If you have a love for literacy or a liking for life-long learning, the Jasper Adult Learning Council is looking for volunteers to serve on its board of directors.

The board is made up of seven community members and four of the current directors’ terms come to an end in April. Meeting once a month except for July and August, the board organizes community events and literacy programs to compliment the adult learning calendar of courses offered to the general public.

Initially founded in 1974, the adult learning centre in Jasper is funded by the community programs department of the provincial ministry of Advanced Education. The precursor to JALC was formed in 1996 before changing to its current name in 2000. While not officially affiliated with any government or organization, JALC does receive funding support from the Municipality of Jasper.

The organization has a dual focus, on adult learning as well as literacy. In terms of adult learning, the group provides opportunities for what they describe as “non-credit” learning, meaning that the courses taken can’t be credited towards a post-secondary degree. Basic literacy training is available to all, as well as an English as a Second Language program. Volunteer instructors provide these services, and volunteer directors outline the vision and direction of the council.

“We are in recruitment mode,” said Ginette Frigon, director of Jasper Adult Learning. “It would be great if people are interested in serving on the board. We’re looking for a diverse range of community members that bring their own perspectives on what the adult learning needs are here in Jasper.”

The board appointment is for a two-year period, and there is a term limit of two consecutive appointments. Frigon gave credit to the outgoing foursome, making a particular mention of Barb Dyck, who will be taking at least one year away from the board for the first time in five years.

“She certainly has brought a lot to the council and has become quite a literacy champion,” Frigon said of Dyck, who she nominated for a provincial award as an outstanding contributor and volunteer for community learning networks.  

Dyck said she might be back after taking a short time away.

“I will definitely consider coming back after a year’s leave,” she said. 

Promoting learning opportunities for all ages provides an option for people in a small town like Jasper, Dyck believes.

“I like to think that we’re bringing a culture of life-long learning to the community so that people have an alternative to the bar scene, especially the younger transient population,” she said.

“First of all, the council brings quality programs to the community and uses local resources whenever possible, but it also provides opportunites that wouldn’t otherwise be possible in a small community.”

In addition to the good work that JALC does, Dyck feels that serving on the board is an enriching experience unto itself. 

“Personally, being on the board I’ve always felt supported in terms of personal and professional development. I started out filling someone’s position on the board and I just stayed on,” she said. “It’s a really nurturing environment.”

In terms of the award nomination and the praise she earned for promoting literacy in Jasper, Dyck credits the team effort.

“We’ve got a strategic plan in place and we’re well on the way to educating the community about literacy,” she said. “There have been a couple of occasions where I was almost caught by surprise because I had the opportunity to say a few words about literacy... it wasn’t necessarily something that I set out to do.” 

Anyone interested in filling a seat on the JALC board can pick up an application form from the group’s office in the Provincial Building on Patricia Street or a letter of interest can be sent to Leslie Dolan, the current board chair, at PO Box 1509, Jasper, Alberta, T0E 1E0. Submissions are due by Friday, April 21.

Renewing board membership is not the sole focus of the folks at Adult Learning in the month ahead. On Saturday, April 29, the group will be making a presentation on the results of an international survey on adult literacy and life skills, including results for Canada. Details on the event will be available closer to the date.