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Track 3 – Let’s Talk

In this learning track, you can engage in dialogue with peers working in the non-profit sector about issues and challenges and how to generate new solutions together.

Check back soon for updates, we are adding new sessions regularly!

  • 10:45 am – “Honest Conversations: The How of the Challenging Topics You’ve Always Wanted to Talk About” (Lee-Ann Baines & Denyelle Fraser, CDLI)
  • 1:15 pm – “Connections: The Collaborative Calculator” (Sierra Swallow, Arts, Culture and Status of Women)
  • 3:00 pm – “Why is No One Talking About IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility” (Denyelle Fraser & Lee-Ann Baines, CDLI)

“”Honest Conversations – The How of the Challenging Topics You’ve Always Wanted to Talk About” (Open Space Cafe)

Time: 10:45am – 12:15pm

Facilitator(s): Denyelle Fraser & Lee-Ann Baines, CDLI

Description:

At the board level “honest conversations” can be individually between board colleagues, between board member(s) and community member(s), or as an organization/in a group.  It is possible that as a board member or volunteer you will be asked to be involved in “honest conversations” within the community in formats like community conversations, townhalls, etc.

This session will present two communication tools to build confidence in having “honest conversations” with individuals or as a group.  In a supportive open space format participants will be able to identify the topics they want to talk about and trial the communication tools.  Participants will be able to ask the questions they have always wanted to ask about being involved in or taking the lead on “honest conversations”. 

Participants do not need to have topics in mind or questions, participating in the session can build general communication skills.  Participants who want to practice their skills even further can find an opportunity by attending the “Why is No One Talking About IDEA” session.

To learn more about CDLI, click on any of the links below.

Resources

Honest Conversations – The How of Challenging Topics You’ve Always Wanted to Talk About – Presentation

Generative Conversations Handout

Using the Non-Violent Conversation process Handout


Connections: The Collaborative Calculator

Time: 1:15pm – 2:45pm

Facilitator(s): Sierra Swallow, Community Development Unit, Alberta Arts, Culture & Status of Women.

Description: What do you remember most about your last event? Was it the brilliant keynote speaker, or perhaps the food? In addition to the food, it’s often the connections we make that teach us something new and stick with us long after.

An opportunity to connect with colleagues in the least cringy way possible, let’s tap into the collective wisdom of the group, network, and perhaps learn something new!


“Why is No One Talking About IDEA – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility” (Open Space Cafe)

Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Facilitator(s): Denyelle Fraser & Lee-Ann Baines, CDLI

Description: In board rooms of all sizes, of both operational and governance boards, conversations about IDEA are often “the elephant in the room”. 

This session will delve into a case study, providing the opportunity for participants to walk through the steps of addressing “the elephant in the room”.  Through the process participants will learn strategies that are grounded in relationship and center each unique organization’s purpose.  During a facilitated open space portion of the session participants will have the opportunity to practice the strategies, building both their communication skills and confidence level in IDEA concepts. 

Participants will be able to take the strategies presented in this session directly into the board room!

*Those who have attended the “Honest Conversations” session will have the opportunity to build on the skills from that session.  Attendance in that session is not a pre-requisite in any way.

To learn more about CDLI, click on any of the links below.

Resources

Why is No One Talking About IDEA – Presentation