Kaleidoscope Spaces

Kaleidoscope Spaces creates opportunities to cultivate and broaden the perspectives that are informing the E4A strategy. These spaces allow more agility to respond to ongoing and emerging challenges that relate to poverty in our community. Challenges may come in and out of focus over time as we shift and adapt to changes in the political and community landscape. This agility will allow us to let go of pre-designed structures and can be a platform for increased unity as we work to make systems changes that will reduce poverty.

E4A community engagement can take many forms and requires a variety of options for convening and connecting to engage meaningfully. There are many ways to receive input, and VCC assesses which tool is needed on a case-by-case basis. Tools may include a consultation, a full community meeting or conversation, a survey, talking with one individual, or a social media campaign. Engagement may be directly with the voices of lived experience of poverty or with organizations, groups, or agencies. Continuous feedback is important to meaningful convening and different methods of reporting back are used.

Examples of types of engagement activities 

Tailored: One or two individuals or organizations engaged (i.e. media opportunity, connection to an E4A Champion, etc.). 

Consultations: A group of people or organizations, either convened directly for E4A (i.e. informal Champion chats, specific VCC-directed engagements with the voices of lived experience) or designed to the needs of an organization requesting consultation with the E4A Community (i.e. connect with those identifying as the voices of lived experience within the E4A Community). 

Broad Community Conversations: Invitation to all Calgarians, partnership with a Champion organization, direct connection with E4A levers of change. 

When engaging with people with lived experience of poverty, it's important to consider the following:

Power dynamics: Power imbalances may exist when engaging with individuals with lived experience. It’s important to recognize that individuals with lived experience are experts. It is important to acknowledge power dynamics as well so any concerns can be discussed.

Compensation and support: Compensation for an individual’s time, expertise, and contributions are important. Compensation limits barriers to participation. Additional support may also include things like transit tickets and onsite childcare.

Mental health support: When convening the voices of lived experience please be mindful and approach gatherings through a trauma-informed lens. Strive to provide professional resources either during or after the meeting.

Transparency: Participants should always receive clear details about an engagement opportunity. These details should include expectations of the participant, any relevant material or research, how the information gathered will be used, and how they will be updated about the outcomes or impact of the engagement. Feedback loops following an engagement are a critical piece of the engagement process.

VCC has guidelines for engaging people with lived experience of poverty. View Centring Perspectives: Guide for Engaging People with Lived Expertise.

Kaleidoscope Spaces is the community engagement approach in the implementation of the Enough for All strategy. As stewards of the strategy, Vibrant Communities Calgary convenes with different community members in physical and online spaces to respond to ongoing and emerging issues that affect poverty in Calgary.

VCC continues to evolve to meet the needs of implementing the Enough for All Strategy. We honour our history and the contributions of all of those who have helped shape the work of Enough for All. We welcome opportunities to build relationships and expand connections with diverse perspectives and the voices of lived experience.

Voices of lived experience of poverty are embedded in the implementation of Enough for All and will continue to inform and guide the strategy through Kaleidoscope Spaces.

In implementing the Enough for All strategy, we mean the voices of lived experience of poverty. For example, VCC knows that those who are Black, Indigenous, or people of colour, women, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, single individuals, and low-wage workers are often more likely to experience poverty.

Depending on the type of engagement, honorariums will be provided to those representing the voices of lived experience. Details about honorariums will be provided based on specific engagement opportunities. Honorariums are typically provided as an hourly compensation based on the current living wage rate.