CALP Connections: Summer 2021

Remembering the Children

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of the Community Learning Network (CLN), we invite you to pause with us, as we mourn and honour the 215 children whose remains were discovered at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School last week.

We offer our deepest condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, and to all Indigenous and Metis communities who are grieving this loss, and the loss of countless other children who never came home from Indian Residential Schools.

While we join in the collective mourning today, we recognize that each of us has a role to play to bring about meaningful change, in the spirit of reconciliation.

We invite you to join us. Here are some ways we can start:

• Learn more about the impact of the Residential School System through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at https://nctr.ca/
• Read and reflect on the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. You can download the Commission’s Final Report and the Calls to Action that were released in 2015 from http://www.trc.ca/

We hold in our hearts all Residential School Survivors, their families and their communities.

Colleen Thiessen, CLN Chair
Lisa Dickner, CLN Executive Director

CLN Board Message

I can’t believe I’m going to say this out loud but here it goes…how can it possibly be June already? Is it just me, or do the days seem to be passing with alarming speed? Despite being stuck indoors on and off for the first half of 2021, either at home, at work or working at home, somehow we have entered the sixth month of the year, and I think we should all be proud of the way we have continued to adapt to meet the needs of learners, while navigating the ever changing restrictions on the “normal” way we do business.

The CLN Board of Directors has been working to continue strengthening our relationships with Minister Nicolaides and the staff at Advanced Education, and building understanding of the significant impact of CALP organizations in our province, especially during the pandemic. We have also conveyed to the Minister the high level of support and professional development opportunities the CLN staff have worked hard to deliver virtually to CALPs. Rest assured, your hard work is not going unnoticed.  

Any challenges we’ve encountered during the first half of 2021 should inspire us to remain nimble and ready to adapt to whatever comes our way, and I already know that CALPs see opportunity in every challenge.

Opportunity brings hope and one of the things CALPs do well is bring hope and help to the many learners we encounter. So be encouraged and remember that even though the way we do business has changed, the importance of what we do - has not.

Have a great summer!

Colleen Thiessen, Chairperson, CLN Board of Directors
Executive Director, Wetaskiwin Learning Program

Literacy and Learning Symposium 2021 (Virtual) Update

Literacy and Learning Symposium 2021 (Virtual) Registration is Live!

CLN invites you to join us Tuesday, September 28th to Friday, October 1st online. It will be another year of extensive and relevant PD mixed with connecting and networking time, as requested by you on your evaluations from last year's Symposium.

Our theme this year is “Let’s Roll With It!”. A little more whimsical than in past years…and our keynotes will bring us light and uplifting messages, hope for the future, building community, and messages of resilience.

This year will be a 4-day Symposium, and once again you will have the option of attending all 4 days, from Tuesday to Friday, or just the day or days that suit your needs for one flat fee. The registration fee for this year's Symposium is $40.

To find full details about the virtual Symposium, just click on the "Symposium" tab from the CALP Portal's main navigation menu, or go to https://calp.ca/symposium/home/about-the-symposium.html

And don’t forget to check out our Symposium Planning Tipsheet. You can find the tipsheet, along with some other useful tools at Symposium Planning Tools. 

Registration will be open until Friday, September 10th.

Looking for Adult Learner Speakers

The Symposium planning committee is currently taking recommendations for two Adult Learner Speakers at our virtual Symposium, the first for the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, September 28th and the second for the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 30th.

If you know an adult learner who would be interested in speaking about their learning journey within CALP, please CLICK HERE to find out how you can submit your recommendation.

The selected speakers will receive a $200 Honorarium.

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 30th.

*NEW Join a Book Club and then Meet-the-Author in October!

1. Choose one of our pre-selected books and join a Book Club starting in June
2. Read the book during the summer
3. Attend a Book Club with your peers on September 8th (International Literacy Day) to talk about the book
4. Attend the Symposium Meet-the-Author Session on October 1st to meet the author of the book you chose

Authors and Book titles include:

Richard Van Camp
Book: Gather

Stories are medicine. During a time of heightened isolation, bestselling author Richard Van Camp shares what he knows about the power of storytelling-and offers some of his own favourite stories from Elders, friends, and family. Gathering around a campfire, or the dinner table, we humans have always told stories. Through them, we define our identities and shape our understanding of the world.

