many Canadians, discussing money remains a sensitive topic. Conversations about personal finances, such as debt, can be challenging due to feelings of shame, embarrassment, or fear of judgment. However, research indicates that open discussions about money can build financial confidence and lead to improved financial outcomes.
This November, FCAC is launching the Money on Your Mind. Talk About It! campaign, which aims to destigmatize financial conversations by encouraging Canadians to share their experiences and ask questions.
FCAC invites Canadians to take action this month by committing to “do one thing” to enhance their financial confidence. This could involve checking your credit score, discussing budgeting with a friend, or consulting a trusted financial advisor.
FCAC has financial literacy tools that can be accessed here: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/campaigns/financial-literacy-month.html
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"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."
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– Plutarch
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| 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
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