Volume 3 Issue 6 • February 2021
published by ZX Media Corporation
SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES Now more than ever, innovation plays a critical role in defining Alberta’s future. Alberta Innovates leads the way by bringing people and resources together to help Alberta businesses grow, create new opportunities and jobs, and solve challenges. Through our world-class expertise, leadingedge facilities and strategic investments, we’re charting the course of innovation that will help renew and sustain Alberta’s prosperity
today, and for generations to come.
Learn how albertainnovates.ca
Clean Resources
Agriculture, Forestry & Food
Emerging Technologies
Health Innovation
Engage. Inspire. Educate. Together.
Krista Malden & Kenzie Webber
publisher@communitynowmagazine.com
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 6 The Community This grassroots magazine is a platform for, about and by the community.
Subscribe for your free issue of Community Now! at www.communitynowmagazine.com Copyright 2019 ZX Media Corporation, Calgary Alberta Canada Community Now! Magazine Copyright 2018, published by ZX Media Corporation. Volume 3 Issue 6 | January 2021 All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher and writer.
INNOVATION & COMMUNITY COLLIDE 4 // Community Now!
BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT
“
Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else” - Leonardo da Vinci
Krista Malden
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I like this quote because it has two enduring truths in it - one that tells us about the nature of the world (everything is connected) and one that gives us a tool for interacting with it (seeing). The systems view of life is very poorly understood and generally not part of conventional education even though it is how the universe operates (as Donella Meadows said, ’There is no AWAY in which to throw things!’). Everyone has influence, no one has control. And seeing …
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(continued from page 5...) substituting the words ‘I see’ for ‘I feel’ or ‘I think’ invites people into a shared experience of this interconnected and emerging reality rather than hiding in our own subjective experience which we can SEE is the road to fragmentation and meaningless conflict.” Gregory Hart. Thin Air Labs is ‘building what’s next’ with their experienced team of investors, entrepreneurs, designers and community leaders. They have been making waves for Alberta; in Alberta, across Canada, and globally. But what is ‘building what’s next’; design, architecture, medical advancements, growth for our economy, educational advancements…all of the above? Is ‘building what’s next’ for one industry or one aspect of the economy or is it bigger? 6 // Community Now!
According to Greg Hart; Thin Air Labs Co-Founder & Design Partner, the importance to ‘building what’s next’ has two levels of importance… “The first level - the strategic one - is that there are certain qualities to what’s next. The current trajectory of our way of life ends in collapse but as William Gibson famously said, “The future is already here, it just isn’t evenly distributed.” So we have an obligation to invite, amplify, and accelerate those pieces of a different future - a more regenerative future where we thrive within the planetary boundaries and build on solid social foundations - to build a new trajectory both locally and globally. That is the ‘what’s next.’ Not more of the same. The second level is a more tactical one. Everything is emergent. Plans go awry especially in the world of venture creation. So once a venture has a good fix on a meaningful strategic outcome, the only question is,
What makes ‘design’ Greg’s superpower is that he is a people-first designer with a future-forward intuition. A perfect example of Greg using his super power aside from teaching, refereeing, building businesses and creating solutions for ventures: is he co-created a program with a Dutch university to develop alternate urban futures for Calgary and surrounding communities that have been running for almost ten years. “I’ve spent enough time in the Netherlands that I have learned to semieffectively understand and speak Dutch.” Said Greg. Whether, Greg is cycling across the city in +20 or – 30, he is always on his way to designing more for others in education, ventures, business, innovation and sports.
‘What’s next?’ What is the next iterative step that reduces the biggest risk or answers the biggest question, or allows us to recover from the latest mistake or unhappy outcome. So for us ‘Building what’s next’ is a clear statement of purpose and process.” Greg has been an influencer and leader for many years; starting his entrepreneurial journey as a young disc jockey, hosting dance parties out in Toronto. Receiving a degree in kinesiology from the University of Calgary, being a professional lacrosse referee, building businesses, but Greg’s true superpower is creating solutions for big challenges; Greg is a “designer”. (Although; his kids will tell you he is a spy) Being a designer is someone who is an ideas architect, systems thinker and agile master planner. “‘Design’ is about finding ways to solve challenges.” states Greg.
