“What is it to be literate? We have to draw our own maps, trace our own histories, acknowledge our own debts and consider ways not taken.”
(Margaret Meeks, On being Literate, 1991:234)

Margaret Meeks’ words still ring true today as we trace our own ‘Living Literacies’ to create inner landscapes that shape our interactions with the world.
How do we strive to articulate practice that moves us beyond a focus on the mechanics of reading and writing? What are the forms of expression that we employ in a broader sense to convey understandings and meanings in a complex world?
How do we engage greater numbers of learners in adult learning and continue to make accessible second chance learning opportunities?
What is the ‘fit’ for integrating employability skills and meta–cognitive skills required by employers while maintaining literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills?
What are the potentialities for learning in context when teaching is not restricted to the classroom?
As individuals we seek connection and coherence in our lives. What are the narratives of our professional lives that illuminate our teaching and learning?
With the challenges of an ageing population how do we maintain and breathe new life into ACE and VET to ensure that literacies are kept at the forefront of government policy and community awareness?

The VALBEC 2007 conference will provide a place for practitioners to reflect on where we have been, where we are and where we want to go in the future. Further questions around research and practice will form the basis for the conference program with stimulating and affirming presentations assured through the depth and diversity of the field. With a range of ‘Living Literacies’ we hope to focus on indigenous literacies, narrative and oral communication, numeracy and adult learning in diverse contexts.

We aim to provide opportunities for participants to discuss what works and to creatively engage with ideas and experiences to enhance their own practice and inspire innovation.
VALBEC continues the tradition of providing an event to showcase recent research and future directions. Those interested and involved in adult education are invited to submit a presentation proposal for the Living Literacies VALBEC 2007 Conference.

Submit your presentation proposal or encourage others to submit, keeping in mind that the presentation should:
• describe and reflect on current practice and examples of successful work
• be interactive and encourage dialogue and practical engagement
• display innovation and flexibility in a range of settings
• stimulate thought and discussion on relevant issues
• exemplify adult learning principles
• critique changes in state and federal government policies and priorities.

Workshops/Presentations will be of 60 or 90 minutes duration.

Copyright of individual workshops presented at the VALBEC 2007 conference remain copyright of the respective author/s. However, VALBEC reserves the right to publish papers and distribute information about these workshops for teaching and research purposes on the VALBEC website or in Fine Print.

Formats for the presentations may include:
• research or project overview or report
• interactive and practical workshops
• panels of up to 4 speakers

The proposal form can be completed online or by downloading a PDF version and mail or fax it to VALBEC, Box 861, Springvale South VIC 3172 or fax to 03 9546 0421

Proposals should be submitted by February 23rd 2007.
Presenters will be notified by March 12th 2007 of their inclusion in the Conference program.