Call for Volunteers for first-ever Canadian Conference on D&D
Inspired by NCDD's 2002 conference, a group of energetic Canadians have been spearheading a Canadian Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation. Well, they just announced that the first-ever "C2D2" will take place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 27-30 at the Ottawa Congress Centre, with a day of pre-conference trainings on October 27.
C2D2 is modeling its conference planning process after NCDD's collaborative approach to planning, and is asking for volunteers to step forward to serve on their various planning teams. Click below for the full conference announcement, which includes descriptions of the teams and contact information for those interested in being part of this important planning process.
C2D2 will be a groundbreaking, unforgettable gathering ?– the first significant Canadian gathering of dialogue and deliberation and public involvement practitioners, policy and decision makers, scholars, researchers, trainers, artists, activists and students from all of the various streams of practice, policy and research that exist in this emerging field.
Plans are well underway for an exciting, innovative and participative conference that will:
- Build a Canadian community of policy, research and practice for dialogue and deliberation
- Enhance skills in organizing dialogue & deliberation activities and understanding of policy implications
- Highlight research on key questions
We need YOUR help to make these plans a reality! Make this conference yours!
Here is what two prominent members of the dialogue & deliberation community had to say about plans for the 2005 C2D2 conference:
?“The Deliberative Democracy Consortium, an international network of leading researchers and practitioners of deliberative democracy, is proud to support the Canadian Conference on Dialogue & Deliberation. The Conference provides an opportunity for those working in dialogue and deliberation to strengthen these fields of practice, enhance skills and improve our ability to strengthen citizen voices in governance.?”
-Deliberative Democracy Consortium
?“In today?’s networked, complex, multi-stakeholder world, the skills of dialogue and deliberation are essential to making wiser and more informed decisions. Whether business, government, crown corporation, or volunteer society -, connecting across boundaries to invite thoughtful contributions and meaningful input from stakeholders will enhance the legitimacy and sustainability of policy, programs and projects.?”
-Ann Svendsen & Myriam Laberge, Directors, Collaborative Learning &
Dialogue, Centre for Sustainable Community Development, Simon Fraser
University
The Conference Planning and Coordination Team includes representatives of key organizations, including the International Association of Public Participation, the Public Policy Forum and the Canadian Policy Research Networks.
We have created a number of teams to plan every aspect of the event, and are actively seeking YOUR help to plan the best conference Canada has seen!
Our Teams are as follows:
Planning and Coordination Team ?– In operation for the past eight months, this Team is made up of representatives of key organizations, funders, organizers, and Team Chairs, with overall responsibility for the conference. Sandra Zagon and Miriam Wyman serve as Conference Co-Chairs.
The Program and Design Team ?– Chaired by Miriam Wyman, Principal, Practicum Limited, this Team has the important job of designing the conference - recruiting key-note speakers, selecting great sessions and training offerings and creating a stellar line-up for participants to enjoy. Their job includes building knowledge, networking and connecting participants, creating opportunities for small and large group dialogue and plenary sessions, providing a strong cultural and art component, arranging great capacity building and learning opportunities, and rounding out the whole thing with fun, social activities. They have their work cut out for them and could use your help. Please contact Miriam at or (416) 413-0347.
Communications/Outreach/Website Team ?– This Team is Co-Chaired by Stephani Roy McCallum, President, Circle Associates ?– Public Involvement & Stakeholder Relations, and member of the Board of Directors, International Association of Public Participation, and Richard Delaney, President of Delaney & Associates. The ?“C.O.W.?” Team is responsible for communications and information, coalition building, partnerships, an interactive and informative website, and spreading the word about the conference. The C.O.W. Team will also develop, plan and implement a local community outreach project that builds capacity for D&D and public involvement in Ottawa, and potentially in other communities, by recruiting practitioners to give some of their skills back to the community in collaboration with a local organization. Results of the project will be presented at the Conference itself. If you want to get involved, please contact Stephani at or Richard at .
Fundraising Team ?– Chaired by Sandra Zagon, this team is tasked with the incredibly important work of raising financial and in-kind contributions to ensure C2D2 is a resounding success. This Team will also administer scholarships to ensure that participants from organizations or groups who might normally be unable to participate can take part in this special event.
If you have skills in this area (or would like to contribute!), please contact Sandra at .
Logistics Team ?– Chaired by Anita Mayer, Vice President, Public Policy Forum, this Team is responsible for the details of exhibits, registration, audio visual, shuttles and transportation, hospitality, food, room set-up, hotels, internet access, volunteer coordination and much more. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Anita at .
The Evaluation/Assessment Team ?– Chaired by Suzanne Potter, Principal, The Whetstone Group and Senior Associate, New Economy Development Group, this group will keep the Planning and Coordination Team on track by developing clear goals, objectives and principles for the Conference, and keeping track of these throughout the planning process. The Team will also engage participants in an evaluation of the Conference itself to ensure continuous improvement during the event and for planning of future conferences, as well as sharing the story of the conference with all participants after everyone has returned home. If you can help out with the Team?’s work, please contact Sue at .
We are excited about your involvement and look forward to working with you on this great project. If you are interested in contributing to the work of any of the above Teams and helping to make the conference a great success, please contact the relevant Team Chair, or Sandra or Miriam. We are happy to help! Stay tuned for more information, the launch of the c2d2 website in April, and the Conference Call for presenters and session proposals this spring.
Warm regards,
C2D2 Planning and Coordination Team
Sandra Zagon and Miriam Wyman, Conference Co-Chairs