When asked what skills transferred over from refereeing lacrosse to business, Greg stated “Box lacrosse, the indoor version of the game that I refereed, is incredibly complex and fast, perhaps one of the toughest sports in the world to officiate. There is a lot of physical contact and emotion. So there are two things that I take from that: (1) it is VERY hard to be good at it like lots of things in life and it requires a dedicated approach and practice that never stops evolving (2) being able to remain calm, a steady and reliable eye in the storm of emotions, is a powerful practice that can be applied in many situations.” Everything Greg does, is about purpose and process…designing solutions for any challenge he comes across and once that challenge is solved, Greg asks “what’s next?” By continuing to ask the question, and push people
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(continued from page 7...) to be make an impact on our ecosystem for people and the planet, Greg will continue to build & inspire others to ‘build what’s next’ and by asking the question “what’s next” Greg is showing leadership! When Greg was asked about leadership and what makes a good leader he stated. “Not surprisingly I see leadership as an act of design and the design of something - a venture, a product, a process, etc.- is what determines what people can do with it. How hard it will be to change, how flexible it will be under different circumstances, how much opportunity there will be for someone to bring their special gifts and make an impact. Leadership to me is keeping the meaning clear and the supporting
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design to make the most of that meaningful purpose possible. It is always improving and learning and it is always looking for ways to take the rocks out of the road while showing where the path might lead.” So what is ‘building what’s next’? It’s asking the question, looking for and creating solutions to problems that our ecosystem faces, it’s being innovative, curious and creating opportunity to be and do better for people and the planet. “My favorite part of my job is learning about wicked challenges and designing the approach to dealing with them as a team. Humans are built to overcome meaningful challenges and this is my lifeblood. Combines curiosity with imagination and execution.” - Greg Hart
B R A N C H O U T F O U N DAT I O N P R E S E N T S
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COMMUNITY INNOVATION & BUSINESS COLLIDE In response to a changing philanthropic landscape and the continuing prevalence of domestic violence, YW Calgary started an innovation project to bring mental wellness to the workplace while fundraising for the YW at the same time! How innovative! What is Mindfulicity? Mindfulicity takes the depth of experience and proven outcomes from YW Calgary’s work in mental health and conflict to build your organization’s capacity for psychological safety. The Benefits Reduce conflict and stress Strengthen your culture Tap into world-renowned expertise Improve psychological safety Impact your bottom line YW Calgary believes that this new way forward is fundamental. By moving upstream to prevent micro-aggressive behaviour from escalating and equipping everyone with the skills they need to manage conflict better, we can begin to prevent domestic violence. We can have fewer women and children coming to YW Calgary for emergency shelter. Everyone can benefit from these skills – leading to more people with fuller lives free from aggression. In Uncertain times the community is bringing their resources to the business world to better the community, work place mental wellness and bring funding into the YW… Imagine what the world would be like if we all did this…connecting employees to workplace wellness while supporting a much needed community resource at the same time… https://mindfulicity.ca/about/ REQUEST A FREE DEMO: https://mindfulicity.ca/contact-us/
Telling It Like It Is With
Mike DeBoer Founder; LevellingUp
How did you come up with a mentoring platform for artists? It’s been a bit of a roundabout journey! We initially started in late 2018 with development a mentoring platform for mid-career corporate leaders and managers. To do this, we constructed a unique apprenticeships marketplace, and a platform that used Zoom before Zoom was cool. Our vision was to improve the world’s workplaces by giving growing leaders access to world-class executive coaches for affordable and accessible mentoring. The disruption caused by COVID-19 had us wondering if other markets might benefit from our unique approach. Co-founder Julie deBoer had previously experienced mentoring which allowed her to turn her painting side-hustle into a successful professional art career. After connecting artist customers and mentors in a few groups, we discovered that LevellingUp offers growing artists an ideal combination of community, expert mentorship, accessibility, and affordability. With the enthusiastic reception LevellingUp (LU) has received from growing and Master artists across the globe, we’ve decided to leave leadership training behind!
A Mastermind Group meets with their Master Artist once monthly for a two hour live mentoring session using Zoom. Between monthly sessions, Members get support and encouragement from their Navigator and small group on LU’s private discussion board. Once they’ve arrived at LevellingUp.ca, new Members start by choosing the tier – Aspiring or Emerging – that best matches where they are at in their artist journey. Aspiring artists are generally focused on developing their signature style, and want to focus on technique, materials, colour and composition. Emerging artists are generally focused on making their passion a profitable career, and want to focus on sales and marketing, achieving technical excellence, and making their studio time efficient. After picking their level, each Member chooses the Master Artist who aligns with their medium and subject matter, and who personally resonates with them. Our Members tell us the safe community their group provides gives them the encouragement and support essential to venture out into new territory. Members can stay with their group – and their Master – for as long they wish.
Is mentoring different for artists? No… and yes! Mentorship is when someone who has already travelled a path shows another person how they did it. This is a well-established model in many fields, including the art world. Mentoring is all about communicating nuances, and artistic mastery is found in capturing nuance. What makes mentoring different for artists than for, say, corporate managers, is the artist’s willingness to connect and interact on a deep and meaningful level. After all, the practice of making art is itself the practice of connecting deeply, of communicating thoughts, ideas, and emotions to others. This means artists not only realize they need mentoring, but they bring the emotional intelligence and relationship skills needed to make mentorship successful.
What is next for LU? We’re growing very quickly across the globe, and we’re excited to connect thousands of artists with their choice of Master Artist. LU has already received requests from other creatives – like graphic artists, novelists, and musicians – for the opportunity to receive mentoring through LU. Once we’re sure that branching out won’t compromise our visual artists’ experience, we’re excited to start embracing these additional creatives. Our ultimate goal is to become the Amazon for Skills; a marketplace where the world’s creatives learn skills that can only be mastered with mentoring from an expert.
Please let us know how Levelling Up works? LU’s Mastermind groups are high-trust apprenticeship communities. There are a maximum of eight Member artists in each Mastermind group, plus a Navigator facilitator, plus the Master Artist.
If you had one piece of advice for small businesses or start-ups, what would it be? I know this sounds like I’m pitching, but the best advice I can give is to find a mentor. And I’ve found the most effective mentoring relationships are those where both parties are committed to success – which generally means there has been some financial investment. www.LevellingUp.ca
Jade Alberts - Peer Guidance - Jade Alberts Consulting 403-771-1301 www.PeerGuidance.ca • www.JadeAlbertsConsulting.com www.LinkedIn.com/in/JadeAlberts
Working from home? Take a break to enjoy the view. Celebrating 47 years of being locally owned and operated. Support local, and stay safe.
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12 // Community Now!
MENTAL WELLNESS
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So… How are those resolutions going? Jennifer Hadley
I
t’s February, and that means that we’re in full swing of the new year, and it’s a great opportunity to evaluate our New Year’s Resolutions. Did you set any? How’s that going? Research has shown that most resolutions – like 65% of them - don’t make it past January, why is that? Most of the time it’s because our resolutions aren’t rooted in our true values or we set expectations and then don’t make a viable plan to get there. We often focus on the end game rather than the journey, and the journey is the most important part! It all comes down to focusing on our habits instead of our destination. If you want to lose weight, make more money, or have a stronger relationship – you have to 14 // Community Now!
