Reflections on ENGAGE: Intentionally

First, we can still feel the energy of our event speakers: Kris Kelly-Frere, Nicole Hartley Bradford, and Garret C. Smith. Each gave an amazing talk, and our video editing team is ramping up to be able to present their ideas to a global TEDx audience via the TEDxTalks YouTube channel. Powerful within the Calgary context, this gives them a global level of reach to the wider TEDx audience, and allows Calgary to share even more profound ideas with the rest of world. Stay tuned to our website for their talks, which should be online in about 4-6 weeks. For now, check out some of the event photos on our TEDxCalgary Flickr site.

Second, our event partners Calgary on Purpose are now working to amplify the discussions that came out of the event through their own efforts to encourage intentional dialogue across the Calgary community. Like us, they are an entirely citizen-led initiative, intended to give voice to the ideas of all of us in the wider Calgary community. What are the measures of a "successful" city, and how do we deepen our thinking about our purpose as a city as we talk with one another about a range of community-level issues?

Third, last but not least, our amazing team of volunteer facilitators gave their collective energy and intellect to hosting a series of conversations that made new connections, and allowed for deep conversations. As the photo shows, it was outstanding to see people "leaning in" to listen to one another share their views, and all of us emerged with a better sense of what might be possible for Calgary going forward if we continue to build the level of connections that occured at the event.

Over the next few weeks, we take a short break to enjoy the (sometimes) glorious summer weather, and take some down time with family and friends to recharge our batteries. Along the way, however, stay tuned to our 8 Seconds news bulletin or our social media channels, as we're planning some fun adventures across our community that you may be interested to join us for!

And, mark the date in your calendars: our main annual event, ENGAGE: Deeply will be coming to the New Central Library on March 28, 2020, with tickets already on sale -- learn more!

We'd also be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the gracious contribution of our friend Jan Keck, who allowed us to use some of his awesome Ask Deep Questions cards as a way to get people talking before and during the event. If you're like us, you'll often want to get beyond the small talk and reach a more meaningful level of conversation when you're in the company of equally curious people. Take a few moments to visit AskDeepQuestions.com and download some of his free conversation resources, or explore some of the awesome tools he is building!