On July 26, the Community Development Unit (CDU) at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its second quarter Mini-Community of Practice (CoP)—a vibrant gathering of community leaders, grassroots organizers, and changemakers committed to advancing equity and inclusion across Edmonton. The event was filled with energy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations that brought people together around shared goals for collective actions.
The first segment of the session focused on the City of Edmonton’s Anti-Racism Grant, offering participants valuable insights into the program's five funding streams. Attendees learned about eligibility criteria, the role of a fiscal agent, and best practices for developing strong, outcome-focused applications.
Facilitators provided hands-on guidance on preparing realistic and relevant budgets, encouraging groups to align their proposals with community needs. The interactive format gave space for questions, idea-sharing, and peer learning—fostering a supportive environment where emerging and experienced community leaders could learn from one another.
As a result, several organizations left the session feeling confident and motivated to pursue funding through different streams. Many expressed interests in collaborating on joint proposals—an encouraging sign of the collective spirit the CoP aims to build.
The second part of the Mini CoP featured dynamic breakout sessions centered on three key themes:
1. Cultural Connections in Community Building
2. Empowering Voices for Social Change
3. Thriving Together Through Collaboration
Participants were grouped based on their organizational focus and areas of interest, which allowed for deeper dialogue and more targeted discussions. The sessions provided a safe and open space for sharing lived experiences, challenges, and strategies for building inclusive, equitable communities.
Through this collaborative process, groups explored how their work connects to broader systems of change. They shared stories of resilience, identified common barriers, and brainstormed ways to amplify impact through partnership and innovation.
These conversations not only deepened participants' understanding of community needs but also sparked ideas for future initiatives. As a next step, groups will reconvene to present their findings and recommendations during a collective session—creating a shared knowledge base that can inform planning for the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum.
The day concluded on a warm and joyful note with a multicultural potluck, where attendees bonded over traditional dishes from their home countries. The diverse menu included:
This culinary exchange was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of cultural richness, a way to honor each other’s heritage, and a delicious reminder of how food brings people together.
The second quarter Mini CoP was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to share knowledge, support one another, and take collective action. It provided a space not only for learning and capacity building, but also for forming connections that will carry forward into future collaborations.
As we continue to build momentum toward the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum, stay tuned for more updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Edmonton. For more information, please contact us at communitydevelopment@a4hc.ca
