Member Events
Federation members can submit information about upcoming events, training sessions, and workshops by filling out the online form in the members-only area of the website. Federation staff will post and update this list regularly.
Member Events
Expand All
-
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: October 2024
2024-10-15 | Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: October 2024
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Rosedale on Robson, 838 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Start Date: 10/15/2024
End Date: 10/18/2024
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Description: Learn how to help parents with children aged 0-5 years connect, build knowledge, and gain confidence with this core training hosted by the BC Council for Families.
Develop new skills for delivering strength-based learning and conducting non-judgmental and inclusive community programming. Participants learn how to facilitate experiential learning in which parents gain information and insight and learn how to apply what they have learned to many areas of their lives.
This crucial program, developed in Canada for parents of every cultural community, has been consistently demonstrated to positively impact the parenting knowledge, skills and confidence of participants. For parents in particularly stressful situations – when there simply isn’t enough money, when they’re new to the community or to the country, when they’re young, or under-educated, or struggling without a partner or family support – being part of a supportive group of parents who understand and share their difficulties can make all the difference.
Who is this training for?
The Nobody’s Perfect facilitator training is specifically aimed at those with previous experience and/or education in facilitating groups and working with children, youth and families. You will be comfortable with the basic principles of adult education, currently employed with or volunteering at a multi-service or family support organization, and passionate about supporting families in all their diversity.
How will I benefit?
After attending this training, you will have developed:
-Knowledge of Nobody’s Perfect program objectives and materials
-Increased awareness of the principles of adult education and their application to the Nobody’s Perfect program parents
-Enhanced skills in assessing the needs of parent groups
-Ability to plan and direct program sessions
-Enriched practical facilitation skills
-A complete training and program materials package is included in the cost of the training.
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-facilitator-training-october-2024_1233/ -
Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: how to create peace, patience and less overwhelm
2024-11-07 | Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: how to create peace, patience and less overwhelm
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 11/07/2024
End Date: 11/14/2024
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/strengthening-self-regulation-through-self-compassion-how-to-create-peace-patience-and-less-overwhelm-november-2024_1243/
Description: What is self-compassion?
In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will explore some of the myths about self-compassion as well as what self-compassion is and what it is NOT. We will introduce the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness, and explore them both individually and collectively. We will look at some of the benefits of self-compassion and the resistance we experience to it, including the beliefs that lead to this resistance.
Learning Objectives
-Explore our thoughts, feelings, and internal dialogue about self-compassion
-Discuss the myths about self-compassion and what it is and is not
-Begin to understand the science behind self-compassion
-Learn what it means to “create space,” and to get curious about yourself with self-compassion, mindfulness, and personal awareness (using somatic awareness exercises)
-Gain an introduction to the three pillars of self-compassion and spend time exploring them through solo and group activities/explorations -
Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: November 2024
2024-11-19 | Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: November 2024
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 11/19/2024
End Date: 11/20/2024
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Description: This newly updated workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families will enhance your mental health literacy, provide a guide for the promotion of mental wellness for mothers, and promote practices that build resiliency and a strong network of community supports.
The valuable toolkit is a workbook-style resource that will increase maternal mental health knowledge, skills, and confidence among those working with mothers and families.
This toolkit and workshop will:
-enhance your mental health literacy,
-provide you with a guide for promoting mental wellness for mothers,
-teach tools and techniques to help you prevent mental health issues,
-help you recognize the risks and signs of possible mental illness,
-help you guide women and their families—and other people supporting them—to understand and access assessment and treatment services, and
-enhance your knowledge of community responses and support that encourage recovery and decrease stigma.
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/mothers-mental-health-toolkit-training-november-2024_1235/ -
Grief and Loss in Professional Practice
2024-11-25 | Grief and Loss in Professional Practice
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 11/25/2024
End Date: 11/27/2024
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/grief-and-loss-in-professional-practice-november-2024_1246/
Description: Grieving professional losses is important and necessary to help prevent compassion fatigue and burnout in human service work. As the saying goes, "the only cure for grief is to grieve."
Helping professionals often form strong workplace bonds, putting them at risk for complex feelings of loss when these bonds end or change. Losses may include organizational restructuring, the departure of a co-worker, the end of a client relationship, or, in more serious circumstances, when someone dies. Experiencing strong feelings during these times can be confusing, as these emotions may not be acknowledged or validated by social workplace norms; this is known as "disenfranchised grief."
