I was also curious to know what literacy workers do in their spare time. tone person responded, "All the energy I have is used up in my literacy work; I don't have any spare time!") Knowing how committed people are to their literacy work, I was surprised to learn how many still manage to find the time to volunteer and/or sit on community boards and committees. The number one volunteer activity was related to literacy - serving on advisory committees, belonging to and participating in provincial literacy organizations and tutoring. Many people are involved in their churches, chairing committees, teaching Sunday School and singing in choirs. Others coach soccer teams, lead Brownie troops and are involved in fundraising activities for swim clubs, school trips and ballet classes. Quite a few volunteer for Blood Donor Clinics and programs such as Meals on Wheels. A few have other paid jobs and some teach evening craft courses for their Further Education Councils. The extent of people's involvement in all areas of their communities is impressive.

So what does all this mean? The Report speculates that more women than men are attracted to literacy positions because the positions are often part-time or contractual which allows women to "balance child rearing responsibilities." The report gives credit to the fact that the job requires "dealing with people in a compassionate and nurturing manner" (demands which are often more comfortable for women) but it also questions whether (since most of the positions are filled by women who are married) "the positions are only attractive to individuals who have a second income or spousal benefit package to fall back on."

The picture is simply much bigger and more complex than that. Most of the literacy workers are women (see Reflections 3) and they themselves will agree that the work requires compassion and nurturing abilities. But the work also requires knowledge and interest in literacy, flexibility, familiarity with the local community and people, resourcefulness and an ability to laugh at oneself and at life. Literacy workers are independent, creative and caring people, tremendously dedicated to their students, tutors and to each other.

And yes, most are married. I'm sure it is true that literacy work attracts people who are not facing having to raise a family on a part- time income. But the fact that most people are married also indicates the stability of literacy workers. Working in literacy can be a roller coaster. Each day presents new challenges, joys and frustrations. Working with people from all different walks of life with many different needs can be emotionally exhausting (see Reflections 2). If a person's own life is in flux, it is very difficult to cope with the day-to- day demands of the job.

The fact that most literacy workers are strong community members also indicates the stability of the group. They make time in their lives to volunteer their energies and talents. They are committed to their families and friends and actively involved in their church communities. Literacy workers are enthusiastic, fun-loving and often pillars in the community; the people who can be counted on to lend an extra pair of hands or help get a special event off the ground. They are real and valuable, not just because they are giving and compassionate and perhaps privileged but because they take risks and aren't afraid to go the extra mile.

Literacy workers tend to be well-educated. They have pursued higher education, however, not because of the status of the degree but because they love learning. They believe in life-long learning and see learning as stimulating and fun.

People working in literacy in Alberta are professionals. They demonstrate professionalism in their attitude, their approach and their conduct. Literacy workers are not "do-gooders"; they are good at what they do. They approach their work with their hearts and their heads - interchangeably. They use all the skills and knowledge they have to get the job done, always ready for and welcoming opportunities to increase their knowledge or to learn new skills.