You are Invited! CDLI Big Meet Up - Big Celebration 10 years of CDLI!
Join us Saturday, November 18 from 9 am - 12:30 p.m. IN PERSON at Carya's Village Commons in East Village (610 8th Ave SE). Register for free here.
Our Whys:
1) Be part of celebrating 10 years of CDLI and help us launch CDLI's reimagined Vision and Mission!
2) You are likely involved in many networks, some you don’t even think about. From community groups and shared interest groups to professional designation organizations to working groups dedicated to specific action, networks are all around us. From 9:45 am - 12 pm we are digging into networks!
We intend to explore the why behind CDLI intentionally operating in this way and explore how your involvement in networks (CDLI or otherwise) can impact change.
Let’s start here:
June Holley, author of The Network Weaver Handbook: A Guide to Transformational Networks, describes how networks can change systems:
“Systems change when new networks supplant the old. Underneath every system is a set of networks. First, there is a network holding the old ways in place that needs to be exposed to the world and opened up for change. In addition, there is a network (often much larger than we realize) of unconnected or loosely connected individuals who want a healthier system. One of the most effective ways to change a complex system is by connecting these individuals and helping them take action to change the system.”
Event Timeline:
9:45 - 10:20 am
Panel discussion exploring the impacts of working as a network, including, what makes some networks operate with more impact than others? We are excited to welcome panel contributors with a variety of experiences in different networks:
Leslie Evans (she/her), Executive Director, Federation of Calgary Communities
Leslie is a born and raised Calgarian who believes her role aligns perfectly with her passion for community building. Leslie is currently the Executive Director of the Federation of Calgary Communities, supporting the largest volunteer network in Calgary at 20,000 strong. Leslie has dedicated her career to the not-for-profit sector for over 30 years. She has worked for local, provincial, and national organizations working with youth and volunteers. Leslie is best known for her capacity-building work in engagement, community development, financial literacy, board development, and results-based accountability. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Management, a Certificate in Human Resource Development from the University of Calgary, and a Master’s Degree in Management focusing on Voluntary Sector Leadership from McGill University. Leslie is the mother to three fur friends, who accompany her to work daily. During COVID Leslie learned to ride and has competed in Extreme Cowboy Racing. Leslie is an active volunteer and has received several awards, including The Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award.
Marla Kailly (she/her), Calgary and Area Regional Community Developer, Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA)
Marla is a Regional Community Developer with an initiative Healthy Aging Alberta which is backboned by United Way of Calgary and Area. Working with a group of Regional Community Developers throughout Alberta who use an asset-based community development approach, Marla is building a network of organizations providing non-medical programs and services to older adults to support seniors to age as they choose within their homes and communities. With a background that includes studying people and their relationships with communities, cultures, and their environments, and active involvement in volunteering, Marla knows the value of, and works to support communities to discover their assets and build more resilient and engaged communities for everyone.
Lisa Stebbins (she/her), Chief Program Officer, Carya Society of Calgary
Lisa is currently a Chief Program Officer with Carya Society of Calgary. In 1994 she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at York University in Toronto, Ontario. She then completed two post-graduate certificates, one in Public Relations from Humber College in 1995 and the second in Human Resources Management from Seneca College in 1996. Lisa also holds a Masters degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University completed in 2013. Lisa achieved her designation as a Certified Human Resources Professional with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta in 2004 and continues to hold the Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation in Alberta.
Since beginning her work with Carya (formerly Calgary Family Services) in 2000, Lisa has held the positions of Human Resources Manager and Director of Homecare Operations. From 2013 –2015, Lisa worked as an independent consultant providing expertise in human resource management, policy development and organizational effectiveness to diverse clients ranging from start-up oil and gas service companies to First Nations communities. In 2015, Lisa returned to Carya to provide operational leadership in the growing area of older adult programs and services. With a keen interest in policy development, community initiatives and non-profit leadership, Lisa is passionate about social services and ensuring that the sector can adapt to the emerging needs of Albertans. For this reason, Lisa serves on many steering committees including the Healthy Aging Alberta Community Leadership Council and projects related to the sector and advancing the delivery of innovative social services. Lisa is a Reviewer for the Canadian Centre for Accreditation and has also been appointed as a Public Member to the Council of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta since 2017.
10:30 am - 12 pm
Opportunities to dig deeper on topics such as:
How does the individual impact change at the network level?
Grounding networks in relationship.
What are the next steps in the network way of working?
We are grateful to digging deeper session hosts:
Crystal Guzmán, Engagement and Research Lead, Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA)
Nicole Colley, Community Engagement Coordinator, Women's Centre of Calgary
Tyson Bankert, Co-Lead, Community Development Learning Initiative (CDLI)
Molly MacRae, Executive Director, Bowness Community Association
We will be taking time to offer acknowledgement and gratitude for where we have been and the people who make CDLI possible - which includes you! CDLI is a network and you are our network members.
In order to pull off this once in a lifetime celebration our small staff team is relying on amazing network member volunteers and contributors. If you are open to making coffee, welcoming people into a space or helping to clean up afterward let us know via email We know not everyone can contribute in this way and are grateful for everyone who takes time to join us to celebrate!