Wondering what is unique about our programming? This is what past participants of ASI events have to say:
“ASI is a model of a multi-sectoral forum, linking networks across the region, that could be applied to other provinces
and regions across Canada.”
“The experience was phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with other youth from the Atlantic provinces. We got to pick each others’ brains and learned so much from one another.”
“I loved the bringing together of folks from across Canada who all share the same values.”
“Anytime I come to ASI spaces, they are raw and vulnerable and open; but most importantly they are safe. Safe to be 100% you without judgement or consequences.”
“I loved how many networking opportunities there were to connect with people from various age groups and
backgrounds. I had so many diverse and deep conversations with folks that I learned a lot from.”
“I really liked hearing what people have gone on to do in their communities after attending ASI. It was inspiring.”
“I enjoyed being able to use the [online platform]. This is my first time experiencing it. And I love it.”
“I gained new connections and so much new knowledge. I have many new rabbit holes to go down with research. Many seeds of thought have been planted in my brain. The fire of inspiration, drive, and feeling of frustration seeing others being mistreated is lit and made more powerful within me thanks to the ASI conferences. My hope is strong and so is my sense of collaboration and sense of self. THANK YOU!!!”
“Thank you so much for everyone involved in making this wonderful experience possible. It was a beautiful and safe space where I could learn and nurture my hope with love, respect, acceptance, and support. Thank you. I hope to see you all again.” (Youth Leadership Program participant)
“Congratulations to all involved in planning and organizing the event, it was fantastic! My only feedback would be to allow for more time for networking opportunities and showcasing the booths. Again, thank you so much for creating a forum for people to come together, share in passion, challenges, and collaboration.”
“THANK YOU for all you do and how you do it. Count me in to help plan for next year as ASI celebrates 20 whole years!”
“It was a privilege to be part of the Panel and to learn so much from the presentations and comments.”
“What a wonderful space for networking and self reflection.”
“I loved these workshops or groups that I was a part of. They were extremely educational and fun! I only wish I could have participated in more than 2.”
“I’m so impressed with how you and the ASI community have steadfastly evolved through the years to become a beating heart within Atlantic Canada, giving life to so many essential ideas, tools and relationships across our four provinces.”
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to attend ASI, especially in person, to network, learn about community capacity building, leadership development, leadership, among other very valuable resources. I wouldn’t doubt to recommend this program in the future!”
“It was an amazing experience and I am so grateful to have gotten to go. I learned so much from the forum as well as the youth leadership program. It has lit a fire in me to start working on strengthening the community resilience in my community. I am already planning to put together a team of people to help me organize diverse community events.”
“I was very appreciative of the option to attend the 3-day conference online (my preference was to attend in person, but out-of-province travel did not allow it). I am located in a rural area, so my Internet connection was not robust, which was a limiting factor for the three days. There seemed to be some technical hiccups with the WHOVA online interface and delays. WHOVA is a pretty active platform, peppered with suggestions and ways to interact online. At times, it was a little too rich in extras.”
“The hybrid event made it possible for me to attend more sessions than I would have had otherwise. Thank you!”
“The simultaneous translation helped me follow along presentations made in French. Thank you!”
“It was an amazing, inspiring few days and I look forward to being involved again.”
“The presenter was so engaged and really wanted us to learn how important it is to have everyone involved in the community work as one to achieve progress on an issue and evolve. It was truly amazing and something I will always remember.”
“I really enjoyed the hybrid model. There were inevitably some tech issues; however, that is to be expected! I was ill at one point in the day and unable to attend a session in person, so I logged in online and was able to listen and still avail of the information.”
“A fantastic job in setting the stage not only for the Atlantic Conference but for the world to discuss. If it was recorded, I think it should be distributed worldwide to governments, organizations, and the public.”
“I think the hybrid event was likely a lot of work for organizers to be prepared for both in-person and online. They handled troubleshooting well and in a professional manner. Great job on choosing the best way to host the event for this year. I believe networking would be best in person and hope for a time when this will be safe.”
“The Atlantic Summer Institute’s work is imperative in this region. It is opening up the space for intersectoral collaboration to share best practices in the Atlantic Region, as well as enabling connections to happen in order to propel our shared mission to create healthy communities. Every time I attend ASI I feel re-energized and reconnected in my own community.”
Arianne Melara, Project Manager, New Brunswick Multicultural Council; ASI Youth Leadership Program 2017-2019
“How do we re-establish “villages” that come together and collectively take responsibility for the wellbeing of our children and youth? ASI is responding powerfully to this gap, bringing together academics, practitioners, policy makers, children, youth and various other interested members of our communities to find effective pathways back to the village, where we re-envision not just professional services mandated with a focus on specific child and youth issues, but entire communities to attend to the whole child within a complex and dynamic context. The value I find in this community is consistently immeasurable!”
Linda Liebenberg, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie University, ASI 2018-2019
“A holistic perspective shone. I thought bookending the ASI by tapping into heart and spirit was very effective, creating space for the mostly intellectual participation in the middle. Substance and tone (inclusive, respectful) were both attended to, & both strong.”
Participant, ASI 2020
“I highly recommend the ASI Youth Leadership Program to anyone who is able to attend; the knowledge you gain, the connections you make, and the opportunities given to you through this program are beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”
Emily Laite, Youth Leadership Program participant, ASI 2019
“ASI has given me opportunities to connect with sectors and organizations that I didn’t even know about. It brings an incredible mix of non-profit groups, researchers, educators, policymakers, businesses, and citizens. This diversity has made my professional relationships a lot more successful and brought a new level of partnership to my work. It has made it easier to work together with other groups to make our community stronger. … I have been to ASI three times and it has been amazing to see how much progress has been made in our communities thanks to the partnerships and collective work we have created together at this event.”
Caitlyn Ayn, Research Assistant, Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, ASI 2017-2019
“ASI is an opportunity for policy makers, community organizations, academics and practitioners to come together and explore new evidence and best practice. I am struck by the inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaborations that have resulted over the years and look forward to what will come from future Institutes.”
David Butler-Jones, Senior Medical Officer/Atlantic Region Medical Officer, First Nations & Inuit Health Branch – Health Canada, ASI 2018
“The ASI Youth Leadership Program gave me the resources and the platform necessary to educate myself and others about mental health. The various workshops and opportunities to connect youth with professionals through the Youth Program were crucial for me to develop the skills to self-advocate, ask the difficult questions, and gain industry insight.”
Chantal Peng, ASI Youth Leadership Program participant, 2019
“ASI was a rewarding and uplifting experience. The sharing of best practices and commitment to Child Youth Mental was insightful and powerful. I came away from the experience highly motivated and reassured we are all very passionate and focused on collaborating and working together to build strong healthy and safe communities for our children. I have never been more convinced that we need to continue to work together and learn from each and everybody who works with youth in our region. Our greatest investment in our future is with our children.”
Doug Currie, VP Corporate Services, Holland College PEI: Former PEI Minister of Education & Minister of Health, ASI 2018-2019
“ASI was leading by example for strong youth leadership and participation.”
Participant, ASI 2020