In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, participants will learn how to identify, acknowledge and process losses; honour and work with grief in a professional context; maintain professional boundaries, and practice restorative and compassionate self-care.
Workshop Highlights
-Identifying and understanding ambiguous and disenfranchised grief
-Honouring emotions while remaining boundaried in our work
-Supporting yourself and others through loss in professional practice
-Practice examples and scenarios -
Risk Management for Home Visitors: January 2025
2025-01-17 | Risk Management for Home Visitors: January 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 01/17/2025
End Date: 01/17/2025
Event Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/risk-management-for-home-visitors-january-2025_1252/
Description: Risk Management for Home Visitors is a practical and research-based workshop that will equip outreach workers with the skills, awareness and strategies to stay safe and healthy in their work.
This training hosted by the BC Council for Families has been developed specifically for home visitors, by the Home Visitor Training Initiative at BC Council for Families, with extensive consultation through WorkSafeBC and an occupational health-care expert.
Following the training, participants will have: 1) an increased level of knowledge of the risks of delivering social services in clients’ homes, and 2) increased skills and knowledge to assess risk levels and to take the appropriate steps to mitigate risk. Risk Management policies and resources from Canada, the US and other countries have been integrated into this practical and informative workshop.
Topics covered include:
-The BC Workers Compensation Act
-Occupational Health and Safety Rights
-Risk assessment
-Strategies to mitigate risks such as: working alone, slips and falls, driving and travel, violence, infectious diseases, and psychological trauma -
My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: February 2025
2025-02-03 | My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: February 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, 838 Hamilton St, Vancouver
Start Date: 02/03/2025
End Date: 02/05/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/my-tween-and-me-program-facilitator-training-february-2025_1254/
Description: My Tween and Me is a parenting program for families with children aged 7-12 years.
The BC Council for Families' 15-hour training is newly revised to provide family service professionals with practical strategies and techniques that are flexible and adaptive in promoting positive youth development for tweens as they transition into adolescence and early adulthood.
Learn new facilitation skills to engage both parents and their tweens in our innovative curriculum that goes beyond parent education to promote strong family relationships and positive youth development for children aged 7-12 as they move through the critical transition from childhood to adolescence.
Learn how to help parents:
-Strengthen their pre-teen’s self-confidence, esteem and worth
-Positively influence their pre-teen’s choices, values and goals
-Support their tweens in making healthy decisions
The training centers around five core topics:
-Healthy development of children age 7 – 12
-Life at school as a pre-teen
-Building strong family relationships
-Encouraging strong peer relationships
-Exploring today’s pre-teen world and building community -
Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: how to create peace, patience and less overwhelm: February 2025
2025-02-18 | Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: how to create peace, patience and less overwhelm: February 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 02/18/2025
End Date: 02/25/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Weekly)
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/strengthening-self-regulation-through-self-compassion-how-to-create-peace-patience-and-less-overwhelm-february-2025_1255/
Description: In this virtual workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will review some of the myths about self-compassion in order to help us define what it truly means. We will then introduce the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness.
Through individual activities and group discussion, we will explore the benefits of self-compassion, resistance to it, and the origins of this resistance. You will learn strategies to incorporate self-compassion into your personal and professional practice, which can help reduce stress and strengthen relationships with your colleagues, clients, friends and family.
Learning Objectives:
• Explore our thoughts, feelings, and internal dialogue about self-compassion
• Discuss the myths about self-compassion and what it is and is not
• Begin to understand the science behind self-compassion
• Learn what it means to “create space,” and to get curious about yourself with self-compassion, mindfulness, and personal awareness (using somatic awareness exercises)
• Gain an introduction to the three pillars of self-compassion and spend time exploring them through solo and group activities/explorations
• Learn strategies to incorporate self-compassion into your daily routine, which can help reduce stress, increase efficiency and improve relationships
Dates and Times
Tuesday, February 18 and Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST. -
Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: February 2025
2025-02-20 | Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: February 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 02/20/2025
End Date: 02/21/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/mothers-mental-health-toolkit-training-february-2025_1256/
Description: Enhance your maternal mental health literacy at this online event hosted by the BC Council for Families.
Often you are the first point of contact for a mother struggling with their mental health. This newly updated workshop will enhance your mental health literacy, provide a guide for the promotion of mental wellness for mothers, and promote practices that build resiliency and a strong network of community supports.
The valuable toolkit is a workbook-style resource that will increase maternal mental health knowledge, skills, and confidence among those working with mothers and families.
