A workshop is coming to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Friday (April 27) to educate residents and community leaders on the benefits of working together.

The workshop, Building Authentic Engagement, will feature Sylvia Cheuy, consulting director of the Tamarack Institute’s Collective Impact Idea Area.

Cheuy is an internationally recognized community builder and facilitator.

She will speak to what’s possible when residents and community leaders “share a vision for their future” and will discuss the key principles and practices needed to promote “authentic engagement across sectors and cultivate citizen leadership.”

She will also share stories that illustrate what’s possible when citizens, organizations and municipalities discover how to work effectively together.

“Sylvia believes when residents and community are recognized and connected they become powerful drivers of community change … her work over the last five years has focused on building awareness and capacity in the areas of collective impact and community engagement throughout North America,” said Jennifer Douglas, community partnership officer for St. Catharines.

The Tamarack Institute’s day-long workshop will include educational content and practical tools participants can use to develop “effective engagement initiatives,” said a St. Catharines press release.

Key ideas include: 

• hosting conversations as a way to build consensus for community-wide vision
• the value and importance of fostering empathy and understanding across diverse perspectives
• how working together on meaningful community projects provides opportunities for organizations, municipalities, and neighbours to build relationships of trust.

Registration is $199 per person and includes the full day workshop, practical exercises, lunch, and fellowship with other community and civic leaders. 

To register for the workshop visit tamarackcommunity.ca/eventlisting or email stephanie@tamarackcommunity.ca.