CALP Connections: Summer 2023

A Message from Colleen Thiessen, CLN Board Chair

June is a month to celebrate. Here are just a few reasons people celebrate June: it marks the half way point of the year; long summer nights; warm weather; wedding season; and the longest day in the northern hemisphere kicks off the start of summer. For many of us, a nice summer break awaits.

If you are now in a state of panic thinking you need to start your Christmas shopping, you might want to relax and take time to celebrate the small things. We often get so caught up in our everyday tasks, we think there has to be a “big” reason to celebrate. If you google “things to celebrate in June,” you will find there is a day to celebrate pretty much anything, from silly to serious. It feels good to celebrate and, for the sake of our mental health, the time we spend celebrating ourselves, and others, is a reminder there is more to life than just our daily duties.  

CALPs play an important role in learner’s lives. We help our learners with their learning journey, we support them emotionally and we provide connections in our communities, but we also need to celebrate them. Can you think of a time where you took time to celebrate success with a learner who reached a milestone?  It may not seem like much to us, but to the learner it’s monumental. A big part of our role with learners is to build relationships, and celebrating their success is a great way to show we care.

I want to celebrate CALPs for the tireless work that is done to help learners succeed every day. I heard many great stories at Symposium about the work CALPs are doing, and the innovative ways you are helping learners succeed.  I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t celebrate you, and thank you, for being so awesome. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!

Now I need to figure out how to get “Celebrate your CALP day” added to the google list of June celebrations!   Have a great summer, and remember to take time to celebrate YOU!

Colleen Thiessen
CLN Board Chair

Highlights from the Literacy and Learning Symposium 2023

We were very excited to have 289 attendees join us at Symposium 2023. Thanks to everyone who attended either virtually, in-person or both!

We had a great 4 days of learning, connections, inspiration, curiosity and innovation and your engagement and enthusiasm made this year’s Symposium an incredible success!

Here are some highlights from the Literacy and Learning Symposium 2023:

We had a wonderful in-person audience!

Elder Dave, Elder Mary, and Lori St.Cyr

Opening Keynote Speaker Kim Strobel

Make and Take in the Inspiration Playground

Rotating Trade Show in the Inspiration Playground

Keynote speaker George Couros

Closing Keynote Speaker Lana Bentley

Literacy and Learning Symposium 2023 Adult Learner Speakers

The heart of the work we do is to serve and support adult foundational learners, so what better way to honour these learners from around the province than to let them share their stories of triumph, hard work and determination to inspire, encourage and keep all of us motivated. 

This year, once again, we had the privilege of hearing from two adult learner speakers who shared their stories. 

Angela Harrop

Donavon Byrt

Symposium On-Demand Sessions - Only available until June 30th

Virtual recordings for Kim Strobel's keynote presentation and Tracks A and B are now available on Chime Live for viewing. Click here to see how to access these recorded sessions: 
https://calp.ca/forum/?comaction=discussion&node=24733#target 

Overall Feedback

We want to thank everyone who presented, attended, and made our Symposium such an outstanding success! We hope that all of you felt that the connections and learning were meaningful and valuable.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the overall feedback form on Chime Live. If you didn’t get a chance to complete it, we’d like to invite any additional feedback you may have to inform our planning for 2024. Please login to Chime Live at https://symposium2023.can.chime.live using your email and Chime Live password and click on the “Overall Feedback Form” tab on the left-hand side.

Please complete the “Overall Feedback Form” by Friday, June 9th.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Psychological First Aid
This course will support CALP-funded staff, volunteers, board members 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.

• June 20-21: Psychological First Aid (Vegreville)

Engaging with Indigenous Learners:
Developed by the First Nations Colleges and University in Alberta for CALP staff, this training builds awareness of historical relations between Nations and Indigenous peoples in Canada, of the effect of intergenerational trauma on adult learners, and Indigenous Learning Principles and how to embed them into adult programming.

•  August 8-9, 2023: Engaging with Indigenous Learners (Maskwacis Cultural College)

Communities of Practice

CALP Community Talks About…Advocacy  - June 12
Each month, the CLN creates space for a conversation highlighting one topic that is timely, responsive and relevant to your work. Each topic will be important, impactful and/or actionable because it will be drawn directly from the field. Regardless of whether you are new or experienced CALP staff your perspective is welcome, and we hope you can join us this month to discuss Advocacy.

Connections Cafés
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
• North Connections Cafe: June 21
• East Central Connections Cafe: June 8
• West Central Connections Cafe: June 22
• South Connections Cafe: June 12

Register Now for 2023-24 Training Events

We are excited to let you know that registration for required trainings and a select number of popular trainings is now open for the 2023-24 year!

Save the Date: Week of Welcome!
Join us September 11 - 15, 2023 to kick off the 2023-2024 CALP year with sessions to connect and learn with your peers. Check the CALP Portal Training and Events calendar in August for more details.

Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning – Required Training (5 weeks)
This CALP required training aligns with the Government of Alberta Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) Guidelines and is intended to give CALP-funded practitioners fundamental knowledge for supporting adult foundational learners in communities across Alberta.

