Reports from the Coalitions is a regular feature of Learners in ACTION. The MCL Provincial Learner Representatives prepare these reports, often with the support of their Coalitions. We have printed all the information available by our publication date.

British Columbia

Literacy BC is beginning a year-long discussion across the province to ask people in the field some important questions about literacy. This discussion will ask questions like: "What do people think about literacy?" "Why is it an issue and how serious is it for society?" "What programs and strategies are taking place in B.C.?" "What are the next steps and who should take them?"

The discussion will include telephone interviews, as well as, group and town hall meetings all across the province. Also a big part of the discussion will be a provincial conference on November 30 to December 2. Learners will be part of the discussion of issues and ideas at this important forum. - Wendy Koivisto

Alberta

This fall is an exciting time for literacy in Alberta. On September 8, Calgary hosted the Canada Post Literacy Awards during celebrations for International Literacy Day. A big congratulations to the Alberta winners: Connie Pitre (learner), Deborah Morgan.(educator).

The Provincial Literacy Conference will be held on November 2, 3 and 4, in Calgary at the Radisson Calgary Airport Hotel. This promises to be an exciting and educational time for all.

This year the AAAL Student Provincial Council will be hosting a "Student Welcome Breakfast" on Nov. 3 (Friday morning) for the students to get together and network. For information regarding this conference contact the AAAL Office (403) 297-4994. Everyone is welcome. - Leonard Duby (LeonardDuby@aaal.ab.ca)

Saskatchewan

Welcome Lynda Richards, new Saskatchewan Learner Representative to MCL!

My name is Lynda Richards. For the past two years I have been the Learner Rep to the Saskatchewan Literacy Network Board. I operate my own business in Swift Current. I was a single parent who returned to school to upgrade. A lot of the same difficulties I had with school when I was younger still existed in the adult setting. While I was there it was brought to my attention that there was an adult learners group in the school. This group met once a week and we talked about the problems we had and what we could do about them. If it hadn't been for this group I know I would have dropped out of school again. The group didn't continue after our group graduated. Since then there hasn't been a learner's group. I know there have been other learners struggling to make the grade and get a better paying job without this support. So when I was asked to let my name stand for MCL I was delighted because I really would like to be a part of the change in how adult learners are treated when they return to school. - Lynda Richards

Manitoba

In May, 18 people graduated from the Learners Speakers Bureau. Graduates feel their training has greatly improved their speaking skills. "We all have more ambition to let people know about literacy. Great job, Judith!"

There were many learner conferences in the Provinces with opportunities for learners to speak. Judith Hayes, Coordinator of the Learners Speakers Bureau, did a speaker's workshop for the Brandon Learner Conference. The Interlake and the northern regions also had a conference where the learner speakers did the speaking. In Winnipeg four of our speakers acted as hosts, introduced and thanked the professional facilitators in eight of the workshops.