The 2024 Social Innovation Gathering

Building Capacity for Change by Listening, Learning, and Practicing Together: The 2024 Gathering

In May 2024, PICS hosted the inaugural Social Innovation Gathering—a regional retreat for community leaders, collaborators, and systems thinkers. Designed as a space to slow down and reflect, the event brought together over 40 participants to explore social innovation as a practice for meaningful community change.

Set on the shores of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, the gathering created space for relationships to deepen, questions to surface, and collective insight to emerge. Together, we examined what it means to work differently—centering equity, creativity, and connection in how we show up for change.

Stories, Practice, and Connection

The gathering began with Stories of Change, a public storytelling evening hosted at xwesam shíshálh swiya / Roberts Creek Hall. Featured speakers included Diane Roussin (The Winnipeg Boldness Project), Janey Roh (Curiko), and Jessica Silvey (Red Cedar Woman). Together, they shared powerful reflections on Indigenous knowledge, systems change, and community-led innovation.

The following day, participants convened at YMCA Camp Elphinstone for a full-day retreat focused on Social Innovation: Practice and Possibility. Through hands-on workshops and group dialogue, participants explored:

  • Systems thinking as a tool for understanding and shifting complex challenges

  • Collaborative research and co-design for inclusive engagement

  • Prototyping as a way to learn through small-scale experimentation

  • Equity and decolonial practices as essential to transformative work

  • Strengthening networks to support long-term impact

Each session encouraged reflection and interaction. Participants were invited to bring their own questions and perspectives, listen deeply to others, and explore new ways of approaching their work.

What We Heard

Participants expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with peers, step outside routine, and engage with challenging ideas in a welcoming environment. Many left feeling inspired to test new approaches, pursue collaboration, and continue the learning journey.

“It was well done! A pleasant surprise. I came away feeling excited and looking forward to activating new innovative ideas.”
Dana Caple, Pivot Society

“Having an opportunity to connect in small groups with peers in the community is always worth it to me.”
Erin Storey, Sunshine Coast Foundation

“The passion of the attendees to learn from others and share openly their own personal experiences (both the successes and the challenges).”
Alan Doig, Sunshine Coast Foundation

“I am emboldened to move to a less structured meeting format for our organization to facilitate more creative thinking.”
Vickie Morris, Community Futures

Across all responses, there was a strong sense that the gathering created something meaningful. It was not just about the workshops, but about the relationships built, the shared values expressed, and the trust that began to form.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 Social Innovation Gathering was a starting point.

Participants expressed a strong desire to continue the conversation, explore shared challenges more deeply, and create more opportunities for connection.

Some called for tools to map common questions and priorities. Others asked for follow-up events or ongoing gatherings to sustain the momentum. There was clear interest in continuing to work together in ways that are thoughtful, inclusive, and locally grounded.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who brought their time, ideas, and care to the gathering. This work is ongoing, and it is strengthened every time we come together with intention.

Thank you for being part of it.