• September 20 - Mornings
• September 20 - Afternoons
• January 25 - Mornings
• January 25 - Afternoons

CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs – Required Training (3 weeks)
In this participatory training, CALP-funded staff will learn what family literacy programming is, how well suited it is to the needs of adult foundational learners and their families, and which practices support effective CALP-funded family literacy programs. This is a CALP required training for organizations who deliver family literacy programming.

• November 2 – Mornings
• November 2 – Afternoons
• February 27 – Mornings

A.L.L. In Family Literacy Programs (2 weeks)
This training will provide tools to address the ‘how to’ deliver fun and engaging family literacy programs that align with the CALP Guidelines

• November 30 (Thursdays)
• March 19 (Tuesdays)

Tech Talk (3 weeks)
This training is for CALP staff to gain the understanding they need to be flexible and adaptable when training others in technology, and to enhance existing classes or design new ones that better address the rapid changes occurring in the world of technology. The instructional approach is transferrable across digital devices and applications. 

• September 19 (Tuesdays)
• January 16 (Tuesdays)

Holding Safer Spaces (11 Wednesdays)
Holding Space, as defined by Heather Plett, is “Being willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they are on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome.” Discover approaches and practices for holding space for your own personal and professional growth.

• January 17 (Wednesdays)

CALP Guidelines 101
This introductory workshop demystifies the CALP Guidelines to give you clear information about CALP programming, operational and financial requirements. For new CALP staff, board members and staff looking for a refresher in the CALP Guidelines. 

• September 12
• January 29

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 Kate Glover from Willow Creek Adult Learning Society and Dani Ducross from the County of  Lacombe Lifelong Learning Association for dedicating 20 years to CALP. We would also like to extend a congratulations to Sherri Robertson from Big Country Community Adult Learning Council, who has reached the remarkable milestone of 35 years of service in CALP. All of your contributions and dedication to your communities have undoubtedly made a lasting impact.

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 2023-24 at our virtual Annual General Meeting on September 28th, 2023.

Professional Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) Membership: Expression of Interest

Skilled Trades and Professions 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 one meeting held in person (October) and two meetings held online (February and May). 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 Skilled Trades and Professions on priorities that could advance the CALP system vision.

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

To submit your expression of interest, please complete the online form at https://calp.ca/submissions/pdac-expression-of-interest (note: this link requires a Portal sign in to access)

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

Reminder: Annual CALP PD Survey closes June 11th!

Respond by June 11, 2023 and enter a draw to win one of 7 gift cards for $75 for your organization!

If you accessed CALP-funded professional development services or supports from the Community Learning Network, Calgary Learns, ECALA and/or Rural Routes, in the 2022-2023 year, please complete this survey. It only takes 10 minutes!

Link to the survey: https://norquest.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1G38kmdTiYm7Wjs  

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 

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 organization or an individual who has been exceptional throughout the 2022-23 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. 

Literacy in Action

September 8th is International Literacy Day

In 1966, UNESCO declared September 8th as International Literacy Day. Since 1967, this event has been celebrated annually around the world. This is a day to remind us about the importance of literacy in our lives and to promote the value of literacy within our communities.

UNESCO continues to support International Literacy Day every year with a theme, posters and events at the International level.

At the local level, some literacy organizations have presented speeches and stories from learners in their program in a public place. Others have connected with their local library to offer a variety of activities for families and adults.

Put this date on your calendar and start thinking about how you might celebrate International Literacy Day in your community.

This Month's Spotlight

National Indigenous History Month

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. On this day (and every day!) people residing in Kanata are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Here are some ways to do just that:

Appreciate Indigenous art. Jason Carter, a contemporary artist from Little Red River Cree Nation, curated a province-wide art trail starting up north in Cold Lake and ending down south in Fort Macleod. https://www.thestar.com/life/travel/2022/06/24/where-to-appreciate-indigenous-art-in-alberta-artist-jason-carter-shares-his-picks-for-an-inspired-cross-province-trip.html 

Listen to an Indigenous musician. This list from Raven music includes hip-hop, indie, roots, and rock n’ roll. https://raventrust.com/top-10-indigneous-musicians/ 

Celebrate Indigenous success stories. Indigenous success stories are at the heart of Indigenous Pathways podcast. https://ckua.com/indigenouspathways/ 

Read Indigenous literature. Choose one of these 25 books chosen by Richard Van Camp to highlight beauty of Indigenous literature.  https://www.cbc.ca/books/25-books-that-highlight-beauty-of-indigenous-literature-it-is-time-to-tell-our-own-stories-our-way-1.6480116 

Laugh. Humor is an important aspect of Indigenous identity. Drew Hayden Taylor explains why laughing matters.  https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/unreserved-s-self-isolation-book-club-what-indigenous-authors-are-reading-during-the-pandemic-1.5556414/healing-through-humour-author-drew-hayden-taylor-on-why-laughing-matters-1.5559465 

Regardless of where you live, those lands have long been cared for and shared by the first peoples and Metis. This June 21, the summer solstice, learn more about the culture, traditions, languages, contribution and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is worthy of celebration!