For over 20 years, SooToday has been more than just a source of news: we have been a hub for connection.
We have published thousands of stories, celebrated local heroes, informed the community on challenges we faced, recognized the good work of our neighbours and partnered with hundreds of local businesses, non-profits and grassroots community organizations.
Now, we’re taking the next step toward understanding one of the most urgent and complex issues we face: the opioid crisis.
We are launching a new initiative called the Community Conversation (part of Village Media’s Community Impact Protocol) and we are inviting community members to take part.
We are looking for a diverse group of residents (business owners, parents, students, healthcare and frontline workers as well as people with lived experience) to take part in a Community Conversation focused on Sault Ste. Marie. The half-day workshop is designed to help us better understand our shared challenges and identify solutions that make sense locally.
This Community Conversation offers an opportunity for meaningful dialogue that lets everyday citizens—people like you—explore this issue together. It’s not a debate and it’s not a forum. It’s a working conversation designed to generate understanding and tangible ideas about what our community needs most to respond to the opioid crisis.
Attendees will learn from local experts, have discussions with peers and help develop insights that will be shared with the Mayor and published on SooToday, helping guide future conversations among residents, community leaders and local government.
The opioid crisis affects us all, whether directly or indirectly. It’s a public health issue, an economic issue and a community issue. And while there are no easy answers, there is power in understanding the problem together.
Everyone in our community over the age of 18 is welcome to apply or to nominate someone else they think would be a great fit. You don’t need any special experience to become involved, just a genuine interest in making our community stronger.
We’re looking for people from all walks of life, representing the diversity of our community in age, background and perspective. The final group will be chosen to reflect that balance so that the discussion truly represents our collective voice.
Each selected Community Panellist will receive a $100 honorarium in appreciation for their time.
You can apply to join the Community Conversation here.
You can nominate someone else to take part in the Community Conversation here.
Please submit your interest by November 14.
If you have questions, you can reach our team at [email protected].