The Calgary Children's Initiative (CCI) is a collaborative community voice committed to the long-term success of every kid in Calgary. We work with over 70 partners towards six key outcomes.

What's New
CCI At A Glance Dec 1 2008
Click Here to download CCI At A Glance in pdf format

The TRUE YOUth Media Toolkit Launch, September 30, 2008
The Social Imaging Action Group launched the TRUE YOUth Media Toolkit September 30, 2008 at Mount Royal College. The toolkit is designed to help youth serving organizations engage their youth in contacting the media to report on positive youth stories. It includes the learnings from the past six years, the accomplishments of the TRUE YOUth campaign, and a large section on how to engage media effectively. The toolkit also makes use of examples such as media advisories and letters to the editor.

The adult launch brought together representatives from youth serving organization in order to teach them how to use the toolkit and to emphasis the importance of engaging their youth in the process.
Guest speakers included:
• Global TV’s News Anchor, Gord Gillies
• Daryl Zerr of Zerr Communications Inc
• Brad Clark, Professor at Mount Royal College
• and an introduction by Dave Marshall, President of Mount Royal College and Co-Chair of The Calgary Children’s Initiative.

The youth media training event was geared towards youth 16-24. The youth took part in activities that engaged them and focused on the importance of caring about the issues.
Guest speakers included:
• Aisling Slattery of City TV’s Breakfast Television
• Marc Chikinda, Dean of the Centre for Communication Studies at Mount Royal College
• Kate Smitko, Communications Advisor for United Way of Calgary and area

Click here to download your copy of the TRUE YOUth Media Toolkit:

Taking Stock: New Perspectives on Parenting
September 29, 2008
On September 29, 2008, The Calgary Children’s Initiative hosted the parenting professional development conference, Taking Stock: New Perspectives on Parenting.

Guest speakers included:
• Dr. Carol Crill Russell, Senior Research Assistant with Invest in Kids
• Dr. Suzanne Tough, Scientific Director of the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research
• Dr. Stuart Shanker, Distinguished Research Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at York University
• Graham Clyne, Director of the Calgary Children’s Initiative

The key speakers shared the latest research on what parents want and need to be supported in their role and how the needs of children can be met by effective parenting strategies. Educators, child care professionals, government officials and policy makers were among the 155 attendees.

The conference wrapped up with a presentation by Graham Clyne, Director of the Calgary Children’s Initiative who gave a brief synthesis of the information gathered during the individual discussion sessions. A more in depth report of the feedback given by participants will be available online soon.

To view the speaker’s Powerpoint presentations, follow the links:
Three Cheers Findings
Developing Mentally Healthy Children
Alberta Benchmark Survey
Taking Stock: New Perspectives In Parenting

Dads at Work Pilot Project Evaluation
This evaluation outlines the results of the Dads at Work Pilot Project that was specifically designed to provide support to working dads as they attempt to balance the demands of the workplace with the demands of parenthood. This was originally planned to be offered in the work place however this did not prove to be a successful strategy. To learn more
Click Here (pdf document)

Jo-Anne Gibson named as Director of The Calgary Learning Village
The Council of Champions of the Calgary Children’s Initiative (CCI) is pleased to announce that Jo-Anne Gibson has been appointed as Director of The Calgary Learning Village (CLVC). The CLVC is a partnership of education, health, social, recreation and cultural services active in the Greater Forest Lawn area of Calgary. It includes 17 community partners and is funded by Clay and Vi Riddell through a generous donation to the United Way of Calgary and Area.
Jo-Anne Gibson has worked with several of Calgary’s child and youth serving organizations, including the CCI, and brings broad strategic management, project development and implementation successes to her new leadership role. She comes from Australia and has also worked in the United Kingdom.
Jo-Anne may be reached at 403.204.8280 local 207. jgibson@clvc.ca

The Calgary Learning Village Collaborative
The Calgary Learning Village Collaborative (CLVC) has transitioned away from its incubation and stewardship within The Calgary Children’s Initiative (CCI). Following more than six years of successful development and growth within CCI, this unique 15 partner collaborative has established its own governance model. The vision of the CLVC continues to be one of engaged and inclusive communities where schools are the center of collaborative lifelong learning, helping children, families and neighbourhoods to be resilient and hopeful.

Visit the CLVC website at http://clvc.ca

Report on Community Consultations
Context, Opportunities and Proposed Strategies
September 2007
The following slides outline the results from an extensive community consultation exercise undertaken over the last four months. Over 80 friends, volunteers and organizations involved with The Calgary Children’s Initiative provided the input that has helped to shape the “Future Directions” included in this presentation.
Please take a moment to go through the slides and feel free to contact us if you have any further thoughts or suggestions. Again, thank you to all the contributors who shared their insights, ideas and ambitions for the CCI. With your help, we can bring these plans to life and build a better and healthier future for all of Calgary’s children and youth.
Graham Clyne
Director, CCI
Click Here (pdf document)

Recreation Connections Tool Kit
On October 9, The Calgary Children's Initiative hosted a workshop for professionals who work with children and families. The purpose of the workshop was to disseminate the Recreation Connection Tool Kit which will support any individual who works with children and families to connect them to recreation and leisure opportunities within the city . The tool kit addresses some of the most common barriers for children and families in accessing these activities. Our goal is to ensure all of Calgary's Kids have the opportunity to participate. Please feel free to download the whole tool kit or parts of it that may support you in your work. Click Here (pdf document)

2nd Place PSA Contest Winner Video
View the video that won second place for the "I Just WantTo Say Something Contest"
Click Here To View In Flash
Click Here To View In QuickTime

Parenting Programs for Everyone: Professional Reference Tool
Calgary professionals who work to support area families have a new resource tool to assist them. The Parenting Programs for Everyone: Professional Reference Tool makes referrals for parenting support easier. Click Here (pdf document)


Opening Doors
A new subsidy for the cost of facility rental is available to open doors for youth programming in communities. This subsidy is aimed at reducing the costs of community facilities thus allowing greater opportunities for youth to participate in positive events and activities outside of school time.To find out more and how to apply Click Here

Upcoming Events Where CCI is Presenting or Participating:

Check back with us