Event cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Unfortunately one of our speakers had to cancel but we look forward to a new date soon.   Give Voice Feb 17-2026

Title: Standing With Our Community: When rights, safety, and dignity are under threat. Speakers: Janis Irwin (MLA Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood) and Marie Renaud (MLA St. Albert). Topic: Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities in Alberta. Location: St. Albert Inn & Suites (Heritage Room), 156 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert. Date & Time: February 17, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 PM; Event runs 7:00–8:30 PM. Details: Free event, registration required via Eventbrite (QR code included). Focus areas: Being an informed ally, dispelling myths, and speaking up in everyday conversations. Hosted by: Give Voice.

Standing With Our Community

When rights, safety, and dignity are under threat

Give Voice  invites you to a free, respectful evening focused on allyship, community responsibility, and how Albertans can show up for one another with care and clarity.

This event is about supporting people, not debating identities. Many community members want St. Albert to be a place where everyone belongs — but misinformation, fear-based narratives, and shifting policies can make it difficult to know how to help.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to move beyond good intentions and into meaningful, practical support.

A Conversation with Janis and Marie

We are honoured to welcome two Alberta MLAs for an open and grounded discussion:

Janis Irwin
MLA Edmonton–Highlands–Norwood

Marie Renaud
MLA St. Albert

Together, they will speak about supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people and persons with disabilities, and what allyship can look like in everyday community life.

This Conversation Focuses On:

  • Being a more informed ally
  • Dispelling common myths
  • Speaking up in everyday conversations

Event Details

As of Feb 17th cancelled – will be rescheduled.

 

Past Events

Note: This past event was very successful !  

Three Albertans share what happens when staying silent isn’t an option. Hear how private citizens became public figures and advocates for their communities — and what inspired them to speak up.

The Accidental Advocate: Sometimes Silence Isn’t an Option

Reboot Alberta / Coffee’s On invites you to a free, inspiring evening focused on community action and civic courage, in partnership with Give Voice AB.

This event is about people, not politics. It’s about real Albertans who care deeply about their communities and chose to step forward when it mattered most. Change doesn’t start in government offices — it starts with people willing to get involved, build trust, and take part in meaningful conversations.

Come hear the real stories from Albertans who made the courageous decision to step out of their role as private citizens and become public figures and powerful advocates. Learn how you can transition from being an observer to an effective, community-minded leader.

About the Hosts

  • Reboot Alberta / Coffee’s On: Reboot Alberta promotes thoughtful public discussion online, while Coffee’s On focuses on bringing people together in person — connecting neighbours, sharing ideas, and building community through coffee and conversation.
  • Give Voice AB: A community group that meets over coffee to plan and carry out local advocacy efforts.

🎤 Featured Speakers: The Journey from Private Citizen to Public Figure

Hear from three dynamic Albertan leaders about their journey into community leadership and the power of civic participation:

  • Bonnie Critchley: A fifth-generation service member who proudly served 22 years in the Canadian Army. Bonnie will share how her sense of fairness, resilience, and commitment to community led her to speak up and help amplify local voices.
  • Lucia Stachurski: With 25 years in senior federal government roles as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Lucia has worked under both Liberal and Conservative governments. She believes in practical, evidence-based solutions and listening to what communities actually need.
  • Amanda Patrick: A current St. Albert City Councillor and organizer of the Run for Reconciliation. Amanda made history as the first Indigenous (Métis) woman elected to council. She is a strong advocate for affordability, accessibility, and honoring St. Albert’s Indigenous history through inclusive, forward-looking leadership.

Opening Remarks will be provided by Ken Chapman of Reboot Alberta.

🎯 Key Takeaways: From Complaining to Community Action

  • How to build community resilience and find supportive networks.
  • The personal process of deciding to step up for your community.
  • The difference between complaining and constructive civic engagement.
  • Inspiration and practical steps for becoming an effective community leader.

🗓️ Event Details

    • Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
    • Time: Doors Open 6:30 PM | Program 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Coffee & Mingling: 6:30 PM-7:00 PM (A chance to connect with neighbours and hosts)
  • Location: Heritage Room, St. Albert Inn & Suites
  • Parking: Free on-site parking available

🎟️ Ticket Information

This is a FREE community event, but registration is required as seating is limited.

Reserve your spot today and be part of an evening that celebrates courage, connection, and community.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-accidental-advocate-tickets-1967817862198?aff=oddtdtcreator