April 2020

Find the full newsletter here: Updates from Albertan Changemakers (April 2020)

Resources

1. MaRS Living Guide to Social Innovation Labs
   Find a living compilation of social innovation lab theory, templates, and tools to help address complex system problems at MaRS Living Guide to Social Innovation Labs.
   

2. Alberta Charities are Relying on Collaboration and Innovation to Meet the Challenges Presented by COVID-19 
   Looking for some inspiration? Read these stories of collaboration and innovation from Alberta charities in a recent Philanthropist article and on Tamarack Institute's blog. 
   

3. Report: Impact of COVID-19 on Alberta's Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations
   Find out what 474 nonprofit sector respondents had to say about the greatest challenges and opportunities nonprofits are facing in our province at this time.
   

4. Connecting with Volunteers in COVID-19 Times
   Looking for volunteer opportunities, or exploring how your organization can mobilize volunteers to help you innovate and respond during this time? Learn about micro-volunteering, post or search for volunteer opportunities on Volunteer Connector, and/or check out GenHelp, a tech platform that started by connecting students with seniors who needed some extra assistance during the day and is now being used in other capacities during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Opportunities

1. Creativity and Mental Health Supports with Eily Aurora
   Relax at the end of the day on Mondays with the calming sounds of the celtic harp. Hosted by Eily Aurora, one of the participants in ABSI Connect's Community Catalyst Program, this hour starts with a guided centring meditation and closes with an energizing practice. Details and registration info here.
   

2. SDX 23: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times (May 7 at 12:30 pm)
   Hosted by Edmonton's SDX (Systemic Design Exchange), in this online offering you will have the opportunity to bring a systems lens to your current experiences with the pandemic, exploring the idea that disruption can be a catalyst for change. 
   

3. Social R&D: A National Practice Gathering (June 16-17)
   On June 16-17, Social Innovation Canada will host ‘Social R&D: A National Practice Gathering’ to connect the Social Research & Development (R&D) field in the country. At this time of systems disruption and reinvention, strengthening our capacities to better solve problems has never been more needed.
   

4. Share a "Big Question" on our Podcast!
   Is there a burning question on your mind as assumptions you had about your work, yourself, or the system(s) around you have been challenged by COVID-19? You might be a great guest for our next season of Pause. We plan to create a series of short episodes about the big questions changemakers are exploring during this period of uncertainty. Hit "reply" to share your question and find out how to participate as a podcast guest.