Diversity in Development: A call to reflection & action: Full Schedule

2020 was a wake-up call for many that we need to be better at embracing diversity and social equity. As Christian organizations that are “in the business of addressing disparity”, this call to reflection and action is especially important for us to heed. That is why we are centering this year’s annual forum around issues of Diversity in International Development.

Join us on May 5 & 6 as we hear from Dr. Ken Muma, Onome Ako, and Dr. Terry LeBlanc and explore questions like: How does someone from the Majority World experience “development” work?; Who is at the decision-making table and why is it even important?; and, Are there other ways of working that we have missed because of our cultural biases?

11:00am EDT

Welcome, Opening Remarks & Reflection

Have a look at our pre-event questionnaire, including the Code of Conduct, here.

Wednesday May 5, 2021 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Plenary

11:30am EDT

Racism in a Localised Context--Sub-Saharan Africa

All human beings are created in the imago Dei-in the very image of our Trinitarian God. Human dignity is the recognition that human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings. Racism goes against this ethos and is manifested as institutional, interpersonal, and internalized. Cultivating a personal consciousness and developing an introspective gaze in global health can help develop an enriched condusive environment within any organization.

Speakers

Dr. Ken Muma

Executive Director, AIC Kijabe Hospital

Dr. Ken Muma is a Consultant, Paediatric Surgery with more than 10 years of clinical experience. He is the Executive Director (ED) – AIC Kijabe Hospital since 2017. Dr. Muma is a Fellow of COSECSA - College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (FCS, ECSA) by training... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 11:30am - 1:00pm EDT

Plenary, Keynote Speaker

1:30pm EDT

Prayer Room

Come, be prayed for, pray together, or hold space for one another. Drop in for a few minutes or the whole 45. This space will be hosted by the Peer Support Person from the previous Plenary session.

Speakers

Dr. Mary McCracken

Mary is spiritual director and non-profit leader who delights in bringing the Holy into the ordinary experiences of our lives. Working at the crossroads of faith and culture, Mary has particular interest in how the Holy Trinity engages in our grief and lament, inviting us into the... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Prayer Room, Soul Care

1:30pm EDT

Lessons about diversity from going viral

During the height of the Spring 2020 COVID lockdowns we released a video that went viral...twice. We had the best of intentions but missed the mark on diversity. We learned a lot and want to share our leanrings to help you avoid what we experienced.

This session will upack the invaluable lessons we learned about the importance of diversity in digital content and offer tips and resources to guide you as your organization navigates this complex world of digital diversity.

Speakers

Graeme Watt

Principal / Lead Strategist, Anthem Creative

Graeme is passionate about telling stories that matter. He's the owner and Lead Storyteller at Anthem Creative, a full-service digital agency dedicated to partnering with people, projects, and organizations pursuing human flourishing to amplify their stories and multiply their impact... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

1:30pm EDT

Navigating Meaningful Change: Tools and techniques

Navigating Meaningful Change
How using Appreciative Inquiry, Human-centered design, and reinvention can energize your organization in navigating meaningful change.
To navigate uncertainty well, is to be comfortable with change. In our organizations, what if change could be seen as an exciting opportunity to innovate? What if navigating change became the norm? What if instead of resisting change, our teams found it invigorating?
What if our organizations could thrive, not just survive, through our next change? Through every change?
In this workshop we’ll see why our approaches to change have to change. We’ll talk about a proven 5-step process to navigate meaningful change from inception to effective implementation. It’s faster, more inclusive, and way more fun than you think. And you’ll leave with a few proven tools to get you started.

