Social Impact Starter Series
Workshops that empower the translation of ideas into real-world impact.
Social Impact Starter Series
Workshops for students, researchers, faculty, founders, non-profit leaders or community members with a curiosity about social impact. Learn about how to connect with community, effectively share your ideas, and build your skills with other aspiring change-makers.
This five-part series supports the development of essential soft-skills and provides practical tools and insights to help translate ideas into real-world application.
Each session builds upon the next, diving into communication skill development, articulation, storytelling, creating meaningful connection with collaborators, public speaking, and more.
Participants are encouraged to join all sessions to benefit from peer-to-peer learning, but are welcome to attend single sessions.
The Art of Storytelling
Session 1: September 9, 2025 - Social Innovation Hub
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Master the skill of genuine storytelling to convey your ideas in a way that resonates with audiences.
This session will guide participants through the powerful art of storytelling leaving with an understanding of the multiple structured formats to communicate your social impact.
Mark your calendar!
Craft a compelling problem statement and value proposition
Session 2: October 7, 2025 - PF4220A 4th Floor
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Learn how to effectively articulate your research or project's core challenge by crafting a compelling problem statement and setting the stage for impactful solutions.
This session encourages participants to think deeply about the problem and those affected by it, to ensure you solution has meaningful impact. Participants will leave with a framework that helps identify primary audiences.
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Public Speaking and Pitching
Session 3: November 4, 2025 - PF4220A 4th Floor
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Boost your confidence in public speaking and refine your presentation skills for any audience, from formal settings to casual conversations. Whether it's final presentations, elevator pitches, personal branding, or a professional business, you will be prepared to impress.
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Transformational Connections: Create Partnerships for Impact
Session 4: December 2, 2025 - Social Innovation Hub
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
This interactive session is designed for researchers, educators, and practitioners eager to move their work beyond traditional boundaries and into meaningful partnerships that drive lasting impact. Participants will explore actionable strategies to build partnerships that are reciprocal, sustainable, and transformative.
Expand your network and create opportunities for broader community engagement while thinking creatively to design collaborations that go beyond one-off projects.
Mark your calendar!
Mastering Customer Discovery
Session 5: December 9, 2025 - Social Innovation Hub
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Join this session as you solve hidden problems and validate your ideas. Share what you've learned, connect with fellow participants, and explore potential collaborations.
Featured speakers Craig Elias and Brandy Old of Alberta Innovates will share insights and key tools to support you in moving your ideas forward.
Mark your calendars!
The Social Impact Starter Series is co-hosted by UCalgary's Social Innovation Initiative, Faculty of Nursing's Health Systems Transformation Initiative (HIVE), and Innovate Calgary's Social Innovation Hub.