put the daily habits in place that are going to accommodate those results. Lack of planning and active participation are the reason we drop off around this time of year. Don’t get me wrong, the phrase “eyes on the prize” is definitely valid and a great visualization tool that helps with motivation towards achievement, however, let’s be sure you have a plan of action before jumping in! Here are some quick tips to make sure you’re on track (in case you’re on course to become one of those 65%-ers. • Find your WHY: is your goal something that REALLY matters to you? If it’s something you think about a lot, something you invest time, money and energy into, that must mean it’s valuable to you. If you
don’t value the outcome of your goals, you simply won’t be motivated enough to work through the inevitable obstacles that will come your way as you go. • Pare it down: We often fail because our goals are too big and feel overwhelming. This is not to say that you shouldn’t dream big! BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) are great drivers towards growth so don’t throw them to the side, just be wise in your implementation and break them down into steps. When you start with a big idea, filter it down into actionable items that give you a system towards making it happen. Think of every goal as a project, start from the big idea and manage each phase of the project until completion – step by step. • Time block: This is the part where you press the play button! Once you’ve identified your actionable steps, put them in your calendar! All of the planning is done, now you just have to do it. Take each step and book an appointment with yourself to spend the time on that particular item. It may seem silly, but actually scheduling it in makes it more likely to happen because you’ve committed to it. If you struggle with any part of this process know that it takes practice and consistency to build a habit. Even the act of planning your action items is a habit that helps you towards success so give yourself some grace, put it in your calendar and stay on it… you’ll get there. And the best part is that when you get to March, you’ll be able to look back at your wins and be proud of them before you pick your next goal! Fiercemom.ca @fierce__mom
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term that describes impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability and individuals will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges. Research shows that early and appropriate supports can make a positive impact and improve outcomes for those with FASD. The Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network (CFAN) aims to reduce the incidence of FASD and ensure people who are affected are able to live a positive and fulfilling life. Through our work, we support over 1,000 individuals with FASD and their caregivers each year in the following areas: •
FASD support for individuals & families
•
FASD assessment & diagnosis
•
FASD prevention, training & education
Visit us online at mycfan.ca by email at info@mycfan.ca or by phone at 403-249-7215
Five Ways to Flirt with February Blues
Patricia Morgan
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Resilience is knowing that you are the only one who has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.” -Mary Holloway 16 // Community Now!
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I am fed up with winter, especially this cold, confined, constricted year!” The February Blues are here. While we drool, waiting for spring blossoms, they are still beyond our reach. I flash back to last May when our walks around the neighborhood included breathing in the lilac scents, each block with its whiff of freshness, of aliveness and newness. But wait, I digress! We are still February bound! Indeed, February has the reputation of being the most dismal, disliked, and depressing month of the year. Here are some more reasons for those February blues.
• The excitement around the sight of snow glistening nights with sparkly lights has dimmed. I know people who have holiday light envy and then, in February, can be heard saying, “What a shame, the Jones still have their fairy lights up.” • Most people, especially the non-winter sports enthusiasts, are weary of the snow, cold and bundling up. “Darn that hat hair!” • Valentine’s Day can increase the feeling of loneliness for those who lack an intimate partner. A significant red flag is singing with the alternative rock band, Them Crooked Vultures, “No one Loves Me and Neither Do I.” • In 2021 we add a whack of worry, wear, and weariness of COVID-19’s unpleasant consequences. We hear “Isolate yourself” while hearing, “We’re in this together.” Which is it? • Many people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder. With winter comes reduced sunlight affecting serotonin which affects mood, often leading to depressed emotions. “I’m sinking! I’m sinking! And can’t get up.” Yes, you can. Read on. What can we do if we find ourselves slumping with it all? As the resiliency coach, Mary Holloway said, “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one who has the power and responsibility to pick yourself up.” I add, that does not mean you are expected to pick yourself up on your own. We need one another. Reach for a hand and lend a hand.
Here are some ideas to uplift yourself and others: 1. Get friendly with that little, in the camera. Using Facetime or Zoom is crucial. Community Now Magazine and other Mental Health initiatives tell us of the dangers of loneliness. Technology provides connection. Of course, pixilation is not the same a face-to-face contact. But it allows us to meet the human and crucial need for conversation, building relationships, and seeing facial and body language. Now and then pick up the phone to save boggled eyes. 2. Connect and play games. Create reasons to smile and laugh together! Go online with friends and/or family and do a talent show or play games such as Name that Tune, Charades, Dictionary, or Pictionary, or purchase animated game options from JackBox Party Packs. Add wearing a goofy hat from a thrift store or Dollarama. 3. Start or expand a gratitude practice. Nothing lifts our spirits more powerfully than acknowledging what we have, rather than what we do not have. Alternatives include: 1) Journaling five nightly appreciations: Here are five of my first attempts: “I am grateful that 1) I remembered to write. 2) I have this lovely pen with smooth black ink, 3) I have this convenient book with coiled pages, 4) I took this time to write, 5) that I kept my commitment to log my gratefulness.” 2) Daily or weekly record how many appreciations versus complains or grumbles you made. Notice if the score is (continued on next page) Community \\ 17
3) Pets provide a prrrfect or tail wagging alternative. 4) You can also snuggle in a fuzzy blanket. 5) If and when allowed, getting your hair done, having a massage and/or a pedicure all add to our human need for touch of skin. 5. Use humor. If any of my humor resonates with you, enjoy. If not, increase the use of your sense of humor: 1) Watch some of your favorite smile and laugh sources from the Canadian sitcom, Kim’s Convenience, to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show to reruns of Friends or Jerry Seinfeld. (continued from page 17...) five or more positives to each negative. Give yourself an award for what? Even doing this! 3) Weekly email or write a thank you message to someone in your personal or work circle. Even a line such as “You did it!” will provide an uplift. 4. Get a daily dose of oxytocin. Generate some of the touch hormone which is associated with empathy, trust, intimacy, and relationship-building. But what do we do with the COVID-19 signs warning, Do Not Touch? We compensate and you do not need to only do it in bed! 1) If you live with someone ensure you get 5 hugs a day. 2) If you live alone designate a loved one or friend to hug twice on arrival, twice on departure, and a fifth after you chase them out the door. 18 // Community Now!
