Global Symposium

Additional Resources

Since its founding SCSC has been convening gatherings — Symposia, workshops, talks and webinars — attended by some of the brightest and most innovative minds across all social issue areas to discuss building belonging and tackling social isolation. We have put in writing some of the learnings that have emerged from these spaces of co-ideation and collaboration.

Together, we can begin to incorporate our collective tools to build belonging in the systems and spaces that matter most to us.

Additional Resources

SCSC Co-Creating Connectedness Webinar Series — Webinar 1: Innovation & Connection (May 2023)

cover-page-for-the-collaborative-outcomes-documentWe gathered our community of practice together virtually in May 2023 around the topic of belonging-centric partnerships for the first participatory webinar, entitled Innovation and Connection, in our Co-Creating Connectedness series. We set the stage for small group conversation with a brief panel discussion, featuring Danya Pastuszek, Co-CEO, The Tamarack Institute; Jillian Racoosin, Executive Director, Foundation for Social Connection; and, Hanen Nanaa, Founder, BAM – Books Art Music Collective. They gave us insight into the role and significance of belonging-centric partnerships in their work.

Following the panel, we separated into breakout groups to discuss questions around the role of belonging-centric partnerships for collective action. Out of these conversations a few central themes emerged, from which the SCSC team was able to gather a collection of best practices.

We learned that to create strong partnerships with a foundation of belonging, it is important to build trust and tackle power imbalances in relationships, research must be reciprocal and centre community, and partnerships should be designed to create lasting and sustainable community capacity. Lastly, we must remember that it is critical in this work to make space for moments of joy and hope so that we can bring our best selves to the table.

Read and share the Collaborative Outcomes Document

 

SCSC Global Symposium 2022 Outcomes Report (October 2022)

cover-image-symposium-2022-outcomes-reportOn October 22-25, 2022, the Samuel Centre for Social Connectedness (SCSC), presented the fourth Global Symposium dedicated to overcoming social isolation and building a global community of connectedness. This year’s theme Imagination and Action: Building Systems of Belonging engaged 158 participants from 75 organizations and 10 countries. We also offered livestreaming which connected over 200 global viewers. The Symposium featured uniquely intersectional conversations and 41 speakers who provided insights and a keen focus on practical solutions. Our conversations explored how belonging and social isolation manifest in 16 different issue areas, ranging from incarceration and education systems to disability rights and Indigenous self-determination.

Download, read and share the SCSC Global Symposium 2022 Outcomes Report.