Canada Northwest FASD partnership 2010 Symposium special features

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Welcome to "Walking Together"

The basic goals of the symposium are to:

• provide learning opportunities,
• promote dialogue and connections, and
• inspire hope and spark action.

To help you get the most out of the next two days, we encourage you to use any of the following:

HELPERS
Need help finding your way to a workshop or have something else you need help with? Ask a HELPER! Helpers are the volunteers wearing the gold pinnies or vests. They are here to help, so just ask and they will do their best to make sure your needs are met.

QUIET ROOM – in the hotel’s Library
If you are finding the large Convention Centre a bit overwhelming, you may want to check out the “quiet room” we have set up in the hotel. The Quiet Room has a TV that shows the speakers from the Convention Centre (during workshop sessions, the screen will be blank). There are also comfortable chairs, coffee and tea. This room is located in the High Country Inn in the “Library”, across the hall from the Ballroom. 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE
If your life (or the life of someone you care about) has been personally touched by FASD, it’s normal to have emotions rise to the surface.  Feelings mean that we are touching the part of us that is tender and caring.  We know that the workshops might bring up emotions for people, and want to support people if we can.  Here are some things you can do if you’re feeling strong emotions:

• take a break from the workshop to get some space
• tell a friend or someone you know about how you’re feeling
• access the counsellors for some emotional support—they are wearing a pink coloured name tag

Three staff from Kwanlin Dün Health Centre and Many Rivers Counselling Services will be on hand during the symposium to offer support.  At least one support person will generally be near the back of the room in the Convention Centre during large group sessions.  During the workshops, one of them will be in the lobby of the hotel.  Please feel free to talk to them at any time.

OTHER VOLUNTEERS/WORKERS
If you have other needs, concerns or suggestions during the symposium, you can also talk to one of the Planning Committee members (blue name tags) or staff with LEAF Solutions (green name tags).
Enjoy the symposium!

Enjoy the symposium!

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We want to hear from you: “The Wall”!

All of us have a different experience and understanding of FASD. The organizers have set up wall spaces where we can learn from each other by sharing our different ideas and experiences.

You will find post-it note pads on tables. If you think of something you want to post during a session, write it down and put it up during a break or lunch (ask a HELPER if you need help doing this!)

There are three sections of THE WALL sharing area:

SUCCESS STORIES: Things I’ve seen work
Do you have a story to share about an approach to supporting people with FASD or preventing FASD that you have seen work?  Help others learn about both the little and big things that work.  Write down what you’ve learned works and post it on this section of “THE WALL”.  Be sure to read what others have found to be a success!

HIGHLIGHTS: Things that are standing out for me
During the symposium, are there things standing out for you?  Are you noticing some new trends or ideas being discussed?  Is there a theme you are seeing emerge?  What new things have you been learning during the symposium?  Share your views and thoughts at any time during the symposium.  Write them down on a post-it and put it on this section of THE WALL in the Convention Centre or the Ballroom.

ACTIONS: Things I want to do
Do you want to act on FASD issues after the symposium?

If there is an action of any kind that you want to start up after the symposium, fill out the “I’ll be taking action” sheets by THE WALL and post it. Describe what you want to do.

Or read what other actions people are starting and add your name and contact information if you would like to get involved! The lead person will get in touch with you after the symposium.