George Couros
Book: The Innovator’s Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity

In The Innovator's Mindset, George Couros encourages teachers and administrators to empower their learners to wonder, to explore—and to become forward-thinking leaders. If we want innovative students, we need innovative educators. In other words, innovation begins with you. Ultimately, innovation is not about a skill set but about mindset.

Timothy Caulfield
Book:  Relax, Dammit! A User's Guide to the Age of Anxiety

In Relax, Dammit!, health policy expert Timothy Caulfield takes us through a regular day -- from the moment we wake up to when we go to sleep -- and shows the underlying science behind our actions and habits. What he reveals is that we make decisions that are based, to a lesser or greater extent, on misinformation. Whether he's studying cell phone use, bike commuting, or raw-milk cheese consumption, Caulfield shows that many of the things we believe to be healthier, safer, or just better, simply aren't. With solid grounding in current and reliable scientific findings, the author points to a less stressful way forward--which means we can all afford to relax a lot more.

Join a Book Club CLICK HERE and Register for the Meet-the-Author Session at the Symposium CLICK HERE!

*NEW Are you thinking about Hosting a Symposium “Spoke”?

At this year’s virtual Symposium we will be exploring a new model for virtual and in-person engagement called the “Hub & Spoke” model and we are looking for CALPs that are interested in hosting and/or joining a “Spoke”.

The basic elements are:

• “Hub” – We will again be working with a video production company, Encore Canada, and we will be livestreaming from their studio in Edmonton. This will be the main “hub” (center stage) and will be the home base to some of the presenters; content comes from the “hub”
• Virtual Event Platform: Chime Live – We will again be using Chime Live, which combines high quality video streaming in an attendee platform to deliver engaging events online. Chime Live has attendee networking and engagement features and brings remote presenters and attendees together in an interactive format
• “Spoke” – We will be asking CALPs if they would like to host and/or join and attend some in-person satellite locations in the form of micro-communities/micro-events. Attendees can gather as a group with one or more CALPs or as a single CALP to form a “spoke”. A minimum of 6 people can be considered a “spoke”
• Individual Attendees - Can join individually on the Chime Live virtual event platform and/or join virtual breakout rooms at scheduled times; Q & A and chat options will also be available
• Virtual bridges will connect the “hubs”, “spokes” and “individuals”
• Hosts will bring “hubs”, “spokes” and “individuals” together and interpret key takeaways and distribute to audience members
• Timed breaks in the program will allow “spokes” to have conversations off-line – Spoke Facilitators at each “spoke” will take discussions to a new level

Spoke Host Responsibilities will include: 

• Describing what your spoke will look like:
  • Confirm dates/times - Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
  • Location - Host CALP’s meeting room space or alternate venue of choice
  • On-site AV Equipment & Internet Access
  • # of Spoke Facilitators
  • # of attendees anticipated
  • # of CALPs anticipated
  • Plan for inviting attendees 

• A Spoke Honorarium will be provided (minimum 6 people)

• You will be provided with a Spoke Facilitator Kit including: 
  • Spoke Facilitator Tipsheet
  • Spoke Facilitator Discussion Guide 

• Think about getting creative with hosting your “Spoke”, such as:
  • Physical space and set-up ideas
  • Engagement tools
  • Surprise and delight moments
  • Thoughtful giveaways
• An online gathering of Spoke Hosts and a separate online gathering of Spoke Facilitators will be held in September.

Look for more information about applying to Host a “Spoke” in mid August!

PDAC Membership: Expression of Interest

On behalf of Alberta Advanced Education, Community Learning Network is seeking staff and/or board members of CALP-funded organizations to complete and submit the attached Expression of Interest to be considered for membership on the CALP Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC). Membership is for a two-year term, with two meetings held in person (October and May) and one meeting held online (February). PDAC has greatly appreciated and benefited from the unique regional perspectives of CALP staff who have participated in the committee, and looks forward to continuing conversations to strengthen CALP professional development in the province.

