CALP Connections: Summer 2024

A Message from Colleen Thiessen, CLN Board Chair

What is the role of the Community Learning Network (CLN) Board? This is a question that pops up, especially this time of year when the Board of Directors is actively recruiting new members to join.

The CLN Board is a governance board that is outcomes focused. We have both a Governance Plan and a Sustainability Plan in place to maintain focus in both spectrums. The Governance Plan speaks to “How we Govern” which essentially means “nose in – fingers out.” We work collaboratively with Lisa Dickner, our Executive Director, to create a strategic direction. Lisa ensures outcomes are achieved at the strategic, tactical and operational levels. The CLN Board is responsible for advocacy, policy, and having a business mindset, as well as being customer focused.

Our Sustainability Plan speaks to “What we Govern” and contains our annual required outcomes. The Sustainability Plan includes the purpose of the CLN, specifies who the CLN’s customers are, and outlines our organizational sustainability pillars as the following: Customer; Mastery; Financial; Culture & Structure and Partnerships. The organizational pillars reflect the most critical aspects of the CLN’s overall purpose, and ongoing health and sustainability. The pillars are outcomes based, and the Board reviews these pillars annually to ensure outcomes are achieved.

This is a high level overview of what the CLN Board of Directors focus on, but I think it’s important that CALPs know what the role of the CLN Board is. The board is comprised of CALP staff and board members from around the province, and we work hard in our roles on the CLN Board. It is rewarding to hear different perspectives from each board member, and we have lots of fun getting to know one another.

I hope this information piques your interest and may even inspire you to submit your application. We are thrilled to already have received some applications, and for the first time in over a decade, there may even be an election at our Annual General Meeting in September!  

The deadline to apply at board@calp.ca is June 30, 2024.

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! Submissions are due by June 30th.

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.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

June holds a number of in-person and online learning and connecting opportunities! Don't miss out!

JUNE:
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

Regional Connections Cafes

South Region - Jun 13
East Connections Café – LIVE In Lac La Biche – Gather in person with CALP staff from your region. - June 13
West Region - Jun 17

Register now for Fall 2024 Training Events

We are excited to let you know that registration for a select number of trainings is now open for Fall 2024!

Save the Date: Welcome Week!
Join us September 10 - 12, 2024 for a week full of engaging and informative events to connect, learn and kick-off the 2024-2025 CALP year! 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 25 – Mornings (Wednesdays)
September 25 – Afternoons (Wednesdays)

CALP Essentials for Family Literacy Programs – Required Training (4 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. New this year, this training has been expanded to include how to plan and deliver CALP family literacy programs, drawing from the Adult Literacy and Learning (A.L.L.) in Family Literacy Programs training. This is a CALP required training for organizations who deliver family literacy programming.

November 13 – Mornings (Wednesdays)
November 13 – Afternoons (Wednesdays)

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. 

October 10 (Thursdays)

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - September 26, 2024
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a day of remembrance, and an opportunity for Canadians to acknowledge the intergenerational harm caused by Indian Residential Schools; established in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 80. On September 26, the CALP community will gather for a time of remembrance, reflection and learning.

September 26

Check the CALP Portal Training and Events calendar in August for more fall training events.

A Message from Val Rathjen

One final pause ~ Endings and beginnings….

“May we have the courage to take the step into the unknown that beckons us.” John O’Donohue

Let me begin with the news that I have tended my resignation as the East Central Regional Support Staff with the CLN, with June 30th as my last day. Whew, ok, I’ve said it.

To say that I have wrestled and pondered this decision would be an understatement. Over the last year my personal path has taken me through some deep valleys, but also wonderful meadows of growth, all of which has reawakened dreams I thought long gone. So here I stand, at the threshold of endings and beginnings. I’m letting go of what has been an amazing and wonder-filled time of my life, and reaching for new doors that will lead to the next great adventure.

I have loved my time in the adult learning field. What began 19 years ago as a temporary position covering a medical leave, became a full-time position filled with purpose and joy. Some of my fondest memories will always be of the learners that I had the opportunity to walk with and learn from. Seeing, firsthand, the difference that CALP’s bring to individuals, families, and communities, has filled my heart in all the best ways.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to learn alongside some of the best in the system. My journey started with working alongside Lois Polege (Flagstaff Community Adult Learning), who was a patient and wise guide as I found my footing in a very unfamiliar landscape. Then, other Community Adult Learning Council (CALC) staff served as both mentors and fellow travelers on the path. All of us were trying to meet our community’s needs and impact lives in meaningful ways.

