The Path of Truth and Reconciliation’s Post

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Our latest industry brief, "A Catalyst for Community Vitality: Defining the 21st Century Destination Organization". If you've ever wondered how destination organizations came to be and what it takes for them to thrive, this industry brief is worth the read. “If you build a place where people want to visit, you’ll build a place where people want to live. If you build a place where people want to live, you’ll build a place where people want to work. If you build a place where people want to work, you’ll build a place where business wants to be. And, if you build a place where business wants to be, we’ll be back to building a place where people want to visit. It all starts with the visit and that visit doesn’t happen without us.” This quote from former DI Board Chair Maura Gast, FCDME helped shape the definition of a destination organization as we know it today. Download the latest industry brief here: https://lnkd.in/ej4dMie3

Why Should You Hold Events in Your Community? Find out in our latest Emilie’s Insights blog post. Emilie explores the significant impact that events can have on your online communities, from breaking down barriers and building connections to fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Whether you're curious about the types of events that resonate best or just looking for a starting point, we've got you covered with practical ideas from our team's experience. Check out the full post to discover how you can elevate your community through meaningful events 👉https://lnkd.in/eDP7fFQT

Today you will see a plethora of orange; shirts and posts to honour those who did not come home and survivors. While the awareness is an important step in continued conversation it doesn't end there with Truth and Reconcilation. I wanted to share some of my own learnings, in particular from this past month's connections and sessions, as I continue my own action plan with the grace I won't always get it right. 🧡 1) Start... don't wait to have all the answers, don't let fear of making a mistake or failure hold you back. Often we aim to "perfect before we act" wanting to make sure we have all the details. The learnings, history, and teachings across Turtle Island are diverse and complex. Push yourself to start your journey, including as a minimum pronunciation. 🧡 2) "1000 teas" Building Trust isn't about meeting your local Indigenous Centre and checking it off your list or asking one to come speak at your board meeting /team session so you can feel better about your EDI policies. My take away is I (and each of us) still need to put in the work to listen and learn while encouraging others to do the same, then take action, always. 🧡 3) Invest. Not just in knowledge and learnings for yourself or your organization but in Indigenous Arts and Tourism. I learned so much listening to the panel during "Voices of Trust" especially about Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and a whole whack of resources right at our fingertips including through the Destinations Indigenous website. I have many more takeaways and learnings as I continue my own action plan... but... 🤔What action steps are you taking to do your part? Thanks to the two main events in the photo: 1) "Land Acknowledgments" through my colleagues at Niagara Fundraisers Network with support from NCF/ Niagara Community Foundation with learnings and presentations from Niagara Regional Native Centre Karl Dockstader Sean Vanderklis Halley Irwin 2) "Voices of Trust" moderated by Sara Wolfe , trust data & presentation by Edelman Canada and then with panelists Angela Mark Mélanie Valcin, MA and Keith Henry

The Melting Pot Edinburgh did a phenomenal job of hosting a series of events in 23-24 on the theme of 'Bridging Communities'. The Team built connections with 33 community groups and hosted almost 350 people across five different events. Why did events work? 1. If you look at the video (gorgeously shot and edited) from their conference earlier in the year, you'll see the investment in creativity. Doing things with a bit of 'pzazz' and colour reaps rewards. 2. People want to cross-pollinate. In our algorithm-ed world, we want to take time to find people who are 'not like us' and learn from them. 3. Relationships were real. This wasn't a quick, 'Hi, you don't know me but can we borrow your community to look like we co-designed'. This was genuine investment and mutual benefit. 4. Behind every sleek event is a range of skilled professionals who make it look easy, and often glossy and slick. Among them were Helen Denny and Anna Brow. 5. Conversations weren't taken for granted. Facilitators were poised and ready to help people connect. Well, that's all lovely. Where next? Have a watch of the video, digest the report and please, please get in touch with the team if you are able to sponsor or partner the next iteration of events. The future is all about turning energy into action.... #CommunityDevelopment #SocialEnterprise https://lnkd.in/dbKraBbX https://lnkd.in/d_qndeec

Social Impact in the Regions couldn't happen without our conference partners. We refer to our first conference year, the year we worked out this was going to be a go-er as year 0. Following Year 0 I declared a 10-year minimum delivery of this event. Talitha Devadass (Taz) and Emilee Rigby were the first to throw their hands up and say COUNT US IN. Taz and Em are our Youth Stream conference partners. In 2023 they delivered a memorable program for the young people from Kempsey and Macksville High Schools - in 2024 we have nudged out the geography and the scope and these fabulous conference partners are now designing something utterly magnificent with young people across Australia. In future years this will grow. Our vision is to ensure we have a conference that is inclusive of and welcoming to young people from across Australia, that young people in the local community have the opportunity to influence the program and that each segment of the event is seen through a youth lens. Frankly, truly collaborative partnerships like this are the things that make this all worthwhile. Thank you so much Taz and Em. (and Deb S. for introducing us). If you have any interest in following stories on (1) next level collaboration and (2) opportunities for young people in the regions, you'll want to follow this story as it unfolds. #youthengagement #socialimpact #socialenterprise

The days are getting longer. This is a time when communities and organizations start making plans for their spring and summer events and festivals. Tourism Saskatchewan has an online course that can take the pain out of planning a community or corporate event. Organizing Special Events provides a practical guide for orchestrating events that make a positive impact. The course is presented in seven short modules, ideal for volunteer boards, new hires, seasonal staff, community members and others who are tasked with organizing and hosting special events. https://lnkd.in/g2Ysrq4z

Want to really connect to your community? This article outlines "How to Host Community Events: A Guide for Organizing Food and Blood Drives." See pages 6 and 7. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lnkd.in/ecsXawXX

Good Business Events success for Penrith. Another example of what happens when you quality infrastructure…you attract quality events. No doubt the Visitor Economy will feature prominently on the agenda for this conference.

A must-attend for those in and around land use/planning, development, transport and sustainability in RI, and it only happens every other year:

Our latest blog offers a closer look at the evolution of the DMO and the significant impact they can make through community partnerships. Specifically, we share examples of how showcasing authentic experiences lead to economic development success, the benefits that result from a shift to sustainable destination management and taking on a greater role within the community. https://buff.ly/4c5LZK9