In any case, the writing and feedback process entailed an everstretching deadline, which both supported and challenged participants. Some participants were not able to complete their projects or the writing, as demands of life and work intervened. As we celebrate the writing of five participants, we also want to acknowledge the work of all the participants, and the insights and learning they shared along the way.

In chapters that follow, you will read about how five VALTA Project participants explored ways to create environments for learning in their Changing Practices projects. In the context of co-facilitating a women's writing group, Laurie Kehler observed and reflected on the ways that she applied what she had learned from VALTA to her work as a facilitator. As a co-facilitator with Laurie, Janet Bauer focused on the various ways that she and Laurie created a safe space for learning. Heather Ward also facilitated a women's group, using creative approaches to prompt and support reflection on self-concept. Brenda Squair drew from VALTA resources to plan and facilitate two workshops for practitioners about violence and learning. While focusing on breaking the silence and strategies for tutoring, Brenda found herself reflecting on the process of facilitating the workshops while "living beside" her own experiences of violence. For her project, Fay Holt Begg embarked on a personal exploration of holistic learning. She observed and reflected on changes in herself and on the resulting shifts in how she worked with learners and tutors in her literacy program. We hope that reading the chapters will encourage you to explore or continue to explore ways to support learning in literacy programs for all learners.

Broadening Awareness

Part of the intention of VALTA was to broaden interest and awareness of the issues of violence and learning. Newsletters, workshops and displays at the Alberta Provincial Literacy Conferences⁹ and a workshop and display at the Research in Practice Institute in Newfoundland¹⁰ served to raise the profile of the issues. Working with an advisory committee also helped link adult literacy and antiviolence work.