Speakers

Christine Lancing CPA,CA

Practitioner and Principal - Strategy and Fundraising Advisory, Bakker Business Services & Lancing Consulting

Christine Lancing, a CPA, CA has been working with Faith-Based organizations and Christian Ministries for over 20 years. She spent 11 years at HPIC, a CCRDA member, where she led Finance, then started the Fundraising Department, and later headed up Strategic Planning and new program... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

1:30pm EDT

Responding to Crisis Within Your Organization

Speakers

Melodie Bissell

President & CEO, Plan to Protect

Melodie is the President of Plan to Protect®, a social enterprise providing the highest STANDARD of abuse prevention and protection to organizations servicing the vulnerable sector globally. The company services 7,500 volunteer-driven organizations in Canada including not for profits... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Bonus

1:30pm EDT

Soul Care: God's Word to Weary Workers

International relief and development is important work that sits close to the heart of God. The need is more pressing now than ever before. Add to that the urgent need to increase diversity and combat racism in the field and the task at hand is daunting. Do you question your capacity to do everything? Struggle with weariness? Wonder if you are enough? In this session you are invited into 45 minutes of rest. Through a time of guided meditation on Scripture (lectio divina), come and let the Lord breathe comfort and strength into your soul.

Speakers

Summer Mohrlang

Pastor, Sanctuary Church

Summer is a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church in Seattle and also has a growing spiritual direction practice providing spiritual care to Christian leaders. Summer is passionate about helping Christian leaders move towards sustainability in their work and believes that a deep... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Soul Care

1:30pm EDT

Time to Take a Stand?!?

With so many significant issues impacting our world today how does a leader discern when to speak up for a cause and when to remain silent? (Facilitated Discussion)

Speakers

Chris Wignall

Executive Director, Catalyst Foundation

Chris Wignall is fascinated by how people and organizations work (or don’t). As the Executive Director of Catalyst Foundation he comes alongside charity leaders to help them lead more effectively and enhance the impact of their organizations. Past work as a pastor, church planter... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

1:30pm EDT

Why Boardroom Diversity Matters

Board diversity matters--- not only social and professional diversity but diversity of thought. In this workshop, we will examine how cognitive conflict, when balanced with cohesiveness, can help boards and CEOs make better decisions and thereby govern more effectively. Several impediments to board-level critical thinking will be identified, and models will be described which may help CCRDA member organizations engage in more effective strategic decision-making.

Speakers

Ed Wilson

Principal Consultant, Long Run Consulting

Ed Wilson founded Long Run Consulting in 2019 following a successful, 32-year career of executive leadership in the charitable sector in Canada, of which the last 12 were spent at International Justice Mission Canada. As IJM Canada’s executive director from 2014 to 2018, he led... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

3:30pm EDT

Asset-based Theology: An Unusual Paradigm

This session focuses on an asset-based approach to Christian theology and community development, identifying the restoration of relationship within three critical spheres as an alternative to the more common deficit-based models of community engagement and development understood theologically as a moral and legal breech. How might a non-linear, non-Western approach to community and community development, that inquires into best practices through the use of narratives create a more effective approach to health and well-being?

Speakers

Dr. Terry LeBlanc

Executive Director, Indigenous Pathways

Terry is Mi’kmaq with Acadian ancestry. He and his wife Bev are in their 49th year of marriage. They have three adult children – twin daughters and one son. He is the founding chair and current Director of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community (NAIITS). Terry is a traditional... Read More →

Wednesday May 5, 2021 3:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

Plenary, Keynote Speaker

11:00am EDT

Prayer Room

Come, be prayed for, pray together, or hold space for one another. Drop in for a few minutes or the whole 45. This space will be hosted by the Peer Support Person from the previous Plenary session.

Speakers

Lisa Barber

Worker Care Team Member, MSC Canada

Lisa has her roots in a Saskatchewan farming community, raised and discipled by a family who put their faith in action. In addition to being pioneers in farming, Lisa’s family practised radical hospitality, was instrumental in planting a church in the community, and launched a... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Prayer Room, Soul Care

11:00am EDT

Developing a Safety and Inclusion Plan

Identifying risks and exclusion factors at the project-implementation ground-level.

Speakers

Charlie Smith-Brake

Director of Policy & Consulting, Plan to Protect

Interested in: Vulnerable Person Protection, Risk Management & Mitigation, Ending all forms of abuse and exploitation. Recent Roles: Director of Policy and Consulting, Senior Operations Manager, Volunteer Coordinator (Volunteer). Where I've called home lately: Phnom Penh, Cambodia... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Thematic

11:00am EDT

Exploring Theological Foundations for Anti-Racism Work

This workshop will be framed in two sections. The first one will explore the theological endgame of anti-racism work. The second will apply the 3 R's of John Perkins’ philosophy of community development as theological conditions for anti-racism work. The workshop will include times of reflection as a group.

