Looking for info on our emcee and speakers? Take a look at our Playbill blog post.
Welcome to our FAQs blog post for A Provincial Affair! We understand that you may have questions and concerns leading up to the event, and we're here to provide you with all the information you need. In this post, we've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions to help make your experience on May 10th as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you're a first-time attendee of our events and programs or a seasoned veteran, we hope you find this guide helpful. So, without further ado, let's dive into the FAQs!
Why are we organizing A Provincial Affair? This is not your parents' election forum! interVivos is bringing A Provincial Affair back to the community on May 10th. We offer a wide range of expert-led content covering affordability, healthcare, reconciliation, and anti-oppression topics.
How long has interVivos been organizing events like this? Since 2006, our community engagement events have brought Edmontonians together to get informed about issues that matter to them. The events are non-partisan, but the discussions are frequently political. We cover a range of topics, not just elections; for instance, the environment, colonialism, and feminism. Each occasion allows attendees to engage with each other and the speakers in a safe and non-judgmental space.
Who can attend? Attendees from all backgrounds are welcome to come. We have always encouraged diverse attendees to come to our events.
Is the event a safe space? interVivos is a non-partisan nonprofit organization. We understand that many attendees may have opposing viewpoints, and discussions may become heated. We ask that all attendees remain respectful of one another.
Here are some understandings that we’d like to set in preparation for the event:
Patience and compassion for yourself and others
Respect for everyone in the room
Listen to understand rather than respond
Embrace ambiguity
Challenge your assumptions
Speak honestly and with intention
What we share in the group stays in the group
Expect unfinished business
Attendees will also be signing a document when they arrive saying that they understand if they don’t follow these rules, they will be asked to leave the event.
What topics will be discussed at the event? The three topics are:
affordability and jobs
healthcare
reconciliation and anti-oppression
Who will be speaking?
Emcee:
Joshua Wolchansky (He/They), Community Builder
Speaker on affordability and jobs:
Satya Brata Das (He/Him), Chair, The Digital Economist
Speaker on health care: Dr. Bonnie Islam (She/Her), Associate Teaching Professor and Pediatrician, University of Alberta/ Alberta Health Services/ Stollery Children's Hospital, New Canadians Health Centre and Northeast Community Health Centre
Speaker on reconciliation and anti-oppression:
Shani Gwin (She/Her), Founder and Managing Partner at pipikwan pêhtâkwan
When did interVivos last organize an event like this? In May 2022, we held a virtual community engagement event focused on the effects of the pandemic on women and gender-diverse people. The event was called thank u, next. Over 50 Edmontonians attended.
Are there any virtual options for this event? Due to the format and the capacity of our volunteers, no. Stay tuned for virtual events from us in the coming months.
Can political candidates and staff attend? Provincial candidates and staff are welcome to register for the event with the understanding that they are like other attendees; they get to listen to discussions, ask questions, and network. This is not an event for parties to present their platforms.
How did we determine the topics being discussed at the event? The hot topics were determined by research MacEwan students completed earlier this spring.
How did you find the volunteer speakers? Speakers were recommended by our board members, advisors, and former mentors. They’re diverse and were picked with an intersectional lens. They are community leaders, thinkers, and high achievers.
Why is there a cost to the event? We are a volunteer-run nonprofit. Attendees will pay a small fee to keep our operating expenses low and our events and programs affordable for all Edmontonians. Fifty percent of all ticket proceeds will be donated to the Edmonton Food Bank, an organization interVivos has long supported in the community. The prices of our events are set at cost, but we do our best to make our events accessible to all. If you require a discounted price, please contact us at connect@intervivos.ca.
What is the event dress code? Professional attire is not necessary. Wear what makes you feel best. Our event is a safe space.
What time should I arrive? Please arrive at 5:45 pm so we can start at 6:00 pm.
Where is the event located? The event location is 99ten, directly under The Common (9910-109 Street).
Can people younger than 18 attend? Unfortunately, no. Our venue, 99ten, is an 18-plus establishment.
Is there parking available at the event location?
Parking in the area is minimal, although some spots are available on residential side streets, so we recommend taking transit. Government Centre LRT is located very close to the bar.
Will there be food and drinks provided? Light snacks are provided, and there is a cash bar available.
Are there any event accommodations? Please email us at connect@intervivos.ca to find out more.
What is the event flow?
Time | Activity |
5:45 PM | Registration & Light Refreshments |
6:00 PM | Opening Comments & Speaker Introductions |
6:35 PM | Getting to Know Your Table |
6:45 PM | Small Group Discussions & Speaker Rotations |
8:05 PM | Table Debrief & Post-It Wall |
8:15 PM | Closing Comments, Door Prizes & Networking |
How can you stay involved if you can’t come to the event? interVivos is always up to something. Please visit our website at https://intervivos.ca/. You can also sign up for our mailing list here.
We are also quite active on our social media channels:
Instagram: @intervivosab
Twitter: @interVivosAB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intervivos/
TikTok: @intervivosab
Follow our hashtag to participate in the conversation online: #interVivote
How can I purchase my ticket? Click here!
Have other questions? Drop us a line at connect@intervivos.ca.