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Our 3rd annual Sarnia Lambton Community Conference will consider the services we provide in Lambton County and how they reflect both our community and the clients we serve. We have all fallen short of this goal in the past, and when we do, it is often the most marginalized that provide us with information and feedback on how we can improve the next time – but do we truly listen and implement this feedback?

This year, we want to learn about the process of developing safe and equitable programs and spaces. We want to hear about how you are doing better to build spaces that reflect the specific needs of equity-deserving groups in Lambton County.

Our speakers will be discussing systemic and internal shortcomings in the goal of creating safer workplaces and spaces, as well as highlight the steps taken to listen, understand, and change. We want to provide a space for business owners and service providers to share positive experiences of change that have benefitted the members of our community that needed it the most.

Registration for this event is mandatory. In-person space is limited. This event will be taking place at Dunlop United Church. Certain portions of the day will be streamed via Zoom. As always, attendance in-person and online is free of cost.

If you have any questions, please email slcommunityconference@gmail.com

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Register for the conference here

Thursday, November

30th

11:45 am to 12:00 pm

Registration

12:00 pm to 12:30 pm

Catered lunch

12:30 pm to 1:20 pm

Opening Speakers

Shelley Gilbert

Legal Assistance Windsor

Shelley will discuss her work with migrant worker communities and advocates across the country and consider ways in which that work has evolved over the last 20 years. Migrant worker programs and the policies that regulate these will be considered as will various efforts to reconsider how programs could best provide the labour Canada requires while ensuring a human rights based framework.

This will be streamed to virtual attendees.

1:20 pm to 1:30 pm

Break

1:30 pm to 2:20 pm

Panel 1

Crystal Fach (Diversity ED) and Jeffery MacPherson (Prism Wellness Group)

Understanding the importance of streamlining services for Two Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse people under one roof. Dr. Rahalkar and Diversity Ed; the Prism Wellness Group, have created a one stop shop for gender diverse folks in need of all forms of transition supports which include social, legal and medical. Prism Wellness Group was an idea that came together through conversations with service users and looking at the existing barriers in place for Gender Diverse populations. This project is at its early stages and with many plans to grow and expand services.

Chantel Butterfield (Sexual Assault Survivors' Centre Sarnia-Lambton)

Chantel will discuss the on-going work the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia-Lambton’s (SASC) is engaging in for its upcoming rebrand. She will discuss the crucial role both the community and survivors took in addressing the needs of the organization and the direction we will move along together in the future. Together we will explore some of the challenges, successes, and reflections from the process and why client voices and lived experience leadership will be foundational elements of our organization’s future.

Taylor Boomsma (BGC Sarnia-Lambton)

Tyler will be discussing the Empowering Black Youth (EBY) Program at BGC Sarnia-Lambton. The program will focus on mentorship, providing guidance, support, and positive role models for Black youth. By connecting them with experienced mentors who understand their unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations, EBY aims to inspire and empower them to reach their fullest potential. These mentors will act as beacons of hope, guiding the younger generation in navigating their journeys and making informed choices. EBY hopes to support and meet the needs of young Black individuals in our community.

This will be streamed to virtual attendees.

2:20 pm to 2:30 pm

Break

2:30 pm to 3:20 pm

Breakout Activity

Attendees will engage in a moderated discussion at their tables to explore how the learnings from the day can be brought back to their organizations, workplaces, associations, and more.

This portion of the day is for in-person attendees only.

3:20 pm to 3:30 pm

Break

3:30 pm to 4:15 pm

Discussion

We will be discussing the results of the individual moderated discussions with the conference attendees as a whole.

This portion of the day is for in-person attendees only.

4:15 pm to 4:30 pm

Closing Remarks

Schedule