EngageFest is Tamarack's first-ever organization-wide learning event. The gathering takes place virtually with in-person meet-ups around the country. It is about Engaging new ideas, resources and methods to move the needle for your initiative as well as celebrating the incredible work that is already being done around the world! EngageFest! as our first organization-wide event is a big deal! It represents an intentional effort to de-silo our members' essential work and learning journeys and explore the interconnected collective solutions communities need. We are excited to bring together thought-leaders, learners, and Tamarack members from our global network for two days of capacity building, knowledge sharing, and inspiration.  

Whether you're focused on climate transitions, poverty reduction, building neighbourhood belonging, youth involvement or more, we will share stories, knowledge and expertise rooted in topics of equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, and reconciliation while building the five interconnected practices that are vital to driving whole-community change on issues that matter locally. 

EngageFest! will be primarily presented in English. However, we are proud to offer all plenary sessions as well as select workshops in French. 

EngageFest will be offered virtually with closed-captioned abilities in all plenary and breakout sessions via Howspace, our event platform, and Zoom. Whenever possible, we will share resources and materials ahead of time for those who wish to print off presentations or follow along on their own screens. 

EngageFest! sessions will be recorded unless otherwise noted and shared back to participants. If you have any accessibility requirements, please reach out to stephanie@tamarackcommunity.ca. 

We seek community partners across Turtle Island interested in hosting meet-ups with neighbouring Network for Change members and local partners.   

There are two types of meet-ups:  

A Watch Party is a group of 5 or more event registrants coming together to watch the gathering in person. The group may include various Tamarack collaborative members, learners, and partners in your community who will come together to learn and have locally relevant discussions. Hosts should consider whether Watch Party events are open to the public or by invitation only. 

A Networking Event is Tamarack members, learners, and partners hosting a group of 10 or more local changemakers before or after the day's sessions to forge new connections and relationships while reflecting on the day's learnings and grounding them in local challenges and projects. A minimum of 5 attendees should be event registrants. Hosts should consider whether Networking events are open to the public or by invitation only. 

Either a watch party or a networking event can be a good opportunity to energize members of your community towards your own goals. In our experience, learning together is a great way to spark new collective ideas that you and your partners – or prospective partners – can turn into action. Consider organizing additional local speakers for the morning or afternoon that are compelling to the members in your community,  and hosting a dialogue to move your plans forward. 

• Participants will forge new connections and relationships, highlight challenges and projects, create community engagement, will and buy-in for future collaborations and a common agenda.  

• To provide space for event registrants and other community members to experience the gathering collectively for deeper regional reflection, learning, and relationships.  

• To provide space to network and have rich discussions about learnings from the gathering and local work with relevant leaders and community members.  

• Move a particular agenda item forward or host a meeting around the watch party.  

• Celebrate milestones 

Regular registration fees apply for watch parties for each participant and should be submitted through the main gathering page. Groups hosting watch parties will be given access to a group discount rate of $439 per registrant for a group of at least three people. We ask that hosts provide in-kind access to space and A/V.   

Because networking events traditionally occur before or after gathering activities, registration is not required for participation, although highly encouraged so that most can be made of the events. We also ask that hosts provide in-kind access to space and A/V for these events.  

For both watch parties and networking events, each host community may be eligible for a financial subsidy to support these activities. Funds can be used at the host's discretion for any gathering-related expenses, such as to compensate local Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers for opening ceremonies, food, and refreshments. A top-up may be possible for in-person watch parties that host more than ten attendees. You can host meetups for just one day of the gathering or both. 

Tamarack staff will plan logistics for the virtual sessions and will keep you apprised of timing and activities so that you can prepare your discussions. Tamarack staff will also manage all event registrations and help connect registrants to meetups in their region.  

• Financial subsidy for communities that are eligible   

• Poster template to help promote the event   

• Access to email lists to promote to local attendees  

• Connections to potential partners and collaborators