2) Write silly rhymes, make a pun, ask a knock-knock joke, or tell an old familiar joke such as, “E-flat walks into a bar. The bartender says, ‘Sorry, we don’t serve minors.’” 3) Share a personal anecdote. Embarrassing moments are often a hit. “I will never forget the day; I went to a themed party dressed in costume with pearls like Lady Mary in Downton Abbey to discover the crowd was dressed in Beatles-like garb appropriate to the theme of the Abbey Road album.” Or before purchasing hearing aids, I asked my hubby, “Les, did you say, ‘I love you Pat’ or ‘I love your fat?’” Please consider these ideas for a February relief. I have seen smiles occur when someone did a positive and different act. We can pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin to give ourselves and others the uplift we long for. www.SolutionsForResilience.com
THE SUPERPOWER PROJECT WARRIOR FATIGUE F
Blaise Hunter |Heroine
aster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap
“
I think the first thing is to get loud about our exhaustion and normalize women are not robots.
tall buildings in a single bound. Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman! Growing up in the 80’s, those words were a sort of mantra in my household. Batman, Superman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman were our heroes. What the “ultimate superpower” was became a constant debate between me and my brother. I still stand by my original conviction—the ability to fly. While my heart was with Superman, I also wished in real life we could put out a “bat (continued on next page) Community \\ 19
(continued from page 19...) signal” and someone could immediately come to the rescue. Fast forward 30 years and we still have the original superheroes with some additional ones to look up to. That’s all great and innocent but as I delved deep into my own personal growth journey, I made an interesting discovery. All grown up, I still was looking to outside sources to rescue me. What defines a superhero? How does one attain a superpower? As I embarked on a quest for self-love and acceptance, I ended up unearthing an untapped power source—identity. Once I realized I was enough just as I am and I have all the know how and capabilities within me to navigate through life, I started to become my own superhero. I was equipped with superpowers that not even kryptonite can stop. We no longer need to look to fictional characters or others to rescue us. We are our own superheroes. Learning who I was became a mighty superpower that unlocked other glorious ones along the way. Vulnerability was its sidekick. Then came connection, empathy, and purpose. I have collected these powers throughout the years, and I can access them whenever I need to. I created the Heroine Movement to inspire others to step into their own power and be the hero of their own lives. Whenever I face challenges, I transform into my alter ego and channel my superpowers. I speak on stages wearing a cape and sword and I breathe fire. With this new-found force I have also come upon a profound realization about myself. Though I am a Heroine, I am not super-human. We often talk about the empowering component of being a superhero, but rarely do we talk about the weakness. Every hero has a weak point. Lately, mine has 20 // Community Now!
been exhaustion. It is incredibly tiring to try and change the world. Even though it is still hard to admit it, I have come to appreciate the weaknesses are here to teach us valuable lessons. The Superpower Project is about highlighting various “kryptonites” facing women and helping us neutralize their effect on us. I believe Warrior Fatigue is one facing most women these days. In normal times, women are battling overwhelm and burnout but add a global pandemic and that just ups the ante. I am a fierce warrior, but I am also feeling shattered and worn-out at the same time. One of our greatest strengths as women is the ability to keep pushing through and battling until the bitter end. But when the war is lengthy,
we often don’t even see the battle scars and gaping wounds upon us. We have pushed through the pain and slayed dragons all year, but the fatigue is finally catching up with so many of us. So, what can we do? How can we rest and heal? It’s not like Covid-19 is going away any time soon. I think the first thing is to get loud about our exhaustion and normalize women are not robots. We need to give ourselves permission to say “I can’t do it all.” Vulnerability is strength but are we actually being vulnerable with ourselves? It’s ok to take off the cape and scan our mortal selves. It is vital for our very survival. Next, is removing the shame. I have had to push pause on some projects because of being so overwhelmed and yet even though I preach this, I still struggle with the shame of it. There are no winners when we play the shame game. We are doing our best and most days it feels like our best isn’t good enough. We need to just let go of these unrealistic expectations and accept
we all have weak points and limits. Then, we need to actually take control and start saying no. We can overcome Warrior Fatigue by just doing those few things and making some space in our day to day lives for healing. Our mind, body, and soul have the incredible superpower of healing itself; it just needs the right atmosphere to do so. Nothing is more inspiring or motivating than seeing a woman express her vulnerability and state her limits. That is true power. I am standing in my own frailty today. That is how we know what to nurture and how to strengthen our identity. That is how we can rise through the ashes and battle back. When we can recognize what we need to unplug from and how to plug into ourselves, we unleash the ultimate superpower. Today I choose to rescue me. Join the Heroine Movement www.blaisehunter.com
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Creating Collaboratives A New Form of Organization & One Example Greg MacGillivray
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Unlike many of the multi-stakeholder groups, coalitions, task forces and other collaborative undertakings that exist today, a Collaborative is not a closed group.
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Tough Problems hange creates uncertainty as rapid developments continually challenge our worldview. We are further challenged by the reality of complex, adaptive, interdependent systems, which gives rise to unprecedented complexity. Think of cities as an example where many interdependent systems meet our needs.
C
All of this complexity makes it difficult for any individual, group, organization or even multi-stakeholder group to intervene to improve a system or to address a shared concern – a tough problem like mental health, wellness, inequality, ageism, decarbonization, pollution, poverty or having an economy that works for everyone. See the S2S article The Collaborative: Tough Problems & A New Solution for more.
A New Solution Our solution to tough problems is a new form of organization we call a Collaborative. Since working in a highly collaborative set-
How This is New Unlike other multi-stakeholder efforts, a Collaborative can grow to include all stakeholders who share a common purpose or concern.
ting focused on environmental sustainability under NAFTA more than 10 years ago, S2S has been passionately and progressively developing new collaborative infrastructure to accelerate shared action on tough problems. First it was Single-Organization Strategy, then Multi-Stakeholder Strategy, then Systems Planning and now the Collaborative as a social innovation involving an entirely new form of organization.
