What is a people’s school?

A people’s school gathers community members together to discuss an issue of importance to them. Every person who comes to the people’s school brings their skills and knowledge. Sometimes someone who knows a lot about the issue is invited to be part of the discussion. We hope through conversations, people will join with others to create positive change.

Why this topic? Why now?

Volunteers are vital for the well-being of Nova Scotians. At the same time, volunteering is changing. Community organizations cannot recruit and retain volunteers in the way they once did. Volunteerism looks at values, structures, policies and other ways to support volunteers. We will have conversations about:

• Looking at volunteering differently to encourage more people to take part,
• New ways of supporting volunteers and community organizations, and
• Reimagining our way of looking at volunteerism.

Who is organizing the people’s school?

The Reimagining Volunteerism People’s School is organized by the Connecting the Dots Network and StFX’s Coady Institute. The Connecting the Dots Network is a community-led group that encourages collaboration, education, and advocacy to address community issues. The Coady Institute has reimagined the People’s Schools of the Antigonish Movement to explore economic and social change today.

Why are there four people’s school locations?

There will be four people’s schools to talk about challenges that all communities have in common. These issues will look slightly different for each community. Input from local community members is needed to understand the best way forward.

What is an in-person gathering that is linked virtually?

People will come together in-person in Antigonish, Guysborough, Whycocomagh and Louisdale. People at each gathering will talk about how they see the issue in their area. At certain times during the people’s school, all sites will be connected virtually to share thoughts and ideas. We will also have a resource person who can share their understanding of the issue.

Can I attend the people’s school virtually?

No. The only people who will participate in the people’s school virtually are the online facilitator, the resource person, and a notetaker. Everyone else will participate in person.

Do I need a computer or a smart phone to participate in the people’s school?

No. You will not need a computer or a smart phone to participate in the people’s school.

What time should I arrive at the people’s school?

Please arrive at the people’s school at 8:30 AM to register for the day and to enjoy light refreshments. The people’s school will begin at 9:00 AM and will conclude at 2:30 PM.

Will lunch be provided?

Yes. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

If I have questions about the people’s school, who should I contact?

If you have questions about the people’s school, please contact Pauline MacIntosh at StFX’s Coady Institute at 902-867-5130 or at pmacinto@stfx.ca.

Why is it a Topshee Memorial People’s School?

Rev. George Topshee was the Director of both the StFX Extension Department (1969-1982) and the Coady International Institute (1973-1979). Fr. Topshee was a “Movement” person and saw workers in their trade unions and consumers and producers in their co-operatives and credit unions as part of the same cause for social justice and economic democracy. Since his passing in 1984 until 2004, 18 Topshee Memorial Conferences were held where people from all walks of life could have conversations. The conversations included critical social and economic issues affecting life in Atlantic Canada. More recently, a nine-part Topshee Memorial Webinars Series explored topics of importance to workers and communities. The people’s school series honours the life and legacy of Rev. Topshee.