Committee Purpose: PDAC provides a formal, ongoing platform for stakeholders involved in the development and/or delivery of literacy and foundational learning to come together to share perspectives and information on the professional development (PD) needs of the CALP system, the effectiveness of current system investments to meet those needs, and to provide advice to Alberta Advanced Education on priorities that could advance the CALP system vision.

Alberta Advanced Education will determine membership to ensure broad-based representation from across the system with the following perspectives:

• Experience in the delivery of Literacy and Foundational Learning, including a range of modes of delivery
• Understanding of CALP PD needs
• Ability to provide strategic provincial and regional perspectives
• Ability to provide strategic urban and/or rural perspectives
• Ability to provide strategic Indigenous perspectives

Please see the PDAC Terms of Reference, where you will find information about the committee objectives and administration, as well as the roles and responsibilities of its members. Please note, PDAC members are reimbursed for all travel, accommodation, and meals incurred as a result of PDAC meetings.

PDAC is currently seeking non-permanent members representing the following perspectives:

• CALP-funded organization – West-Central region
• CALP-funded organization – South region
• Granting Council-funded organization – Urban Calgary
• CALP-funded with specialization working with Indigenous (foundational) learners

To submit your expression of interest, please complete the online form at https://calp.ca/submissions/pdac-expression-of-interest

Thank you for considering this opportunity to share your perspectives, and help to shape the CALP professional development system in Alberta.

Share your Online Learning Opportunities with Other CALPs and Communities

www.AdultLearningAlberta.ca is a new website, intended to:

• extend the reach of CALPs and to increase access to relevant CALP learning opportunities for adult learners
•  create further collaboration and connectivity within the CALP community

Since the site launched this spring, over 2300 people have visited online!

Participating CALPs have shared 75 online learning opportunities across the province.

CALP organizations and practitioners can access the site to:

• see available online learning opportunities that might help the learners in your community
• offer your online programs to a wider, provincial audience to help fill your existing program offerings
• encourage learners who are ready to investigate the site and find new or different online learning opportunities that may enhance their learning

When we launched the site in March, Tammy Nischuk from SAIL at the Strathmore Library created this great video that shows how CALPs working together support learners to reach their goals by supporting their learning online. In case you missed it, click on the image to see the video, or go to https://www.powtoon.com/c/fZaLmLi3Axo/2/m

And if you would like an account, so you can share your CALPs online learning, just submit a request online at https://adultlearningalberta.ca/submissions/request-an-account.

If you would like to know more about the site or have any questions please contact Lisa Dickner at ed@calp.ca or call her at 877-485-4926. 

Reminder: CALP PD Survey - Deadline June 4th

Just a reminder if you have accessed CALP-funded professional development services or supports from the Community Learning Network, Calgary Learns, ECALA and/or Rural Routes, please take a few moments to complete this survey. It 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. 

Because several organizations are distributing the survey, you might receive the same link several times. Please take the survey only once. We encourage everyone on your team to complete the survey, regardless of their role within your organization. We want to hear from all staff, instructors, leaders, and volunteers who are accessing CALP Professional Development opportunities. To help us collect a wide range of responses and reach potential participants, please distribute this survey widely within your organization.

This survey will stay open until June 4, 2021. 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.

After completing this survey, you will have a chance to enter a draw to win one of seven Chapters gift cards valued at $75 for your organization. One gift card will be awarded in each of the regions (North, East-Central, Central, West-Central, South, Calgary, and Edmonton).

This survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

Link to the survey: tinyurl.com/CALPPDSurvey2021.

If you have any questions about the survey, you can contact research@norquest.ca.

Call for Nominations: Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award

Just a reminder the Call for Nominations for the Outstanding Contribution to Community Adult Learning Award's deadline to submit a nomination package is June 30, 2021.

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 Symposium.

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 2020-21 year, please submit a nomination.

Read the guidelines and nomination package for more information or to fill out a form.

You can send your nomination to board@calp.ca.

