Train-the-Trainer

In 2009, the Council has embarked on a new women-centred CED project in partnership with 13 CED organizations across Canada.

One component of the project is a Leadership Train-the-Trainer.  Women in junior leadership or front line positions in CED organizations worked collectively to build leadership – both in ourselves and in our communities.

Click here to read the final report.

Participating groups:

• Battered Women’s Support Services, Vancouver, BC
• EthniCity Catering/Centre for Newcomers, Calgary, AB
• Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Edmonton, AB
• Ka Ni Kanichihk, Winnipeg, MB
• SEED Winnipeg Inc., Winnipeg, MB
• Oneida Nation on the Thames, ON
• Women’s Employment Resource Centre, Woodstock, ON
• PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, Thunder Bay, ON
• YWCA Toronto, Toronto, ON
• Compagnie F – entrepreneurship pour femmes, Montréal, QC
• Support of Single Parents, Moncton, NB
• WISE Career and Employment Services, St. John’s, NF

The project was officially launched in July 2009 with a Personal Leadership Assessment, completed by each participating woman as a tool to reflect on her personal leadership journey so far.  Next, came Mentorship training for both participating women and their Mentors.

Today was the moment we have all been waiting for.  August 11, 2009 was the first day of face-to-face training.  We have come together for 2.5 days in August to build leadership in 5 critical areas: Personal Leadership, Communications, Conflict Management, Strategic Thinking, and Leader as Educator.

The first day began with a fantastic icebreaker by Parminder and Heather that promoted reflection on stereotypes and first impressions.  We also discussed our leadership goals and how we can help each other to achieve them, values-driven leadership, the Sustainable Livelihoods Model, international leadership development opportunities, the media as a public education tool, and facilitation techniques.  Linh and Angelune led the group through an activity that highlighted communications challenges in a multi-lingual environment.

Comments about day 1 included:

“There is so much synergy in the group…”

“What impacted me most was the session on values-driven leadership and I will carry it with me long after this training.”

“It’s important to wrap services around a woman rather than making her fit into what you are offering.”

“Madbakh Women’s Initiative should develop a manual and share their leadership resources with more organizations.”

“Every women brings assets.  We help her recognize them and identify goals to build her assets.”

“We are not alone; we have support from each other.”

In Day 2 we will focus on Conflict Resolution from Aboriginal Perspectives, Outcomes Measurement, the importance of engaging community, and much more.  Stay tuned for ongoing reports!