1. Who will be there?
2. What will I learn?
3. How can I prepare?
4. What’s involved in the online learning component?
5. Will there be free time?
6. What is a learning pod?
7. What about my travel and accommodation?

1. Who will be there?

We seek to bring together a diverse mix of individuals from a variety of sectors, and we encourage participants to enrich the Institute with their unique experience, and the issues and ideas that matter to them the most.

Participants include representatives of community organizations, businesses, funders and national, provincial and regional governments.

2. What will I learn?

The Communities Collaborating Institute focuses on collaborative approaches to community renewal, making connections, inspiring learners, and on forming an ongoing learning community.

For more information about the 2008 Institute Program, click here.

3. How can I prepare?

4. What’s involved in online learning component?

The online learning component includes both self-directed and small group learning activities in the Communities Collaborating online community.

Every Institute participant is encouraged to participate in all learning activities and complete a unique process of learning and teaching to become a Tamarack Peer Coach. Those seeking this recognition will be required to demonstrate that they have met certain requirements. For more information about becoming a Tamarack Peer Coach, contact us at ccinstitute@tamarackcommunity.ca.

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5. Will there be free time?

Yes, if you want it! We have designed an urban retreat with optional, informal activities in the morning and evening outside of formal sessions. We hope they will rejuvenate you and help you learn and connect with your peers in different ways, but it’s your choice if you prefer to skip them in favour of more time on your own. View the Institute program for more details.

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6. What is a learning pod?

Learning pods are small groups of participants that will convene at the Institute to reflect on the day's presentations. Pods provide a forum for sharing the expertise of participants that may inform the larger learning community. These groups offer a great opportunity to learn and practice community-building skills, such as listening, synthesizing, presenting, facilitating and giving constructive feedback.

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7. Who is taking care of my travel and accommodation?

Participants are required to book their own travel and accommodation for their time in Kitchener. Here at Tamarack, we're working hard to make sure your experience at the Institute is an enjoyable one. Need more information than one is provided below? Please feel free to contact us by email at ccinstitute@tamarackcommunity.ca or by calling (519) 885-5155.

Accommodation

We have secured a conference rate at the Delta Hotel in Kitchener for $112/night per room, which is guaranteed until August 15, 2008. Room sharing can be arranged by indicating your wish to do so when registering. Arranging a roommate, booking, cancellations and payment to the hotel remain your responsibility.

Tamarack will make a list available of those who would like to share accommodation and participants can choose/contact their roommate.

Travel

By Air

Kitchener is located approximately one hour from both Toronto Pearson and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airports. There are direct flights to either or both airports from International destinations and most major Canadian cities, depending on the airline.

The area is also serviced by Region of Waterloo International Airport with non-stop flights to and from Calgary daily by WestJet, while NorthWest Airlines offers three flights daily to Detroit.

We suggest that you call your travel agent and ask them to negotiate the best airfare for your trip.

From the Airport

Airways Transit services and fares for individual bookings are available on their website.

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