As part of Belonging Begins Here: MODG's Path to Equity, the Municipality's Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Committee is launching a municipally sponsored learning series focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. The first workshop, Building Real Readiness for Inclusive Leadership, is designed specifically for board chairs, presidents, and organizational leaders committed to building more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organizations.
The workshop reflects the Municipality's commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging by strengthening the leadership capacity of the organizations that serve our communities.
As a municipality, we recognize that leadership extends beyond delivering programs and services. It also means creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue that strengthen the organizations serving our residents. By investing in leadership development, we are helping build a stronger network of organizations that are better equipped to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
This workshop recognizes that meaningful community engagement starts with leaders who are prepared to create workplaces and organizational cultures where people feel welcome, heard, and respected. By supporting leaders with practical tools and new perspectives, the Municipality is investing in stronger organizations that can create lasting, positive change throughout our region.
"Strong communities are built through strong leadership," said Warden Paul Long, Chair of the Municipality's EDIA Committee. "As a municipality, we have an important role to play in creating opportunities for leaders to learn, grow, and strengthen the organizations that serve our communities. Through Belonging Begins Here: MODG's Path to Equity, we are investing in leadership that fosters organizations, and communities where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included."
About the Workshop
True community inclusion requires more than good intentions—it requires organizational readiness.
Facilitated by Placemaking 4G (P4G), Building Real Readiness for Inclusive Leadership is an interactive three-hour learning session designed specifically for community partners, board presidents, board chairs, and senior staff.
Using the Deep Democracy framework, participants will explore the often unseen dynamics that can influence relationships, decision-making, and equity efforts within organizations. Leaders will gain practical tools to surface diverse perspectives, navigate challenging conversations, and foster the psychological safety needed to build authentic, lasting relationships.
Participants will learn how to:
- Strengthen leadership within their organizations by recognizing and constructively addressing tension among boards, staff, and leadership teams.
- Create organizations that are genuinely prepared to engage with diverse communities in meaningful, respectful, and sustainable ways.
- Build stronger relationships with equity-deserving communities, with a particular focus on African Nova Scotian communities within the Municipality.
"To build sustainable relationships with equity-deserving groups, we have to do the internal work first. We need to ensure our organizations are truly ready for the invitation we are sending out."
— Bradley Daye, Co-CEO, Placemaking 4G
Workshop Details
Who: Board Chairs, Presidents, Executive Directors, Senior Staff, and Organizational Leaders
When: Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex, Guysborough
Cost: Complimentary, hosted by the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.
To encourage meaningful discussion and participation, registration is limited to 30 participants.
For more information and to register visit - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-real-readiness-for-inclusive-leadership-tickets-1993025808845?aff=oddtdtcreator or contact Christina Bowie at cbowie@modg.ca.