Join the ‘Belonging Matters’ Workshop in Clinton, Ontario – Building Inclusive Communities Together
Discover how to foster community belonging and strengthen social connections at the upcoming ‘Belonging Matters’ workshop on October 7, hosted at Libro Hall in the Clinton Arena from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This full-day event is led by community development expert Heather Keam from the Tamarack Institute and is designed to inspire inclusive communities across Huron and Perth counties.
The workshop will feature a compelling film screening, an engaging panel discussion, and collaborative planning sessions focused on creating programs and activities that enhance community belonging. “We believe the community can identify and build on its strengths to design activities that encourage everyone to get involved and feel a sense of belonging,” says Heather Keam of the Tamarack Institute.
According to 2021 Environics data, 75% of adults in Huron and Perth report a strong sense of community belonging. Rural residents, in particular, are more likely to feel connected than their urban counterparts, as noted by Statistics Canada. “Research tells us that people who feel connected and have a sense of belonging in their communities have decreased risks of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, dementia and depression,” explains Laura O’Rourke, Public Health Promoter at Huron Perth Public Health.
Organized by Huron Perth Public Health, the Tamarack Institute, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH), Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health, and the Huron County Immigration Partnership, the event is supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health, and the Municipality of Central Huron.
“Belonging Matters isn’t just a workshop — it’s an invitation,” says Michelle Millar, UWPH Community Development Manager for Mid-Huron. “If you care about connection, inclusion, and the future of our communities, this is where the conversation starts.”
Tickets are available online through United Way Perth-Huron. Admission is $45 for adults and $30 for students, with lunch included.
For more information GO HERE.