A Collaborative: • brings together a body of stakeholders; • is 100% inclusive by welcoming every individual, informal group, organization (public, private and not-profit sector) and existing multi-stakeholder group who shares a Collaborative’s values and can contribute to its shared purpose; • has its own strategic syntax (Why, Who, How & What) shared among Members;
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(continued from page 23...) • can start small and be progressively scaled to include all stakeholders; • can be deployed 100% online through one or more backbone organizations; • takes just minutes to join – dramatically increasing awareness and access among Members and providing the option to better communicate and collaborate; and • allows Members to thrive together or on their own in the best way they see fit. As a social innovation, a Collaborative leverages the ideas of Organic Collaboration and The Collaborative Leader, is enabled by robust Collaborative Leadership infrastructure, and can be complemented with Mind Suite Analytics online survey technology and Theory of Change strategic thinking. This new way was initially designed to build common ground among First Nations and industry and then applied to decarbonization.
Building Purposeful, Engaged & High-Performing Organizations! www.scenarios2strategy.com gm@scenarios2strategy.com
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Collaboratives can be deployed anywhere to accelerate shared action. From the kitchen table to the boardroom – locally to nationally – a Collaborative is the way to take shared action and solve tough problems. An Evolution in Organizational Design Thinking We believe that the idea of a Collaborative is as new a concept to any of today’s public, private or non-profit organizations or multi-stakeholder groups as the idea of a corporation was to a sole proprietor 200 years ago. Here's a story to make our point: Before industrialization some 200 years ago, Pat the shoemaker made only 10 pairs of shoes a week to sell at the market to earn money to buy food. With industrialization, and the rise of the era of the corporation, Pat could incorporate Pat’s Shoes Inc. (PSI). As PSI’s CEO, Pat can now raise capital from shareholders, build a plant and manufacture 1,000 pairs of shoes a week. Answering to a Board representing PSI’s shareholders, Pat can also hire the people needed to build the plant, source raw materials, run the machines and sell all those shoes. Pat is no longer a one-person show. Incorporating allowed Pat to go from one body (as a sole proprietor) to a body of people – a corpus, which is the Latin word from which the English word corporation was derived. Since those early days of industrialization, a wide array of individuals, informal groups, organizations (public, private and non-profit) and multi-stakeholder groups has arisen each contributing something to the complex, adaptive and interdependent systems that serve us so well today.
Organic Collaboration: A Body of Stakeholders With the invention of the Collaborative, just as Pat shifted from one body to a body of persons, we can similarly shift from one or some stakeholders working to improve a system or address a concern to a body of stakeholders. The idea of Organic Collaboration is that this body of stakeholders can not only start small
to share the Collaborative’s shared purpose (Why). By doing as little as providing some identifying information and agreeing to a few values as standards of behaviour, Members are free to further explore all aspects of the Collaborative. By just taking a few minutes to sign up, Members can dramatically improve awareness and access, and also be provided with the option to communicate and collabo-
but also grow organically to include all of the stakeholders. That is, all of the individuals, all of the groups, all of the organizations (public, private and non-profit) and all of the existing multi-stakeholder groups working together as a single Collaborative to improve a system, address a shared purpose or concern, or solve a tough problem.
rate better with other Members along the way.
Unlike many of the multi-stakeholder groups, coalitions, task forces and other collaborative undertakings that exist today, a Collaborative is not a closed group. While it has its own strategic syntax (Why, Whom How and What) it is very simple to join. Members need only
The Collaborative as a new form of organization also builds on the new ideas of (1) Organic Collaboration; and (2) The Collaborative Leader, who among many other things thinks and acts inclusively. By bringing together every individual, informal group, organization and multi-stakeholder group who share a Collaborative’s values and can contribute to its shared purpose (its Why), this is a social innovation that can be used to solve all of today’s tough problems! (continued on next page) Community \\ 25
In response to a May 2020 mental-health tragedy, Hope Across Alberta was conceived by 22 Members who together believe that a better solution to wellness challenges is needed. Focused on promoting better mental health, wellness and recovery across Alberta, the Collaborative will bridge longstanding silos of care within and across the medical and non-medical mental health, wellness and recovery sectors. Hope Across Alberta is just getting started.
(continued from page 25...) Hope Across Alberta – An Example of a Collaborative Even during a global pandemic and persistent resourcing challenges, this new idea is becoming a reality. Hope Across Alberta is an inclusive Collaborative committed to better mental health, wellness and recovery across Alberta (its Why). By investing as little as 5 minutes and agreeing to Hope Across Alberta’s values (to be lawful, inclusive, respectful, open to feedback and to do no harm), Members can improve awareness among service providers and also improve client access to services while also opening the door to improved communication and collaboration among Members and clients. 26 // Community Now!
Since May 2020 we have (1) reached out to and learned from many collaborative organizations and wellness-focused initiatives within and outside Alberta. Our Steering Committee has also reviewed the Collaborative’s initial design, which builds on the new ideas of Organic Collaboration, The Collaborative Leader, Collaborative Leadership, Theory of Change and more. Looking ahead, Hope Across Alberta will also be learning from Be Well Orange County’s three-year of experience as a 100-member wellness-focused coalition as they currently evaluate their success and explore whether our ideas can help accelerate their success. Other important design elements remain to be addressed before we engage our Members further or grow the Hope Across Alberta Collaborative These include the development of a technology platform, connecting with one or more backbone organizations, developing operating procedures and a communication strategy, and addressing governance, financial sustainability and other concerns including the exploration of social enterprise options. With a final design in hand, Hope Across Alberta will enroll and engage all individuals, groups, organizations and multi-stakeholder across Alberta who share its Why of better mental health, wellness and recovery across Alberta.
