Big Brothers Big Sisters Pictou County hosts training conference
The fall brings on routine and a busy schedule, but at Big Brothers Big Sisters it was busier this fall since they led the charge at hosting staff from Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Atlantic provinces for their fall training conference at Pictou Lodge Resort.
Each fall and spring the staff in the region gather to discuss trends with children and youth, are trained in various areas of service delivery as well as leadership and executive training for their staff.
Margie Grant-Walsh, executive director of the local agency said, “We were honoured to be the host of such an important conference. Our goal was two-fold, to make sure our staff are trained in every updated method to ensure we can provide a safe and consistent service for children and youth, and secondly, to make sure that everyone had a chance to relax, enjoy themselves and to find out what a great place Pictou County is to host an event.”
The two-day conference had a focus of diversity and inclusion and there were sessions in everything from safer spaces, social media training, fentanyl, child trafficking and exploitation, handling a bequest, and being a diversity and inclusion champion.
Representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada attended to give an update and a review of the child safety standards. Local speakers included: Nicole LeBlanc, Deanna Mohamed, Sylvie Theriault, Vania MacMillan and Henderson Paris.
Grant-Walsh added, “Our staff did a wonderful job at putting on such an educational and informative conference. We utilized local experts and had the opportunity to showcase what we have to offer here in Pictou County. Our staff association which provided financial sponsorship for the conference was very pleased with the result. With 37 in attendance, it was the most we have had in a number of years.”
The local agency made sure to highlight local finds in everything they did from guest presenters and speakers to entertainment.
Grant-Walsh said, “We had so many requests for Pictou County Pizza sauce, we had to ensure they had a chance to try it. Pictou County Pizza was so generous to donate a jar to each delegate and we sent them on their way with a nice goody bag and a slice of Pictou County Pizza. We also had two individuals talking about booking the venue for upcoming events.”
A major contribution to this year’s conference was when RBC provided funding to the 13 agencies across the region for the mentoring work they do. Local RBC Pictou branch manager Leslie Otter was on hand to present the cheques.
Grant-Walsh said, “RBC has been a regional partner for many years and we were delighted once again to have them on board. Locally we received over $3,000 that will go directly into programming and that is huge, particularly in our In-School Program. Thank you to RBC for their generosity throughout the region.”
The conference ended on a highlight with local diversity champion Henderson Paris speaking to the group and sharing his story on the development of the Run Against Racism, now known as the Marathon of Respect and Equality.
Submitted