Sometimes a community event starts with something as simple as a conversation.
Earlier this summer, conversations about the upcoming referendum started coming up at HSCA’s weekly Sip N Chat. Participants had questions about what would be on the ballot, what the different questions meant, and where they could go to better understand them. Those questions led to plenty of conversation around the table. People brought different perspectives, shared information, asked questions and took the time to listen to one another.
“The one thing everyone agreed on at Sip N’ Chat was that voting in the referendum was important, and more important was that what they were voting for was fully understood,” said HSCA Community Connections Coordinator Melisa Centofanti.
Photos by Colleen H.
During one Sip N Chat gathering, a participant brought in information they had received after a thoughtful conversation with a neighbour who held a different perspective. The two had ultimately agreed to disagree, but the conversation continued around the Sip N Chat table, where participants talked through what they were reading and what it could mean for their community.
That ongoing interest raised another question: would people come to an event where they could learn more, hear additional context, and have the opportunity to ask their own questions?
For the Sip N Chat group, the answer was a unanimous yes.
And from there, Referendum YUM: A Tasting Guide to the 10 Questions began to take shape.
On September 29, around 60 people gathered at HSCA for an evening of food, learning and conversation with Dr. Duane Bratt, a professor at Mount Royal University whose research includes Alberta politics.
Julie Hrdlicka, a mediator and facilitator with Conflict Revolution, helped facilitate questions from the audience throughout the evening.
“There were differences of opinion, and people felt comfortable asking difficult questions, challenging ideas and seeking clarification,” Julie said.
Photos from the event were taken by Colleen H.
The evening brought together familiar faces from HSCA programs, community members of different ages and people who were new to the community association.
For the Sip N Chat participants whose questions helped spark the event, the evening offered some of the clarity they had been looking for. Afterward, they shared that the referendum questions felt clearer and that they felt more confident in their understanding of what they were being asked to vote on.
What started as questions at Sip N’ Chat grew into an opportunity for the wider community to come together, learn and ask questions.
The evening was also made possible with support from across the community. Thank you to Community Natural Foods Crowfoot, Peppino’s in Kensington and Matador Pizza Hillhurst for contributing food, and to Youth Central volunteers for lending their time and energy to the event. Thank you as well to Dr. Duane Bratt, Julie Hrdlicka and everyone who came ready to ask questions, listen and take part in the conversation.
ABOUT SIP N CHAT
Sip N Chat is a casual weekly gathering at HSCA where community members can drop in, grab a cup of coffee or tea and a snack, and spend some time connecting with neighbours. It’s an informal, easy-to-join space for conversation, connection and whatever happens to come up around the table.
Sip N Chat takes place Tuesdays from 2–4 p.m. at HSCA.