NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and Georgian College are thrilled to announce the second edition of the Future of Belonging’s Scan Club where individuals and organizations will be able to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for our communities’ future.
Over a six-week period, participants of Scan Club will use a mix of imagination, intuition, creativity and observation of events in the world at large to find signals about caring in the future and the present. Participants will then meet weekly online to dive into conversations around the signals they found and how they might affect the Future of Belonging in our communities.
The first Scan Club, held in 2024, saw over 25 participants collecting more than 80 signals related to belonging. On July 8, 2024, the participants gathered at the Barrie Public Library for a hands-on collaborative session to analyze these signals and identify distinct future trends. Among the attendees were representatives from the YMCA, Georgian College, the United Way and other local organizations, exemplifying the strong community collaboration at the heart of the project.
“We’re excited to invite individuals and organizations across Simcoe/Muskoka to join us for our second Scan Club,” said Pamela Marck, vice-president of strategy and innovation at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “At the YMCA, we believe that exploring future trends together is key to building inclusive and thriving communities.”
Belonging is a foundational pillar of community well-being. It influences physical, mental, and emotional health as well as the economic and social fabric of our society. By identifying trends and aligning strategies today, we can create more connected, caring, and resilient communities tomorrow. The project provides tools and a structured framework for community members to uncover hidden trends and share fresh, innovative perspectives.
“At Georgian College, we recognize that fostering belonging and well-being requires innovation and collaboration,” said Nicole Norris, director, social innovation, Georgian College. “Scan Club provides a powerful platform for individuals and organizations to explore emerging trends, uncover hidden signals of change, and transform them into actionable strategies that strengthen our communities. By fostering dialogue and curiosity, we can collectively shape a more connected, resilient, and caring future.”
The upcoming Scan Club presents a chance for you to actively contribute to a brighter future for Simcoe/Muskoka. Whether you’re a curious individual, a passionate community advocate, or an organization leader, your voice is vital. This initiative will take place virtually every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting Feb. 7 and concluding on March 21. Community members are invited to join this collaborative effort and contribute to building a more inclusive and connected community.
Participation is free, and registration is now open for the 2025 Future of Belonging Scan Club sessions.
To register or learn more about this initiative, visit futureofbelonging.ca.
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