Upstander Training (with The Harmony Project)
Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. (Doors open 9:15 AM)
Location: Great Room, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Avenue, Banff)

About the event:
What does consent really mean? We know that 45% of Albertans have experienced sexual violence at some point in their life – meaning consent was not respected. We also know that the tourism & hospitality industry experiences much higher rates of sexual harassment. Our community is determined to change this.

The Harmony Project is working to create societal shifts to end violence in our communities. In this session, we will talk about being active and engaged “upstanders” who can help prevent sexual violence by recognizing when a situation could escalate, stepping up, and speaking out to intervene.

Allyship in Action

Presented by The Harmony Project
In partnership with: Banff Pride, and Canmore Pride

Date: Wednesday, November 27
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Door open: 6:15 PM)
Location: Banff Canmore Foundation (Basement), 214 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C7
Entrance: Back of venue building (214 Banff Avenue).

This workshop, led by historian Victoria Bucholtz, is designed for those who consider themselves allies to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s an opportunity to learn how to actively support and advocate for queer and trans individuals in the Bow Valley. Through guided discussions, Victoria will explore practical steps allies can take to create safer, more inclusive spaces.

About the facilitator:

Victoria Bucholtz (she/her) holds a doctorate in History and Gender Theory from the University of Calgary. She is an instructor at Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary in History and Gender Studies. Victoria is a co-founder of the Queer Education Foundation, specializing in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Transgender and Non-Binary Identities, as well as queer culture and politics. She is an avid mountaineer and dog mom.

Who is this for?

This workshop is specifically aimed at allies—those who want to better understand and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

This is a welcoming space to learn and ask questions.

Join us for an evening of connection, learning, and actionable allyship!

Food:

Pizza dinner and light refreshments will be provided. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are available. Please indicate any dietary restrictions you may have in the registration form.

What to bring:

You are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, notebook, and pen.

Accessibility Info:

• There is a wheelchair accessible lift to get to the basement of the venue (where the workshop is taking place). The lift has been tested as of November 2024 and is in working condition.
• The entrance at the back of the venue (214 Banff Avenue) can be used to access the lift. This entrance is wheelchair accessible, although the accessible automatic door button is out-of-order, and a staff member can assist you as needed.
• The venue has 2 gender-neutral wheelchair accessible washrooms. These washrooms do not have automatic door buttons.
• There is accessible parking at the back of the building. However, it is open to the public and will be first-come, first-served.
• The closest bus stop is the Banff High School Transit Hub, which is 260 metres from the venue

Parking:

• The closest free parking lot is the Bear Street Parkade (upper floors)
• There is a paid parking lot behind the Banff Canmore Foundation building (200 block of Beaver street). Paid parking is $5/hr. A map of the parking in Banff can be found here: https://banff.ca/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=12542

Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 6 PM-8PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
Location: Pioneer Room, 101 Bear Street, Banff (above the library)

Frankie D’s Donuts & YWCA Harmony Project are organizing a community Donut & Conversation event on Dec 10th, the last day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Day

Gender-based violence remains a significant human rights issue in our community, and it’s time for us to end the silence together and explore how each of us can contribute to meaningful change.

We will look through an intersectional lens to highlight the experiences of those most affected—Indigenous communities, trans people of color, and survivors of childhood violence… stories that often go unheard.

Throughout the event, we’ll create space to listen, share, and learn through guided conversations and storytelling. You can expect a mix of education, storytelling, and community support as we gather to promote human rights, allyship, and a call to end violence in our community.

We’ll also dig into the uncomfortable truths of biases, the unspoken factors that perpetuate violence, and reflect on how our own beliefs and reactions can contribute to change.

Panel Members:

Dorienne Proulx is the founder of Little Star Artistry and a proud Anishinaabe-Cree Metis woman with roots in Alberta and Manitoba. As a powwow dancer and artist, Dorienne is deeply engaged in her community and dedicated to fostering dialogue around equality, equity, and justice through her art. Her work at Little Star Artistry aims to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, promoting understanding and collaboration through cultural expression.

Food:

We will have Frankie D’s Donuts available in a variety of flavours. There will be gluten free and vegan options. We will also have an assortment of beverages available.

Food & beverages will be self-serve and available continuously through the event.

Who is this event for?

This event is for all community members 18+ as the topics may be activating. All genders are encouraged to come.

Dress Code:

Casual clothing (ex: jeans, t-shirts, etc.). Come in whatever is most comfortable for you.

What to Bring:

Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, journal, and pen.

Accessibility:

• The venue is wheelchair accessible. The washrooms are wheelchair accessible but may be narrow for some wheelchair users. The washrooms are not gender neutral.
• There is accessible parking in front of the Banff Public Library.
• The nearest free parking would be the third floor of the parking garage by Nesters (Bear Street Parkade). There is also free parking along Bow Avenue behind the library.
• The closest paid parking lot is by the public washrooms across the street from the library

Contact Information:

If you have any inquires around the event, please contact Emma at