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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
by
Janet Elder
As 1998 gets underway, I have been thinking about the nature of
continuing education in Alberta. Not surprisingly, the one
constant theme seems to be that of continuous change. Change and
rumours of change affect all levels of continuing education,
whether at institutions, in private organizations or at the
community level. And because of this we are forced to be as
creative and collaborative as possible in order to meet increasing
and diverse demands of learners.
The Board of Directors continues to look for new initiatives and
directions that may be taken in this climate of constant change.
This year we are excited about a collaborative spring conference
with the Community Learning Network, the organization responsible
for serving the Community Adult Learning Councils in Alberta. I
invite you to join us at the event as we consider this year's
theme "Lifelong Learning in Alberta: Alternative Visions,
Shared Responsibility". Together we hope to find
opportunities for growth through collaboration amongst all
stakeholders in adult education and learn how to best support
lifelong learning in this province as we approach the new
millennium.
For some time the issue of a 'student' category of membership in
AACE has been discussed. In a field committed to lifelong
learning, we are constantly moving in and out of the roles of
student and practitioner, as we take responsibility for our
ongoing learning and development. Representatives of the AACE
Board are currently working with the Faculties of Continuing
Education and Extension at the Universities of Calgary and Alberta
to clarify how AACE can best serve the needs of students in these
respective continuing education programs of study. For the 1998
membership year, the AACE Board is extending an offer of one year
of free membership to students upon acceptance into continuing
education programs of study. This pilot arrangement will be
reviewed by a Board Committee at the end of the 1998/99 membership
year. AACE provides an excellent opportunity for new members of
the field to develop their professional networks and keep in touch
with the latest initiatives in continuing education across
Alberta.
Thank you for your continued participation in AACE and your
commitment to adult learning in Alberta. In order to meet our
mandate to keep each other well informed about what is happening
in our field throughout Alberta, do not forget to tell us (via the
AACE Newsletter) what your organization is up to... it is the
members of AACE that make this organization vital and unique. On
behalf of the AACE Board, I hope that 1998 is a prosperous and
'learningful' one!
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Board Nominations
Second Call for AACE Board Nominations...
AACE
is looking for you or someone you know who could represent you
well on the AACE Board.
Serving the Association through Board membership is a
rewarding experience. Your Association requires the dedicated
leadership of four individuals to serve for three-year terms.
For more information on what is involved in becoming
a board member, call John Melicher at (403) 451-5959 or Email:
ruraled@compusmart.ab.ca
Call the AACE office (403) 453-5988. |
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