Mutual Aid: a New Way of Working with Communities
Mutual Aid: A new way of working with communities
The Hamilton Regional Mutual Aid/Self-Help Conference
Thursday, May 8th, 2008 – 9 am to 4 pm
A one-day conference for self-helpers, volunteers and professionals
who are active with or interested in mutual aid/self-help and peer support groups.
Sponsored by the Ontario Self-Help Network (OSHNET) and
the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI)
8:30-9:00 am Registration 9:-9:15 Introductions & Welcome9:15-9:45 am Guest Speaker: May-Marie Nuyaba
Where:Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, LIUNA Station, Lower Concourse
360 James St. N.Hamilton. Telephone: (905) 521-9917 ext. 276
Morning Workshops (10 am-12 noon)
So you want to be a facilitator: Spencer Brennan, Ontario Self-Help Network. An informal session for those interested in learning basic facilitation skills for beginning a mutual aid group. Topics include icebreakers, guidelines, feedback, and conflict resolution approaches.
Starting a Self-Help/Mutual Aid Group:Carolyn Burley,Ontario Self-Help Network. An introduction to self-help/mutual aid and peer support groups and the 10 steps to creating a group to meet the needs of its members.
Building Partnerships with Communities Roya Rabbani, Self-Help Resource Centre. Learn the how-to in forming purposeful partnerships with community members. Topics includecommunity-based partnerships, benefits of partnership, parameters of successful partnerships and barriers to building such relationships. / Afternoon Workshops (1:00-300 pm)
Enhancing Facilitator Skills:Spencer Brennan, Ontario Self-Help Network. This session will delve a little deeper into facilitator skill and self-awareness, how to work with a co-facilitator, and build membership skills. Bring your nightmares and share your successes.
Voices of Experience: A Panel. Representatives from the Centre for Civic Inclusion, Youth Engagement & Action, Sexual Assault Centre and Beasely Neighbour for Neighbour Association will share their experience of starting and sustaining a group. Great way to learn about the hidden successes of people working together to better themselves and their communities.
Building Social Capital: What does this mean? Roya Rabbani.Social capital is about people’s networks of support and connection, and their ability to work cooperatively.If you work with marginalized communities, this workshop might be useful in creating a social support network for those who do not have one.
Networking Session: 3:15-4:00 pm
An informal networking session where participants get to choose their main working group on topics of shared interest.
In addition, an information table will be available to display pamphlets, flyers, and newsletters about your group or agency.
To register, fill out and return the form below. Registration Deadline: Monday, May 5th
For information, please call The Ontario Self-Help Network in Toronto
Tel: 416-487-4355 Toll Free: 1-888-283-8806 E-mail:
Mutual Aid: A new way of working with communities
Hamilton Regional Conference Registration Form
Name:______
Organization: ______
Mailing Address:______Postal Code ______
Phone (day):______Email:______
Would you like to receive our Ebulletin? Yes _____ No_____
Your affiliation: (Please choose one)
___ Self-Help Group ___ Non-Profit ___ Board of Health/Public Health Unit
___ OSHNET Affiliate ___Hospital___ Community Health Centre (CHC)
___ Community Centre ___ Community Coalition ___ Other (please explain): ______
Your Choice for Morning Workshop (pick your first and second choices)
______So you want to be a facilitator
______Starting a Self-Help/Mutual Aid Group
______Building Partnerships with Communities
FEES: There is a $10 fee per person to attend the conference, or $15 for two registrants attending together.No refunds within 48 hours of the conference.
Space is limited so please register early. Deadline Monday, May 5th, 2008
Lunch and snacks are included in the registration fee, along with workshop handouts.
Your Choice for Afternoon Workshop (pick your first and second choices)
______Enhancing Facilitator Skills
______Voices of Experience: A Panel
______Building Social Capital: What doe this mean?
Can we include your contact information on the Conference Participant’s List? ____ Yes ____ No
Please mail, fax or email your registration, payable to Self-Help Resource Centre:
□ Cheque □ VISA or Master Card
(Card No.______Expiry Date:______)
Self-Help Resource Centre, 40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 219Toronto, ONM4R 1B9
Fax: 416-487-0344 Email: and include ”Hamilton Conference”
in the subject line.
Conference Location:Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, LIUNA Station, Lower Concourse
360 James St. N.Hamilton. Telephone: (905) 521-9917 ext. 276