Greetings from snowy DC, everyone. Here's an update on coming NCL events of interest. 1. Panel presentation on Policy Issues Affecting Lifelong Learning COABE conference, Phoenix, AZ, Monday, March 26 at 2:00 pm I will be moderating this panel, with presentations by Amanda Bergson-Shilcock (National Skills Coalition), Tracy Noles (National Center for Families Learning), Judy Mortrude (CLASP), and Michele Diecuch (ProLiteracy). Here's the abstract: The ability of adult learners to set and pursue lifelong learning goals is affected by a variety of policy decisions made at the federal, state, and local levels. This panel session will provide information on the ways that such policy decisions can affect access to adult basic education and ESL; adult secondary education and high school equivalency; workforce skills training; postsecondary education; and family and community learning. The session will open with presentations by four expert panelists, with a brief Q&A after each presentation. In the final part of the session, audience members and panelists will engage in a moderated group discussion on ways of using the information that has been presented in advocacy efforts with local, state, and federal policy-makers. This panel will be part of e Lifelong Learning strand sponsored by COLLO. 2. Briefing for Members of Congress and Congressional staff Wednesday, May 9, 2:30 pm, Cannon House Office Building, Room 340 Presentations will include perspectives of adult education program graduates and a report on factors that inhibit participation in adult education and workforce training. The briefing will be open to the public. 3. NCL Members' Meeting Thursday, May 10, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, ALA Washington office Topics for discussion TBD based on outcomes of federal policy and budget decisions. 4. AEFL Week, September 23-29, 2018 More information coming soon! In addition, all of you should feel free to participate in the monthly NCL policy calls that take place on the first Wednesday of every month, 4:00-5:00 pm eastern time. The call-in number is 641-715-0861, PIN 240804#. Happy spring, and I hope to see many of you at COABE. Cordially, Deborah Deborah Kennedy Senior Consultant / Owner, Key Words President, National Coalition for Literacy office: 202-364-1964 (September-May) office: 603-293-2402 (June-August) www.key-words.us www.national-coalition-literacy.org