Written by: Lawrence Rodriguez
Lawrence Rodriguez is a youth journalist for FOCUS Media Art Centre

On April 11, 2024, members of the Planning Committee held a meeting for the SDP Stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting was to make recommendations on strategic direction and action priorities, inter-committee alignment, coordination, and stakeholder and resident engagement.

More specifically, the Planning Committee assisted in supporting processes such as the SDP Stakeholder Table meetings to ensure they are effective; the four workgroups to be prepared to report at the SDP Stakeholder Table meetings; addressing requirements and/or requests that need a quick response; identification of information and/or expertise in stakeholders required to make informed decisions; and developing facilitation approaches that increase the capacity of all stakeholders to engage in discussion and decision making.

The agenda of the meeting was to prepare for two main items: the upcoming April 25th Stakeholder's Table Meeting, and the Strategic Planning Task Force. Discussions were led by Ismail Mohammed. Operational details were discussed, including adjusting catering arrangements, improved registration procedures, and establishing print materials for the stakeholders table meeting. In addition to this, volunteers were selected to staff the registration table, to ensure smooth event operations.

Some of the challenges addressed during this discussion regarded communication and coordination with external stakeholders, such as confirmation participation in the reference group, and engaging with various working groups.

As this meeting concluded, it effectively facilitated discussion for strategic planning, coordination, and further community collaboration and engagement, reinstating the committee's dedication to serving the community to foster dialogue, inclusivity, and to make impactful changes within and for the community.