This toolkit and workshop will:
-enhance your mental health literacy,
-provide you with a guide for promoting mental wellness for mothers,
-teach tools and techniques to help you prevent mental health issues,
-help you recognize the risks and signs of possible mental illness,
-help you guide women and their families—and other people supporting them—to understand and access assessment and treatment services, and
-enhance your knowledge of community responses and support that encourage recovery and decrease stigma.
As a bonus, participants will have access to the Growing Together Toolkit, a complementary resource designed by the BC Council for Families, that presents services providers with strategies to build healthy relationships with babies and toddlers and focuses on mothers who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and other challenging circumstances. Accompanying Parent Handouts are translated into 9 languages! -
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility for Family Support Agencies: February 2025
2025-02-24 | Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility for Family Support Agencies: February 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 02/24/2025
End Date: 02/24/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/indigenous-cultural-safety-and-humility-for-family-support-agencies-february-2025_1257/
Description: This workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families will provide a deep understanding of the origins, definition, foundational concepts, and current relevant applications of Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) which in turn can assist an organization to increase its capacity to incorporate ICS practices for working with partners, Indigenous partners and clients specifically and among staff.
Participants will be lead through interactive whole group and small group discussions and introspective exercises this workshop builds on foundational concepts of ICS such as Relational Practice, Understanding and addressing oppressive systems, so that participants together merge what is meaningful to an individual’s service provision practice and what might be relevant to their unique organizational settings. This can assist in an organization's commitment to address issues such as systemic racism and increase its Cultural Safety capacity including working toward reconciliation as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Indian Residential Schools.
About the Facilitator
Harley Eagle is of Dakota and Ojibway Indigenous heritage and a long time resident on Vancouver Island. He is a well experienced consultant and trainer in the fields of transforming conflict, anti-racism, dismantling oppression, cultural safety and trauma healing as well as an Indigenous Cultural Safety educator for the Regional Health Authority on Vancouver Island. He is often contracted to consult and advise organizations, companies and government agencies and invited to speak at conferences both nationally and internationally on issues pertaining to his work. Harley looks to Indigenous life ways to guide his work. -
Integrated Strategies for Home Visitors: March 2025
2025-03-03 | Integrated Strategies for Home Visitors: March 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 03/03/2025
End Date: 03/07/2025
Event Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/integrated-strategies-for-home-visitors-march-2025_1260/
Description: Acquire new knowledge, tools, and techniques to support families (with children aged 0-6 years) in their homes in this core training developed by Great Kids, Inc.* (GKI) and hosted by the BC Council for Families.
In this hands-on, engaging, and informative program, updated in 2019, you’ll learn about the protective factors that increase the health and well-being of children and families, as well as practical strategies to teach and strengthen these factors in the families you work with. Participants will receive a manual and international training certification from GKI.
Participants will benefit from:
-Opportunities to concretely apply theory to practice
-Action tools, assessment tools and practical strategies for engaging families in home visiting
-Strategies for building parental confidence and competencies that support growth in families and promote positive parent-child relationships
-Informative discussions on professional boundaries, limit setting and self-care tips
-Networking with other family practitioners who do home visits
-A comprehensive manual full of tools and ideas.
-Participants will receive certification for full attendance.
Assignments
Please note there are Learning Assignments in this virtual training model that must be completed after Days 1, 2 and 3 - for approximately 2 hours.
Dates and Times
Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4 and Thursday and Friday, March 6-7, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day
Orientation
Please note that there is a mandatory orientation session on Tuesday, February 25 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. -
Boundary Practice: Patterns of Relating, Self-care and Somatic Awareness for Family Support Professionals: March 2025
2025-03-11 | Boundary Practice: Patterns of Relating, Self-care and Somatic Awareness for Family Support Professionals: March 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 03/11/2025
End Date: 02/18/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/boundary-practice-patterns-of-relating-self-care-and-somatic-awareness-for-family-support-professionals-march-2025_1261/
Description: Boundaries are essential to practice in the helping professions, as they make caring sustainable, and protect skilled workers from compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization and burnout.
Boundary practice encourages us to consider our own energy and how we’re spending it, and to understand pre-existing patterns of relating that attract us to the helping professions while also making boundary practice more difficult.
