KEYNOTE: A “Yes, And…!” Approach to Developing Community

A hallmark of improv training is to develop a “Yes, And…!” mindset, one that builds off the skills and scenes being set by fellow actors and comedians. How can we transform our communities when we adopt a similar approach? Lanrick Bennett Jr. shares how his Second City training has shaped his community work, from building active transportation to better urban design to placemaking at 8 80 Cities and Artscape.

Lanrick Bennett Jr is currently the Executive Director of The Laneway Project. His previous work has kept him within the active transportation, urban design, and placemaking sphere including stints at Toronto based 8 80 Cities and Artscape. Though he credits much of his success in city building from his time working at The Second City, refining his understanding and implementation of the improv art of Yes, And…! His city advocacy work started while traveling with his then 5 year old son to all 100 libraries by public transit nick-naming it #JacksLibraryTour. He gives back locally as the Community Advisory to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council at UofT, he is a board member with TD Friends of the Environment Foundation and also monitors the progress and activity of affordable housing through the volunteer based HousingNowTO initiative. Finally in January 2022, Lanrick was appointed Toronto’s first Bicycle Mayor coupled with his volunteer time with The Bike Brigade, delivering food to individuals and families in need.

The Future of Food – Barbara Schwartzentruber

Imagine a food system where there’s no such thing as waste and where every citizen has access to the healthy, nutritious food they need. Imagine a living lab that promotes collaboration between food entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers and social innovators—and a rural-urban partnership that leverages smart technology to make it all possible.

Since 2020, Barbara Schwartzentruber and the City of Guelph have been working to create Canada’s first circular food economy. Hear how this revolutionary project is enhancing access to nutritious food, reducing carbon outputs, turning “waste” into valuable resources and creating new economic opportunities.

The County Ambassador – Eleanor R. Cook

Do you know where to park for cross-country skiing at Sandbanks? What to do after dark on a wintry, Tuesday evening?

Gain perspective on The County, from Sophiasburgh to the South Shore and all points in between. Participants tasted some locally-made treats, met some new faces, got the inside scoop on the newest things to see, do and experience in our community.

You can take this BYOD [Bring Your Own Device] session online as Visit The County’s takes you on a journey to becoming a certified County Ambassador.

The Power of Human Connection – Pete Bombaci

What impact does two years apart from friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and classmates have on our health, happiness and well-being?

Genwell Project’s Pete Bombaci shares why we may not be fully back to our old selves just yet, and offers some ways to rekindle the community spirit and sense of neighbourliness that makes The County a great place to be.

Pete Bombaci is a visionary business and social change leader who believes that by doing the right thing every day, exceptional results are created. His engaging leadership style comes from an enthusiasm and genuine desire to help others, as well as the understanding that building a more connected workforce delivers greater collaboration, productivity, trust, loyalty and bottom-line results.

Have notes or knowledge from the event to share?

Please get in touch! You can email us at symposium@thrivepec.ca