Banbury Crossroads School
Banbury Crossroads Seeking a school like home? School
For 40 years, Banbury has offered an atmosphere where children feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Foroffer 40 years, offered We full Banbury Pre-K tohas Grade 12.an Toatmosphere learn more,where children feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Weanoffer full Pre-Kwith to Grade 12.orTo learn more, please schedule please schedule appointment us today call in the office at today (403) or 270-7787. an Anne appointment with us call Anne in the office at (403) 270-7787.
Seeking a school like home?
For 40 years, Banbury has offered an atmosphere where children feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. We offer full Pre-K to Grade 12. To learn more, please schedule an appointment with us today or call Anne in the office at (403) 270-7787.
www.banburycrossroads.com
Building B1, #201, 2451 Dieppe Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7K1
Delicious And Nutritious! Locally Owned and Operated. Oh! Naturals Healthy Snacks Oh! Naturals offers delicious and affordable fruit and vegetable snacks for all ages. All products are Gluten Free, Nut free,Vegan and have no preservatives. A gluten free snacks for kids, a vegan appetizer. Gluten free Calgary, AB T3E 7K1 potato and banana chips.
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AND
WELLNESS
ant to have foods with Vitamin C throughout the day! Some of my favourite foods are oranges, lemons, citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, leafy greens and tomatoes. Citrus fruits also contain compounds called flavonoids, and are good sources of folate and thiamin. Excellent supplements are available, and recommended. • Vitamin D is a key player, and essential to eat foods rich in Vitamin D and take supplements! Oily fish such and salmon Judy Dahm
B
uilding and keeping a strong immune system is top of mind for all of us. The truth is that viruses and bacteria are with us all the time. Our bodies need healthy bacteria all year round to help us to build our immune system. A strong immune system reduces your chance of viral infection, colds and the flu, and is essential given the current corona virus pandemic. Our immune system is a combination of our cells, and various parts and systems of the body working together to protect us from foreign invaders and harmful bacteria. In this article, we will focus on a healthy diet that will help us to improve our immune system. While there are many factors (including emotions, hydration, sleep, exercise and environment) that impact your immune system, diet is one controllable factor that can have an immediate positive impact. Diet and nutrition could be the biggest levers for giving our immune health a boost. Let’s start with an overview of essential vitamins and foods that should be added to your diet. • Vitamin C is important, and essential for fighting the corona virus. Vitamin C cannot be held in the body, so it’s import-
and sardines, egg yolks fortified foods, beef liver and cod liver oil are great foods to add to your diet. Low levels of Vitamin D increases your risk of developing respiratory infections, common cold, flu and depression. • Zinc is essential for the health of your immune system! Zinc is an active ingredient in our body’s ability to metabolize foods and nutrients, and is also involved with triggering of over 100 differing internal enzymes. Foods to add to your diet include oysters, beef, pork, dark meat in chicken, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, cashews, chickpeas, sesame seeds, watermelon seeds, wheat germ, squash seeds, beans and unsweetened dark chocolate . A high quality zinc supplement is strongly recommended as it is key essential in fighting Covid-19. Other vitamins and associated foods to include are: • Vitamin A: beef liver, sweet potato, spinach and carrots • Vitamin E: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, spinach, peanuts and peanut butter
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(continued from page 29...) • Iron: white beans, dark chocolate, lentils, spinach, tofu, lean meats, seafood, poultry • Selenium: Brazil nut, seafood, organ meats and garlic • Quercitin: A natural anti-oxidant, which protects the cells in the body from damage by free radicals. It is found in red apples, red wine, onions, green beans, citrus fruits, green teas, dark berries and broccoli. • Probiotics: naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha Important considerations for building immunity with your food choices: • High fibre foods: fibre swells during digestion and this slows down the time your body take to process nutrients. This helps us to feel better, feel fuller,
lower our cholesterol, and slowly release glucose slowly into your bloodstream! Fibre is needed to build a strong immune system and the more fiber in your diet can actually change your immune cells to anti-inflammatory healing cells that will help you to recover faster from both bacteria and virus related illnesses. Some high fiber foods to include in your diet include: dark green leafy veggies, carrots, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, berries, avocado, quinoa, beans, brown rice, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds. • Lean Protein: Our bodies need protein for strength and survival, and they provide the ultimate defence to combat harmful disease. Protein is essential for warding off disease and keeps us alert, synthesizes enzymes, transports nutrients, forms new blood cells, creates hormones, builds muscle and repairs tissues. Whether plant-based or animal based products, they need to be lean for liver health. Examples of healthy lean protein are bison, beef, poultry, and fish as well as dairy,
Introducing the NEW...
Introducing the NEW...
Host Joanne Neweduk
www.healthychefdelivery.com
403-265-CHEF 30 // Community Now!
CELEBRATING A VIBRANT, GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF WOMEN OVER 50. Host Joanne Neweduk LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST PLATFORM AND YOUTUBE!
nuts grains and lentils. If you are a meat eater, please mix up your proteins and be sure to include fish for the healthy Omega fats they provide. • Complex Carbohydrates: Carbs are a major source of energy and fuel, and your choice of complex carbs are critical to accessing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs to build a strong immune system. Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, potatoes beans, peas and lentils are examples of complex and unprocessed carbs. Simple carbs are stripped of their nutrients and fibre in processing, so stay away! • Healthy Fats: Good fats improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and are important for a strong immune system. Focus on mono or poly unsaturated fats and stay away from saturated fats. Examples of good fats include avocados, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, olive oils and flaxseed oil. • Anti-viral foods: Nature has provided an abundance of abundance of roots,
plants and herbs for you to enjoy and stay healthy. Include foods such as garlic, ginger, echinacea, reishi mushroom, astragalus, elderberry, tumeric, oregano oil and essential oils such as peppermint or lavender. • Eat whole, organic and local foods: Prepare your meals or buy meals that are prepared with whole and healthy ingredients. Locally sourced organic fruits, vegetables and proteins are the best for you, have a higher nutritional value and also keep your system clean and free of chemicals and harmful glyphosates. • Practice positive portion control: with 1/4 protein and 1/4 complex carb and 1/2 vegetables on the plate. Balance is important and when in doubt....eat more fresh green vegetables and salads! In summary, the foods you eat will impact your immune system, so choose wisely! Keep your metabolism strong by eating the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and mix up your foods, try new things and enjoy a variety of food and flavours. Community \\ 31
Mental Wellness Tip of the Month
The Happy Dance Joanne Neweduk RN
Crank up your favourite song and dance in your kitchen. This can energize the entire household. Children especial love spontaneous kitchen dance parties. Try doing this before settling in to work on a project. You will transfer that high energy to your task and have greater success. Studies show a strong evidence that movement and music revitalize our brains and make us feel happier. Commit to a song a day (more if you like) Shy? Dance with headphones on, in your bathroom while brushing your teeth. No music handy? No problem! Just shake and wiggle your body and your arms for a minute. This of course, can be done standing or sitting. Daily Practice Results: Energized mind, invigorated body and enlivened spirit.