Reminder: 2021-22 CLN Membership Renewal

The membership renewal form has been sent out by direct email to the Senior Staff person at each CALP. To keep your membership in good standing, all we ask is that you confirm a few details about your CALP, 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 Alberta 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

This 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 will be June 18th, 2021.

Need a little incentive to complete your renewal by June 18th? Complete the process outlined above including an email to office@calp.ca with the subject line: “I want to win” to be entered in a draw for a $250 gift card to Staples or Chapters/Indigo!

If you have any questions or your CALP did not receive the Membership Renewal please contact Shaba Qureshi at office@calp.ca.

Upcoming CLN Trainings and Connections Cafés

Register for the following CLN Trainings that have upcoming registration deadlines!! Click on the name of the training to get to the registration page directly. If the training is full please add yourself to the wait list. Please note if a training is not posted below, then the deadline has already passed. 

Regional Connection Cafés

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

West Connections Café - June 15 at 10:00 am

East Connections Café - June 15 at 10:00 am

North Connections Café - June 15 at 1:00 pm

Central Connections Café - June 15 at 1:00 pm

South Connections Café - June 15 at 1:00 pm

Ask Us Anything about Metis and Indigenous Worldview - June 16 at 10:00 am

Trainings

Staff Pick: In-Home Family Literacy Program Activities for Adult Learners - June 16 - 1:30 - 3:00 pm
These family literacy program activities provide explicit instructions and language to demonstrate how facilitators can work with families to intentionally build adult foundational skills.

Register now for fall

Proposal Writing 101 – September 8 - 10:00-11:30 am
Join Jane Brenner in this online session to learn the basics of writing funding proposals.

CALP Guidelines 101 - September 9 - 1:00-2:30 pm
This introductory workshop demystifies the CALP Guidelines to give you clear information about CALP programming, operational and financial requirements.

Registrations to open in the fall

Check out the online training and PD opportunities coming this fall. Registration will open on September 9th for all online training events from October to December.

Required Trainings

• CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs (Oct 21-Nov 4: Thursdays)
• Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning (Nov 3-Dec 1: Wednesdays)

CLN Hosted Trainings

• Holding Safer Spaces (Oct 5 - Dec 17: Fridays)
• CALP Database Bits & Bytes: Learning Opportunities (Oct 14)
• CALP Database Bits & Bytes: Registering Learners (Oct 28)
• Writing Out Loud (Oct 20 & 27: Wednesdays) - Join Deborah Morgan, Mary Kiviste and Diana Twiss for this 2-part training to learn the Writing Out Loud (WOL) approach to literacy development. Learn to use freewriting and story sharing as a way for learners to experience an insightful and pleasurable means to self-discovery, personal validation, literacy skill development, connection to community, and increased emotional and physical well-being.

Strengthening Literacy Practices 2021-21

Do you work directly with adult literacy learners? Would you like to learn more about approaches to literacy, literacy instruction, assessment, and more, to facilitate effective reading and writing instruction for adults? The Strengthening Literacy Practices training is an extensive blended learning program for CALP staff and instructors that runs from October 2021 – June 2022. More information on participating in this training will come out in September 2021. Past participants in this training had this to say:

• “This experience has allowed me to gain confidence in instruction and assessment, as well as providing resources and instruction on how to use them. I now know what my job actually is!”
• “[…] the learning is so engaging that I often wish there was more time to explore the various topics”
• “This project has been very enlightening. It has ignited a passion for literacy in me.”

For more information contact Corrie Rhyasen Erdman training@calp.ca.

This Month's Spotlight

This month's spotlight is June is National Indigenous History Month.

National Indigenous History Month is to celebrate the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. 

For more information on National Indigenous History Month visit the Government of Canada website where you can:

• Learn about inspiring Indigenous peoples who have helped shape Canadian history
• Learn about the history of Indigenous people in Canada (and pre-Canada)
• Learn about treaties, residential schools, reconciliation and more

During this National Indigenous History Month what can you learn about local Indigenous history? Reach out to Indigenous organizations and communities in your area or check out their websites to learn more about local Metis, Inuit and First Nations influencers and history in your region.

Also on June 21 it is National Indigenous Peoples Day - celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis! More information can be found here https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1534872397533.