On October 16th and 17th, the ARC Hub and Digna program came together to create a supportive and engaging space to innovate, skill share, and future-build!
Couldn’t attend the conference or some of the sessions?
Recordings and presentations of all sessions are available below!
One year after Cooperation Canada’s future festival we want to check in on where the sector is at and what it needs to continue to push forward the topics that have reinvigorated our sector staff in thinking about a more just world. Bringing together a diverse range of actors from civil society, government, academia, and philanthropy we expect an inspiring exchange of knowledge and to continue to build a strong foundation for our sectors’ eagerness to do better. As we continue to navigate this COVID-affected world we are looking to keep momentum, to take more bold steps forward. As Canada’s international cooperation sector hand in hand with change-makers and disrupters how do continue to build and dismantle, answering century-long calls from global communities that have demanded change. The future of our sector is in our hands let’s make sure it doesn’t repeat history.
Sessions recording
Opening Session
In this opening session, our team laid the foundations for Rethinking Priorities through ground-setting, a presentation of our programs and work, and an imaginative activity in which you can participate even while watching the recording!
Access slideshow here!
Digna present: Centering Survivors
A Discussion on the Victim/Survivor-Centered Approach in PSEAH
This session explores what constitutes a victim/survivor–centered approach and the essential role this approach plays in PSEAH, and provides an informative presentation on the IASC Victim/Survivor Centered Approach definition and principles, followed by an interesting conversation.
Access slideshow here!
ARC Training: Building Strong Teams
Going from diverse to inclusive
This HR training explores how we build antiracist organizations. Through guided collective reflecting and questioning we explored the principles and practices that can help us build an anti-racist sector through healthy, inclusive and supported teams.
Access slideshow here!
Digna present: Bridging the Gap
Challenges in PSEAH implementation on the ground
This session explores the challenges and disparities encountered during the implementation of PSEAH projects and activities in different contexts and local communities. It also includes a presentation by the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH) that shed light on their critical work and share their valuable experiences in the field, addressing key issues in implementing PSEAH work on the ground.
Access slideshow here!
Collective Commitment:
A sneak peak on Progress on Anti-Racism in International Cooperation
This session provides an annual snapshot of our progress in anti-racism in international cooperation, through an overview of initial findings from the 2023 survey of 71 organizations.
Access slideshow here!
Closing Session
This session will bring participants back together to determine what’s next for them and their organizations on PSEAH and anti-racism. The closing will include a reflection space on key themes and encourage collective, creative solution building.
Sessions description
Click on each session to read the description!
DAY 1
ARC HR Training
In line with the first commitment of our Anti-Racist framework for the Canadian international cooperation sector this session will explore how we build antiracist organizations. We continue to hear from the sector that there is still a need for practical knowledge. Through guided collective reflecting and questioning we explore the principles and practices that can help us build an anti-racist sector through healthy, inclusive and supported teams.
Centering Survivors: A Discussion on the Victim/Survivor-Centered Approach in PSEAH
This session delves into the heart of what constitutes a victim/survivor–centered approach and the essential role this approach plays in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH). The space will feature an informative presentation on the IASC Victim/Survivor Centered Approach definition and principles, followed by a short conversation between the two speakers and the moderator. The session will end with an open dialogue space to foster an organic dialogue on the importance and implications of centering survivors in our work. This session is not only an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the victim/survivor-centered approach but also a platform for them to seek clarifications, raise thought-provoking questions, and engage in candid discussions with fellow attendees.
Post conference community gathering for BIPOC women and gender diverse folks (closed safe(r) space)
This closed safe(r) space is for BIPOC women and gender diverse folks and will allow you to network, learn from each other and be in community. We are opening this space to do some debriefing about the day and for mobilisation and connection for BIPOC women and gender diverse folks in our sector.
You can register for the session here: bit.ly/3rPLMbS
Digna Focal Points open space
Join us for an hour of open dialogue and informal discussions. PSEAH focal points are invited to drop in, share insights, ask questions, and connect with fellow practitioners and the DIGNA program manager.
DAY 2
This session will provide a space for candid conversations about the challenges and disparities encountered during the implementation of PSEAH projects and activities in different contexts and local communities. To kick off this engaging session, we will begin with a brief yet insightful presentation by representatives from the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH). The RSH will shed light on their critical work and share their valuable experiences in the field, addressing issues such as how different contexts can significantly affect PSEAH work, the importance of community-level engagement, and strategies and best practices for effective implementation. After the presentations, we will open the floor for open dialogue, allowing participants to ask questions, share their own experiences, and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas.
Collective Commitment provides an annual snapshot of our progress in anti-racism in international cooperation. Participants will have an opportunity to learn how the annual exercise allows organizations in Canada’s international cooperation sector to (re)evaluate, (re)new and (re)commit to anti-racism work. This session will also provide an overview of initial findings from the 2023 survey of 71 organizations. Finally, the session includes an opportunity to provide feedback on the tools, resources and training the ARC Hub should prioritize in the coming year.
This session will bring participants back together to determine what’s next for them and their organizations on PSEAH and anti-racism. The closing will include a reflection space on key themes and encourage collective, creative solution building.