MUSIC CAMPS WITH CAMP CHOICES FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS, SCHOOL OF ROCK IS THE PERFECT SUMMER ACTIVITY FOR YOUR CHILD. OUR SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS ARE PERFORMANCEBASED, MEANING STUDENTS LEARN TO PLAY BY REHEARSING AND PERFORMING TOGETHER IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT. FROM BEGINNER CAMPS TO SONGWRITING AND THEMED CAMPS, WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF OPTIONS TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN AMAZING, IMMERSIVE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE. SIGN UP YOUR CHILD NOW AND WATCH THEM BECOME A MUSICIAN THIS SUMMER.
SCHOOL OF ROCK | CALGARY 2707-17TH AVE SW 587-353-7625 www.locations.schoolofrock.com/calgary
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Deborah Nichol
Our Mental Wealth starts with self-care, but what does that mean? How do we take care of ourselves? Well, let’s get a start with a Happiness Wellness calendar? Each day you can do small things that contribute to your self-care and elevate your wellbeing. This Happiness Challenge is for you to create a calendar that allows you to do something towards your wellbeing and happiness every day. Sometimes we need extra reminders to be good to ourselves, to treat ourselves with love an kindness. You can take this list and make a calendar with each challenge or you can write the challenges on a piece of paper and put them in a bowl or jar and choose one everyday or once a week. Have fun, spoil yourself, indulge in creating your Mental Wealth Happiness Calendar.
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Here are some examples to put on your calendar 1
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Show yourself some love- write a gratitude letter.
Present moment practice- brush your teeth with your opposite hand.
Tech Freedomremove all technology from your bedroom for one night.
Fresh Bed- change your sheets at least once a week.
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Jump out of bed- Make your bed as soon as you get up.
A Great Day-List 10 positive things about your day
H2O on the Go- Carry water everywhere you go.
Stop & smell the roses- Go for a walk.
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Be creative- do something that uses your imagination or creativity.
Teach yourself something new.
Spread love-Have a judgement-free day.
Write a positive online review of a local business.
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If there’s a will, there’s a way- Have a car coffee with a friend.
Sleep like a baby- No screens an hour before bed
Zen in ten-Meditate for 5 minutes/ twice today.
Dance-Make a playlist that makes you smile, sing, dance
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Visual AppealOrganize your workspace
All the feels- describe your surroundings using your five senses ( smelling, seeing, tasting, feeling & hearing)
Offline- Log out of one of your social media account for one day.
A Trio of Joy- List 3 things that bring you delight.
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A Tasty Treat- Indulge yourself with a delicious treat.
Inspire yourself- Listen to a motivational podcast
Honour your Timemake a plan for today.
Be Kind- Stop a Bad Habit.
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Taste a little piece of heaven- eat some chocolate
Word it up- Find a great quote
Get lost- find a great book to read.
Add your own ideas to the list...
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5 of the top 9 Mental Health Stressors -All within the last 6 monthsWHAT'S POSSIBLE with Sophia Fairweather
This is another article of What’s Possible, this time on the increasing concern of Mental Health!! It is no secret that the impact of being stuck indoors a lot of the time, and not being able to see family and friends, has an impact on us. Because we are social creatures, and have been since the caveman days!! Many of my friends feel less motivated and feel angrier or sader most days. Which has also probably been happening to adults as well!! So, in this article, I will be talking about reasons why mental health is poor right now, what mental health is, why you should look after it, and how to look after it. Then I will end with a 36 // Community Now!
little history of why we are social creatures. It’s a whole fiesta on mental health!! So let's start with a little on why mental health is crashing right now! Why is poor mental health more common? Stress is a major cause of poor mental health and can make mental illnesses worse, ex anxiety. However, there are many stresses around, like choosing whether to eat spicy cheetos (my favourite, but oh they burn!) or having an argument with someone you love. These are not ones that usually cause poor mental health, unless they are constant and harmful to you. The main causes of poor mental health are the: • Death of a loved one, • Divorce, • Loss of a job, • Increase in financial (Debt) obligations, • Getting married, • Moving to a new home, • Chronic illness or injury, • Emotional problems [depression, anxiety, anger, grief, guilt, low self-esteem], • Taking care of an elderly or sick family member, or a loved one, • Traumatic event such as a natural disaster, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one. [1] Quite a few of these stressors have been at play during the last six months, especially the death of a loved one, loss of a job, increase in debt, moving to a new home, and taking care of a sick family member. So at least 5 of the 9 key stressors have spiked in frequency,
a pretty solid reason why mental health has been worse. Now that we have an idea of what has caused mental health to crash since COVID 19 decided to walk in, I think it’s a good idea to define mental health, discuss why it is important to look after it, and how to look after it!! Mental health, if you break it down, is mental, that is, how your brain or mind think and feel. Health is impacted if you have a disease, an injury, or hurt in any way [mentally and physically]. Pretty simple to understand but mental health is actually pretty complicated in real life! Poor mental health can include anxiety, stress, depression, paranoia, etc. Good mental health is seen as being able to learn, feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions, as well as being able to create and maintain good relationships with others!! [2] But why should I look after my mental health?? Well, like I said earlier, mental health is your feelings and the way you think. So if you have poor mental health, you probably won't be as productive because you are sad, anxious, angry etc. If you have good mental health, then you will likely have a more positive outlook, meaning that you probably want to do more and try new things. Good mental health can actually help your physical health as well because you’ll be more motivated to go outside or take a walk with your dog (love you Greg, my doggo!).. So how do I help support my mental health?? A lot of these suggestions might be familiar but it's not a terrible idea to brush up on them!!