Speakers

Emo Yango

Network Coordinator, The United Church of Canada

Emo's work portfolio at The United Church of Canada includes racial justice and disability ministries, intercultural and intersectional analysis and migrant church networking. Previously, he had engaged in grassroots development work (i.e., capacity building) among blue-collar alcoholics... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Thematic

11:00am EDT

Having Meaningful (and Difficult) Conversations

This workshop will explore best principles and practices for facilitating virtual conversations exploring challenging topics. By focusing on conditions, culture and connections, difficult conversations can generate shared meaning, mutual respect and new insights.

Speakers

Lisa Villeneuve

Co-Founder, Openly

Lisa Villeneuve is a trusted social impact strategist with 20+ years of experience helping changemakers to navigate complexity and transform human systems. Lisa’s human-centered, collaborative approach builds trusting relationships through meaningful dialogue, shared learning and... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Thematic

11:00am EDT

Missions in Christian International Relief and Development Work

In this workshop we will examine patterns of neo-colonialism as they manifest in International relief and development programs and practices. With a specific focus on Christian faith-based approaches to missions, crusades and humanitarianism; we will discuss how this work historically and currently embodies white supremacy, what we can do to take action against it and how Christians can move forward in being the hands and feet on Earth.

Speakers

Serisha Iyar

Drawing from liberation and womanist theologies, Serisha Iyar is committed to practicing foundational frameworks of anti-oppression like decolonization, anti-racism and intersectional feminism. These frameworks guide her work with Leading in Colour, which she started after the firsthand experience of race-based rejection in activism. Serisha decided to create a space where racialized youth leaders could learn from one another and mobilize. Leading in Colour trains young people to become activists for their communities, and demand j... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Thematic

11:00am EDT

Mountains Made Low: Disability Justice in Canada and Around the World

Join Christian Horizons for a conversation about disability and advocacy in Canada and around the world. For over fifty years, Christian Horizons has worked to inspire and equip communities of belonging with people who experience disabilities. For the last 30 that has included supports in the majority world. This mission is driven by our Christ-shaped vision for peace and justice, yet Jesus asks us not only to reach others but also to be shaped by His Kingdom ourselves. During this time we will reflect on some of the ways Christian community has furthered an accessible world and how we are working to embrace Christ’s call for transformation in our own services and practices by recognizing the strengths and contribution of people with disabilities and their families.

Speakers

Chantal Huinink

Coordinator of Organizational and Spiritual Life, Christian Horizons

Chantal Huinink is a motivational speaker, author and social justice advocate who serves as the Coordinator of Organizational and Spiritual Life for Christian Horizons and recently founded Faith and Wheelpower Ministries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University... Read More →

Mark Wallace

Executive Director of Organizational Culture and International Partnership, Christian Horizons

Mark Wallace is the Executive Director of Organizational Culture and International Partnership with Christian Horizons. For the past eight years, he has been leading and overseeing the work of Christian Horizons internationally in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti and Nicaragua. He has... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Thematic

11:00am EDT

Nurturing Your Soul as a Busy Leader

A vibrant soul is critical to serving and leading. But, how do you practically nurture your soul in a 24-7-365 chaotic world of endless deadlines?This workshop will provide fresh ideas, proven tools and some experiential learning to stir fresh life in your walk with Jesus.

Speakers

Dr. Steve Brown

President, Arrow Leadership

I loves walking alongside leaders and cheering them on. I serve as President of Arrow Leadership, a Christian ministry focused on developing Jesus-centered leaders.My new book, Jesus Centered - Focusing on Jesus in a Distracted World just released. My prayer is that it will stir... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Workshop, Soul Care

12:00pm EDT

Welcome, Opening Remarks & Reflection

Have a look at our pre-event questionnaire, including the Code of Conduct, here.

Thursday May 6, 2021 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Plenary

12:30pm EDT

Who is at the decision-making table and why is it even important?

