Gratitude is Contagious: A Small Stage for Big Impact

The Taber & District Community Adult Learning Association (TDCALA) proposes to create an annual outreach and celebration event that recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteers and teachers, celebrates student success, and raises awareness of the many programs and services available through our organization.

TDCALA serves approximately 100 students each year through adult education, newcomer settlement services, and youth employment programs. None of this would be possible without the volunteers and teachers who are the backbone of our work. At present, there is no dedicated funding to recognize these individuals, even though their contributions transform lives every day. By celebrating their efforts publicly, we can strengthen their commitment, inspire others to step forward, and show the community what is possible when people come together to support learning. This event will also shine a light on the wide range of services we provide, from English language training and GED/CAEC preparation to youth employment and newcomer support. In a rural region like ours, awareness is often the first step toward accessing life-changing opportunities.

The inaugural event will be held at the Heritage Inn in Taber and will bring together about 50 volunteers, teachers, students, and community members for an evening of connection and celebration. Instead of a typical recognition night, we envision a gathering that feels both inspiring and deeply personal. The evening will feature heartfelt stories from learners, words of gratitude from our staff, and moments of recognition for volunteers and teachers whose dedication deserves to be honored. 

The ripple effects of this annual tradition will extend far beyond a single evening. When volunteers and teachers feel valued, they are more likely to continue giving their time and talents. When students see their peers celebrated, they gain motivation to persist in their own learning journeys. And when community members hear the stories and see the impact firsthand, they leave inspired to get involved themselves—as volunteers, as teachers, or simply as supporters of the work. Over time, this cycle of recognition, inspiration, and recruitment will strengthen TDCALA’s role as a hub for learning and community building in Taber and the surrounding region.

The first annual Volunteer, Teacher, and Student Celebration will touch many lives in ways that are personal and lasting. It will be a moment to pause and feel the deep gratitude of the community our volunteers serve. These are the people who quietly give their evenings to tutoring or spend countless hours preparing lessons. When they are recognized in front of peers and community members, they feel their impact is not only seen but valued. This appreciation inspires them to continue and encourages others to imagine themselves stepping into a volunteer or teaching role.

For our students, the night will be a source of motivation and pride. Each year, more than 100 learners walk through our doors, many carrying the weight of challenges such as language barriers, employment struggles, or a history of interrupted schooling. To see their classmates honored or to hear a peer’s story of perseverance at the podium reminds them that their own journey matters, too. 

The broader community will also feel the impact. An event like this is more than an evening together. It is an invitation for Taber to see the role TDCALA plays in shaping lives. They will  hear firsthand about the programs and support available, increasing awareness, and sparking new opportunities for collaboration. Some will leave considering how they can give back, whether by volunteering, mentoring, or simply spreading the word.

From a volunteer tutor:” The gentlemen I have helped are presently in the workforce and recognize the value of being literate. It has taken a great deal of courage for these individuals to get to Taber Adult Learning. This was no little step. They recognize the value of the program and want to continue.”

The benefits ripple outward even further into families and future generations. When adults achieve success in education or employment, their children gain role models, households find stability, and hope becomes part of the family story. A recognition night might seem like a small gesture, but it sends a powerful message: that learning is valued, that hard work is noticed, and that community support can change the course of a life.

Over time, this cycle of recognition and inspiration builds strength across the whole region. Volunteers remain engaged, new ones come forward, students aim higher, and families thrive. In this way, the impact of a single evening continues long after the applause fades, weaving resilience and connection into the fabric of the Taber community.