(continued on next page)
[1] https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/causes-of-stress#1 nov 3 2020 [2] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/about-mental-health/what-good-mental-health#:~:text=Good%20mental%20health%20 is%20characterised,maintain%20good%20relationships%20with%20others nov 4 2020
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Stay active; mental and physical health are connected.
(continued from page 37...)
Ways to look after your mental health: 1. Talk to someone trusted, liked, or a therapist [ but I always like to talk to someone I already know personally ], 2. Stay active; mental and physical health are connected, 3. Eat responsibly; boring but it will weigh you down mentally and physically later in life, 4. The classic - ask for help from a loved or trusted person [ now you can even text with a therapist or helping professional ], 5. Finally, take a break or do something you love. This boosts your mood and makes sure you're moving your body [ as seen in the staying active mental health tip]. Then, because COVID 19 has been extra sucky for mental health, try doing the following while in quarantine and stuck in our houses: stick to your routine, dress for what you want the day to be like, walk outside, phone or talk to a friend, eat and drink well, read a book, enjoy an article from Good News Network or a positive news story!! Now to the exciting topic of why we are social creatures and how we are social creatures!! If you got an MRI to scan our brain and compared it to a chimpanzee’s or gorilla's brain, you will see the neocortex part of our brain is bigger than theirs. The neocortex is the social part of our brain, which was an evolution that probably took thousands maybe millions of years!! Why would the body do this?? When there is a pack of animals working together, they are safer from predators and better at
38 // Community Now!
getting food!! Making it to the top of the food chain is a pretty nice place to be!! Infants, on the other hand, also got the cool new power of connection and by instinct followed someone that looked after them, giving them their basic needs as they couldn't get them themselves. Now for What’s Possible!! You can make a difference in your mental health with some of these tips. It is possible to look after ourselves and our loved ones and come out of this pandemic safe and healthy. I can’t wait to see family and friends, and travel to new and exciting places!! That's What's Possible!!
https://blog.doctorondemand.com/why-its-important-to-care-foryour-mental-health-834c8670b889#:~:text=Emotional%20and%20 mental%20health%20is,like%20work%2C%20school%20or%20 caregiving. Nov 5 2020 https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=Health%20is%20a%20state%20of,absence%20of%20 disease%20or%20infirmity. Nov 4 2020 https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/causes-of-stress#1 nov 3 2020 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/about-mental-health/what-good-mental-health#:~:text=Good%20mental%20 health%20is%20characterised,maintain%20good%20relationships%20with%20others nov 4 2020 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health nov 5 2020 https://canadianhealthadvocatesinc.ca/blog/25-mental-health-wellnesstips-for-quarantine/ nov 5 2020 https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/social-evolutionand-why-we-need-to-communicate nov 5 2020 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/human-social-development_b_3921942 nov 5 2020
Simon House Recovery Needs the Communities Help! Our Story. Founded in 1982 by Doreen Baker and Franciscan Brother, Bernard Barry, Simon House began its work in a Bowness duplex that still serves men in need today, 37 years later. Simon House has been, and will always be a beacon of hope and refuge for men who have found themselves in the grip of addiction. Humble beginnings saw Brother Bernie and Doreen work tirelessly with integral volunteers and original employees, to grow and develop Simon House into the program and facility it is today. In 1983, the duplex immediately next door to its original location was generously donated to expand Simon House services and support. In 2006, through the generosity of donors, Simon House built a 30 bed building with a full commercial kitchen, board room, and office space. Today, Simon House operates 4 buildings and 64 beds, which provide 3 distinct phases of addiction treatment and recovery to assist men in moving from a residential program to transitional housing, and onto independent living with supports and counselling. Through committed staff, board members, donors, and community partners, Simon House has become a highly respected, valued, integral, and successful addiction recovery centre in the Calgary community, serving men and their families from all across North America.
Understanding Addiction. ASAM – AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ADDICTION MEDICINE – DEFINITION OF ADDICTION: Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.
To find out more go to: https://simonhouse.com/ To Donate go to: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/12612
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3RD ANNUAL MAKER MIND STEAM EVENT Monday, March 15 2021 Friday, March 19 2021 Let’s be creative, design, challenge, inspire and learn ... together
Let’s be creative! Design, Be challenged, Learn. Join us for a week of learning, challenges and the opportunity to showcase your work, win prizes and have some fun online! This event is for young people of all ages, we will provide a week of learning, google slides, videos...and opportunities to connect.
Challenges: 1. Engineering challenge 2. Video challenge with Oh Natural snacks 3. Music challenge: win a scholarship to the School of Rock
4. Art Challenge with CN! Magazine and Fierce Mom 5. Learn about different youth organizations in our city 6. Mental Wellness Wednesday
This event is FREE! Sign up as an individual or as a class THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PRIZE SPONSORS
MAKING L I V E S BETTER BY BUILDING BETTER LEADERS stevenarmstrong.ca
Our Mission: Promoting curiosity, communication and engagement in making Alberta a stronger and better place to live, to be educated, do business, promote innovation and community celebration. www.communitynowmagazine.com Facebook: @communitynowmagazine Twitter: @communitynowma1 Publisher@CommunityNowMagazine.com