Gender bias is undermining our social fabric and devalues all of us. It is not just a human rights issue; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at its fullest. Political, economic and social equality for women will benefit all the world’s citizens. This session will explore, who is gets go be at the decison making table, why they are there, and make a case for a more inclusive process.

Speakers

Onome Ako

Executive Director, Amref Health Africa in Canada

Onome Ako is the Executive Director of Amref Health Africa in Canada, the largest African led international health NGO. In her role, she is responsible for leading the organization’s strategic growth and innovative programming in areas which include maternal newborn and child health... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Plenary, Keynote Speaker

3:00pm EDT

Prayer Room

Come, be prayed for, pray together, or hold space for one another. Drop in for a few minutes or the whole 45. This space will be hosted by the Peer Support Person from the previous Plenary session.

Speakers

Charlene Stinson

Special Projects, Hungry For Life International

I am a co-founder of Hungry For Life International which was born in 2003 out of a passion to see the renewal of the Church and the relief of needless suffering globally. I have given leadership in many areas, including Canadian Operations, Public Engagement and Communications, and... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Prayer Room, Soul Care

3:00pm EDT

God's Presence and Shalom through Lectio Divina

In the fullness of global outreach and ministry, we delight to join in God’s work of caring for the world. Yet, we often find ourselves parched and weary to the core, longing for Abba. In the midst of the swirl and intensity of our personal lives and around our planet, the Spirit invites us to come away, to rest in the peace of God’s living water. In this session you are invited to soak in God’s presence and experience God’s shalom, through lectio divina and breath-work, as a means of restoring your soul.

Speakers

Dr. Mary McCracken

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Soul Care

3:00pm EDT

Lessons about diversity from going viral

Speakers

Graeme Watt

Principal / Lead Strategist, Anthem Creative

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

3:00pm EDT

Navigating Meaningful Change: Tools and techniques

Navigating Meaningful Change
How using Appreciative Inquiry, Human-centered design, and reinvention can energize your organization in navigating meaningful change.

To navigate uncertainty well, is to be comfortable with change. In our organizations, what if change could be seen as an exciting opportunity to innovate? What if navigating change became the norm? What if instead of resisting change, our teams found it invigorating?
What if our organizations could thrive, not just survive, through our next change? Through every change?
In this workshop we’ll see why our approaches to change have to change. We’ll talk about a proven 5-step process to navigate meaningful change from inception to effective implementation. It’s faster, more inclusive, and way more fun than you think. And you’ll leave with a few proven tools to get you started.

Speakers

Christine Lancing CPA,CA

Practitioner and Principal - Strategy and Fundraising Advisory, Bakker Business Services & Lancing Consulting

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

3:00pm EDT

Time to Take a Stand?!?

With so many significant issues impacting our world today how does a leader discern when to speak up for a cause and when to remain silent? (Facilitated Discussion)

Speakers

Chris Wignall

Executive Director, Catalyst Foundation

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

3:00pm EDT

Why Boardroom Diversity Matters

Speakers

Ed Wilson

Principal Consultant, Long Run Consulting

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

3:00pm EDT

Workshop with Co:Culture - Alyssa Esparaz

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in international relief and development work. It has the power to inspire and compel people towards action and change. But like with all powerful things, it also requires immense wisdom and care to ensure we tell our stories in ways that promote justice and dignity. The words we use and the way we tell stories matter. The voices and experiences we highlight matter.

In this workshop, we will talk about the power of words and story and unpack practical communication strategies that hold justice and dignity at the core. Christian organizations have powerful and transformative messages. As we bravely lean into tensions and ask uncomfortable questions, we can make those messages of hope and healing stand out with clarity in a world that so desperately needs them.

Speakers

Alyssa Esparaz

Co:Culture Collective

Workshop Title: "Justice and Ethics in Storytelling for Christian International Relief and Development Work"Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in international relief and development work. It has the power to inspire and compel people towards action and change... Read More →

Thursday May 6, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

Workshop, Thematic

4:00pm EDT

Diversity in Development Panel

Speakers

Plenary, Panel

4:45pm EDT

Closing Remarks

Thursday May 6, 2021 4:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

Plenary