Meet Ben Weinlick, MA, Executive Director of Skills Society! Ben was instrumental in developing the Action Lab and has 15+ years of experience leading systems change and social innovation. He’s passionate about helping teams tackle complex challenges collaboratively.

What makes Labs unique? The Future of Labs Final Report explores when Labs thrive—fostering creativity, collaboration, and trust—and when other approaches may be better. How might we apply Labs where they’re most impactful? Read more: actionlab.ca/future-of-labs…

Meet Amanda Burnett, Administrative Support at Action Lab! Amanda ensures smooth operations, from bookings to maintaining the space. Outside work, she loves walks in Millcreek Ravine, cappuccinos, and yoga. Her care and dedication make her an integral part of the team!

What's reasonable to expect from Labs? The Final Report explores how managing expectations shapes impact. Rather than fixed solutions, Labs thrive by tailoring approaches, delivering multiple outcomes, and leaving space for learning. Read more: actionlab.ca/future-of-labs…

How do we make the case for social innovation in a time of shifting priorities? At SDX 48, we’ll explore this together—sharing strategies, experiences, and ideas for a collective pitch. March 27, 1-4 PM (doors at 12:45) @ the Action Lab Get your ticket: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-48-stren…

What’s are the next practices of Social Innovation Labs? The Final Report grapples with how Labs can scale impact, deepen relationships, and balance experimentation with accountability. What practices will keep Labs relevant and impactful? Read more: actionlab.ca/future-of-labs…

SDX 48 is coming up fast. We’ll be digging into how to make the case for social innovation in a time of shifting priorities and tightening budgets. If you want to be part of the conversation, make sure to register! Get your ticket here: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-48-stren…

What does it take to build a thriving social innovation ecosystem? The Final Report explores how Labs can strengthen networks, articulate their value, and create inclusive pathways for joining the field. What conditions enable Labs to thrive? Read more: actionlab.ca/future-of-labs…

Final call—SDX 48 is happening next week. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time to sign up. We’ll be exploring how to communicate the value of social innovation to those outside our field. Get your ticket here: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-48-stren…

When teams jump into complex work too fast, they risk getting stuck or missing the mark. At SDX 49 we’ll explore why scoping matters and share tools and stories for navigating complexity. Apr 29, 1-4 PM (doors at 12:45) @ Action Lab Get your ticket: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-49-scope…

SDX 49 is coming up. We’ll dig into why scoping matters, what goes wrong when we skip it, and how to get better at it. Join Ben Weinlick, Paige Reeves, and Rebecca Rubuliak from Action Lab for tools and ideas on navigating complex challenges. Get tickets: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-49-scope…

Need a facilitator to help guide your team through complex challenges? Action Lab’s certified facilitators bring tools like empathy mapping, concept mapping, and systemic design to support your work. Learn more at actionlab.ca

Last chance to register for SDX 49. We’ll dig into why scoping matters, what can go wrong when it’s skipped, and how to get better at it. Ben, Paige, and Rebecca from Action Lab will be leading the session. Get your ticket here: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-49-scope…

As part of our knowledge share series, we're highlighting thinkers who have influenced Action Lab. On Think Jar Collective, Ben Weinlick explores James Webb Young’s book 'A Technique for Producing Ideas'—a creativity method that still holds up today. Read more: thinkjarcollective.com/articles/cultu…

When you rent Action Lab, you're not just booking a space—you’re supporting meaningful employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Be part of a community driving inclusion and transformation. Learn more at actionlab.ca

Scope or Die was full of big ideas: sewers, silver buckshot, and how sharper scoping can lead to stronger outcomes. We tested a new tool to help navigate scoping tensions and will be sharing the updated version soon. Swipe through for some moments from the day!

The CommuniTEA van is back for the season. It’s a mobile tea house that pops up in Edmonton neighbourhoods, creating space for people to connect, share, and contribute. To book, email [email protected] or call 780-619-4277. Artwork by Mark Traficante.

We were recently in Drayton Valley exploring residents' hopes for the future, what’s getting in the way, and what might shape change. We'll be sharing some of the tools we used soon. Need help with facilitation or engagement design? Reach out, we'd love to chat.

We were in Drayton Valley exploring hopes, barriers, and pressures shaping change. We used the Future Triangles Tool, which helps surface key influences on an issue. You can download it from the Tools section of our site: actionlab.ca/tools.

We were recently in Drayton Valley exploring hopes, barriers, and possibilities for the future. One tool we used was the Head, Hand and Heart Tool, a thoughtful way to map community assets. You can download it from the Tools section of our site: actionlab.ca/tools.