Social Impact Starter Series
Workshops that empower the translation of ideas into real-world impact.
Social Impact Starter Series
Great ideas don't create change on their own - people do.
The Social Impact Starter Series is a five-workshop learning experience that empowers individuals to translate ideas into meaningful, real-world impact. Through intentional soft-skill development, participants gain clarity, confidence, and the tools needed to communicate ideas, build authentic relationships, and take purposeful action.
The series is for anyone who wants to create positive change and is looking for a starting point.
Each session builds upon the next. Participants will:
- Learn how to communicate ideas clearly and authentically
- Identify the core problem you are solving and who you are solving it for
- Build confidence in public speaking and pitching to diverse audiences
- Develop meaningful, sustainable relationships rooted in reciprocity
- Leave with an actionable path to move your idea forward
The Art of Storytelling
Session 1: Tues, February 3, 2026
Hybrid: PF4220 A 4th Floor (in-person) or Zoom
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Learn how to craft authentic stories that connect emotionally and intellectually. This workshop helps to articulate your 'why' and adapt your message for different audiences.
Key skills: storytelling, audience awareness, authenticity
Learn more and REGISTER.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
Craft a Compelling Problem Statement
Session 2: Tues, February 24, 2026
Hybrid: PF4220A 4th Floor (in-person) or Zoom
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Define the challenge you are solving - and who you are solving it for.
By focusing on your work's core challenge, this workshop helps you clearly identify the problem, the people affected, and why it matters. A strong problem statement becomes the foundation for impact and helps craft authentic solution validation.
Key skills: problem framing, critical thinking, clarity of purpose.
Learn more and REGISTER.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
Public Speaking and Pitching
Session 3: Tues, March 17, 2026
Hybrid: PF4220A 4th Floor (in-person) or Zoom
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Build confidence and refine your presentation for specific audiences.
Develop the confidence to speak clearly and persuasively. Participants refine their pitch and presentation style to match different audiences - whether in conferences, boardrooms, or community spaces.
Key skills: public speaking, presentation design, confidence-building
Learn more and REGISTER.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
Transformational Connections
Session 4: Tues, March 31, 2026
Hybrid: PF4220A 4th Floor (in-person) or Zoom
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Create sustainable relationships for impact.
This interactive workshop offers a unique approach to relationship-building that goes beyond LinkedIn and traditional networking events. Learn actionable approaches for creating meaningful, long-term connections rooted in reciprocity, trust, and shared value.
Key skills: relationship building, emotional intelligence, collaboration
Learn more and REGISTER.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
Your Roadmap for Success
Session 5: Tues, April 14, 2026
Hybrid: PF4220A 4th Floor (in-person) or Zoom
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
This session integrates all previous workshops, helping participants connect storytelling, problem clarity, communication, and relationships into a clear, actionable step. Leave with a roadmap to move your idea into action.
Key skills: integration, planning, execution mindset
Learn more and REGISTER.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
FAQs
Hybrid! Attend in-person at the University of Calgary (room details provided upon registration) or join virtually over Zoom. Links will be sent to registrants in advance.
You are welcome to join as many sessions you like. Quick recaps are provided, but you'll get the most value if you've joined earlier sessions.
Yes, interactive mapping, group discussions, and personalized feedback in a supportive space are part of each session. These sessions are designed as workshops.
- Early-stage social innovators and entrepreneurs
- Professionals seeking purpose-driven work
- Anyone ready to move from ideas to impact
The Social Impact Starter Series is co-hosted by UCalgary's Social Innovation Initiative and the Faculty of Nursing's Health Systems Transformation Initiative (HIVE) in collaboration with Innovate Calgary's Social Innovation Hub.
