Activate

Published for the Health and Physical Education Council since 1962, The HPEC journal is an annual publication that provides evidence-based information to Alberta teachers. The articles in this journal focus on emerging topics and trends within the Physical Education and Health fields and provide “classroom ready” suggestions and ideas to improve teaching practice. Contributing authors may be teachers, academics, students, or administrators with practical expertise and knowledge to share with other educators in the field. Each volume includes 8-12 submissions about current topics of interest to HPEC members and are related to the yearly HPEC conference theme. Submissions for publication are accepted until the end of August every year; are subjected to peer review and may be returned to the author for revision; and should be 2500 words or less with a reference list at the end.

How the HPEC Journal was Renamed in 2024

The HPEC Journal under the name “Runner” was first published in 1962. 55 issues of the “Runner” were published between 1962 and 2024. Following the 2024 HPEC annual conference, the editor of HPEC’s Journal, Lisa Taylor, proposed the journal be renamed for purposes of equity and inclusion. At HPEC’s 2024 annual general meeting, a motion was proposed to rename the journal, which was unanimously supported by the attending members. It was also agreed that equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility scholars of Alberta would be contacted for their perspectives regarding the new name. Following input from Alberta scholars, a list of options were then sent in the summer and fall of 2024 to HPEC members across the province for their input.

The Alberta scholars and HPEC members both selected “Activate” as their number one choice to replace “Runner” on both surveys. A new name was chosen and 2025 is the first of many “Activate” volumes to come in the future. We want the journal to activate discussion among the HPEC community and educators seeking new knowledge and experience with health and physical education. We want to activate critical thinking and our rights as individuals to explore different ways of moving and being in the world. We hope that the journal can act as a home for sharing and engaging with evidence-based information for teachers. Activate will continue to share classroom ready strategies and discussion on emerging topics and trends within the physical education and health fields to ultimately improve and support teaching practice.