In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, participants will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different patterns of relating, with a view to becoming better stewards of their professional energy, and making their self-care practices more personal and effective. Social service providers will gain a better understanding of how they feel and think at work relative to how they are negotiating boundaries with clients and co-workers. Boundary work ensures staff are bringing their best selves to the work they love so much.
Workshop Highlights:
-The context of human service work and the helping professions
-Three boundary styles and how to recognize them
-Somatic exercises and boundary practice
-Applying boundary practice to client work, co-workers, and organizations
-Interactive exercises in partners/small groups
-A review of self-care – what it is, and what it isn’t
-Practice examples and scenarios
Dates and Times
Tuesday, March 11 & Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
About the Facilitator
Jodie McDonald is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years experience in the non-profit sector, working in crisis and suicide intervention, family support, and mental health. She has an MSW specializing in Community Development and is particularly interested in the impact of frontline human service work on the worker, the traits and experiences that draw workers to this field, and how to best support these valuable people in their essential work. Jodie teaches in the Studies in Women and Gender Department at Vancouver Island University, and is also an Integrative Body Psychotherapist in private practice. -
Trauma Aware Communication: March 2025
2025-03-13 | Trauma Aware Communication: March 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 03/13/2025
End Date: 12/20/2024
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (Weekly)
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/trauma-aware-communication-march-2025_1259/
Description: Being aware of how trauma presents in people is a critical skill for anyone, including family support professionals. In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will learn about ourselves, explore how we perceive and filter information, and learn communication strategies that are based on understanding trauma.
In the first part of this workshop, we will create the foundation for our time together. We will share our understanding of trauma (our personal and societal views) and we will look at the concept of a “spectrum of trauma.” We will briefly explore self-compassion and how this approach is a powerful ally and tool for better communication.
In the second part of the workshop, we will experiment with somatic witnessing, or becoming aware of body sensations (for example, a tightness in the stomach) and how this may relate to trauma. We will examine emotions, needs, and feelings, as well as communication styles and cognitive distortions, (all of nothing thinking, mental filtering, mind reading, and more). Through self-compassion and non-judgemental activities, participants will be able to see how information is filtered and perceived, and how this can affect communication.
Past participants have shared that this workshop has highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in communication. Others have shared that it helped make a positive shift in their workplace as employees/co-workers started to communicate differently, using "I language," and a better understanding of how they are communicating and perceiving information.
Learning Objectives
-To understand the role that we play as the professional individual in trauma aware communication
-To recognize your personal “triggers” and how to separate that from your current situation
-To learn how to be self-compassionate and curious (rather than judgemental) as you become aware of your cognitive distortions and communication style
-To become aware of communication styles and how to be a responsible communicator
-To acquire skills on how to be mindful with information, internal dialogue, and how one communicates information
Dates and Times
Thursday, March 13 and Thursday, March 20 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST. -
My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: March 2025
2025-03-31 | My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: March 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 03/31/2025
End Date: 04/02/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/my-tween-and-me-program-facilitator-training-march-2025_1258/
Description: My Tween and Me is a parenting program for families with children aged 7-12 years.
BC Council for Families' 15-hour training is newly revised to provide family service professionals with practical strategies and techniques that are flexible and adaptive in promoting positive youth development for tweens as they transition into adolescence and early adulthood.
Learn new facilitation skills to engage both parents and their tweens in our innovative curriculum that goes beyond parent education to promote strong family relationships and positive youth development for children aged 7-12 as they move through the critical transition from childhood to adolescence.
Learn how to help parents:
-Strengthen their pre-teen’s self-confidence, esteem and worth
-Positively influence their pre-teen’s choices, values and goals
-Support their tweens in making healthy decisions
The training centers around five core topics:
1) Healthy development of children age 7 – 12
2) Life at school as a pre-teen
3) Building strong family relationships
4) Encouraging strong peer relationships
5) Exploring today’s pre-teen world and building community
Training Details
A link to the Zoom meeting will be sent out closer to the training. Leader Guide included with resources and everything required if you choose to run a My Tween and Me Parenting program. It will be mailed to you.
Dates and Times (PST)
Monday, March 31: 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 1: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 2: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -
Fantastic Facilitation: April 2025
2025-04-04 | Fantastic Facilitation: April 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 04/04/2025
End Date: 04/04/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/fantastic-facilitation-april-2025_1264/
Description: This full day workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families will support professionals to develop and refresh their group facilitation skills and gain innovative, creative and practical ideas for delivering their own vibrant sessions.
