Process

Extending Practices...Building Networks: An Institute on Research in Practice in Adult Literacy was structured as an intensive learning experience, and as an opportunity for participants to connect with each other. In addition, the process allowed for input from participants. This section describes the process for the Institute, which included a formal opening, a range of opportunities for participants to share with each other, and a formal closing.

Opening

Extending Practices...Building Networks: An Institute on Research in Practice in Adult Literacy began with a wine and cheese reception in the Faculty Club at Memorial University. Institute designer Helen Woodrow welcomed all of the participants and gave a brief overview of what to expect in the coming days. She then invited Nancy Cooper to formally open the event.

Nancy began by acknowledging the people whose territory we were meeting on, the Mi'kmaq peoples and the Innu of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the other original inhabitants, the Beothuk people. She also acknowledged the grandmothers in the room, as she has been taught to do. Earlier that day, she saw an iceberg and its image stayed with her. We in the room were like the tip of that iceberg–we represent something huge and wonderful as a movement.

Next, Helen called on Tannis Atkinson to formally launch the new journal, Literacies. Tannis introduced members of the journal steering committee, and asked everyone to join in celebrating the first issue. She also invited people to write for future issues of the journal.

Helen introduced Elsa Auerbach, who was the facilitator for the Institute. Elsa pointed out that the glittering sticker on each person's name tag was not mere decoration; it was a way to identify their affinity group. Affinity groups were one way to allow people to connect and provide input to the planning team. Before participants met in their affinity groups, Elsa led a lively, musical mingle. The Institute was formally underway!