Nine years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to join the Regional Support Staff team, a group of passionate, innovative women who had a dream but no real map of what was to come. What a privilege and honour it has been to be a part of blazing the path to see what these roles have added to the Community Learning Network. I have immeasurable respect and appreciation for everyone on the CLN team and for the Board members that have supported the journey.

Years ago, Dr. Wayne Hammond spoke at the Symposium, and he said something that has directly informed every aspect of my work since. He shared how essential it is that people feel seen, heard, and valued. This has been my guiding light for the last 9 years, as I’ve walked alongside the amazing CALP staff in the East Central region and beyond.

To the staff and organizations in the East Central region – it has been my deep honour to walk with you and support you in your journey. You do amazing work that makes a difference in the lives of learners and the communities you serve. I’ve watched so many of you start with fear and trepidation, and now you are blazing new trails and creating opportunities that meet needs and change lives. Keep connecting, keep dreaming, and keep making a difference. I will always be cheering you on!

To the provincial CALPs that I have had the opportunity to connect with and support. You’re AMAZING! This system is a powerful force for change and possibility at the grassroots level. Keep leaning into collaboration, connection, and championing the learners you serve so well. Fight the good fight but remember to invest in yourselves and to PAUSE.

As I think of my amazing CLN sisters, I think of this quote from John O’Donohue - “May the frames of your belonging be generous enough for your dreams.” Thank you for sharing your wisdom, insight, laughter, tears and for creating a space where I felt I truly belonged. It is out of that belonging that new dreams and possibilities have grown. You have my endless appreciation and admiration.

And so it is, on June 30th I will close one door and open another. I will be forever grateful for all the people I have met, the things I have learned, and all the memories made that will be tucked in my heart forever.

Employment Opportunity: Regional Support Staff - East Region

The Community Learning Network is seeking a highly motivated individual from the East Region to act as a Regional Support Staff for the Community Adult Learning Program. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Regional Support Network is supported by funding from Alberta Advanced Education to provide professional development, supports, resources and connections to Community Adult Learning Programs, so they are empowered to meet the CALP program’s mandate and vision for the benefit of adult learners in Alberta.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Community Learning Network, Regional Support Staff members work closely and collaboratively to build capacity among CALP-funded programs, their staff and boards in rural and urban communities within a designated geographic area of Alberta.

A detailed position description is attached. 

Regular travel within the region and to Edmonton will be required. A valid Class 5 license and reliable transportation are mandatory for this position. (Expenses for travel, communication and supplies will be reimbursed, based on the provisions to be included in a formal offer of employment.) This position will be managed remotely through the Community Learning Network office in Edmonton, so candidates must also have the ability to work from home or have access to a suitable work environment with high-speed internet in their home community to host and participate in online training and meetings.

The Community Learning Network is committed to Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. All qualified applicants are welcome, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or basis of disability.

Applications will be accepted by email at ed@calp.ca until 4:00 pm, Monday, June 24th, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is found.

Literacy in Action

Every year on September 8th, groups and organizations around the world are celebrating International Literacy Day to remind the public of the value of literacy in all of our lives.

Declared by UNESCO in 1967, this global celebration works to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate society.

You can have a part in moving the literacy agenda forward by:

• hosting an event at your public library, where you can also promote the work you do in your community
• connecting with your local politicians and encourage them to declare September 8th as International Literacy Day
• bringing learners and the general public together for a celebration of sharing food and stories
• hosting an event where learners give short speeches to the public about their learning journey

These are just a few suggestions of what you can do to celebrate International Literacy Day.

Over the next month or so, check out the International Literacy Day website for this year’s theme and other resources.

What will you do this year to celebrate International Literacy Day?

This Month's Spotlight

National Indigenous History Month

June marks National Indigenous History Month in Canada, offering a chance to delve into the history and lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures, traditions, and journeys. It's a time to celebrate the enduring legacies, accomplishments, and strength of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has shared resources for those who would like to get involved and honour National Indigenous History Month:

Explore the past and honour the truth

Take the first steps on your educational journey:

• Learn about Inuit across Canada
• Learn about Métis across Canada
• Learn about First Nations across Canada

There is also the Reconciliation: A Starting Point app you can download on you smart device to learn about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, key historical events and reconciliation initiatives.

Visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to learn more about the tragic legacy of residential schools, the experiences of families and survivors as well as the 94 Calls to Action to start the healing process.

Read documents from the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and educate yourself about the impacts that colonialism and racism still have today on the lives of Indigenous women and girls as well as on their families and communities.

To learn more, please visit https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095