Fantastic Facilitation techniques are based on adult education principles that can be transferred to many types of settings, such as community educational programs, staff training, or in board or team meetings. By applying new delivery techniques, participants of Fantastic Facilitation will turn their own groups into something that inspires, engages and motivates change in others.
Participants will
-Have an increased awareness of adult education principles
-Understand how to create objectives using a head/heart/hand approach to developing agendas
-Be able to recognize the importance of creating a safe learning environment for their groups which will lead to more participant engagement and motivation in their participants
Learning objectives
-Discuss how to use effective small group activities and discussions to help with knowledge transfer
-Discover new ways of engaging participants in groups
-Experience interactive activities and examples of warmups, energizers, group building and other participant-centered techniques
-Experience fantastic facilitation techniques using adult learning principles
-Understand how to adapt to a virtual learning platform as a facilitator
-
Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference
Apr 9 | Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference
Organization: The Federation of Community Social Services of BC
Event Location: The Marriott Courtyard Prince George
Start Date: 04/09/2025
End Date: 04/10/2025
Event Times:
Description: The Federation, in partnership with the Community Social Services Health and Safety Association, invites you to join us for the Caring for Communities Health and Safety Conference.
This two-day event will bring together professionals, advocates, and community leaders to explore key topics in workplace health and safety, including mental health, decolonization, and more, all through the lens of the Community Social Services sector.
Day 1: Preconference - Full day training workshops
Day 2: Conference - Keynote lectures & breakout sessions and Networking reception
Stay tuned for more details, including training, speakers, and registration information!
Event Website: -
Creating Connections Parent-Child Mother Goose programs in Seniors Care Facilities
2025-04-09 | Creating Connections Parent-Child Mother Goose programs in Seniors Care Facilities
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: bccf@bccf.ca
Start Date: 04/09/2025
End Date: 04/09/2025
Event Times: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/creating-connections-parent-child-mother-goose-programs-april-2025_1268/
Description: The Intergenerational Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a community-based initiative that brings together different generations, typically young children and older adults, through the shared experience of oral storytelling, singing, and rhyming.
This intergenerational program aims to foster connections between participants by creating a supportive and interactive environment where children can develop language skills and social awareness while seniors engage in meaningful social interactions. The program is often conducted in group settings such as community centers, libraries, or senior living facilities, providing a structured, yet flexible, approach to learning and relationship-building.
The program is highly valued for its dual benefits: it supports early childhood development while simultaneously reducing isolation and promoting well-being among older adults.
By creating a space for intergenerational bonding, the program enhances empathy, communication, and understanding across age groups. It also helps preserve cultural heritage through the transmission of traditional stories and songs, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging in the community. The interactive nature of the program, with its focus on oral traditions, encourages active participation, which can lead to improved cognitive and emotional health for both children and seniors. Hosted by the BC Council for Families. -
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility for Family Support Agencies: April 2025
2025-04-22 | Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility for Family Support Agencies: April 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 04/22/2025
End Date: 04/22/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/indigenous-cultural-safety-and-humility-for-family-support-agencies-april-2025_1269/
Description: This workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families will provide a deep understanding of the origins, definition, foundational concepts, and current relevant applications of Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS) which in turn can assist an organization to increase its capacity to incorporate ICS practices for working with partners, Indigenous partners and clients specifically and among staff.
Participants will be lead through interactive whole group and small group discussions and introspective exercises this workshop builds on foundational concepts of ICS such as Relational Practice, Understanding and addressing oppressive systems, so that participants together merge what is meaningful to an individual’s service provision practice and what might be relevant to their unique organizational settings. This can assist in an organization's commitment to address issues such as systemic racism and increase its Cultural Safety capacity including working toward reconciliation as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on Indian Residential Schools.
About the Facilitator
Harley Eagle is of Dakota and Ojibway Indigenous heritage and a long time resident on Vancouver Island. He is a well experienced consultant and trainer in the fields of transforming conflict, anti-racism, dismantling oppression, cultural safety and trauma healing as well as an Indigenous Cultural Safety educator for the Regional Health Authority on Vancouver Island. He is often contracted to consult and advise organizations, companies and government agencies and invited to speak at conferences both nationally and internationally on issues pertaining to his work. Harley looks to Indigenous life ways to guide his work. -
Trauma Aware Communication: May 2025
2025-05-13 | Trauma Aware Communication: May 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 05/13/2025
End Date: 05/20/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/trauma-aware-communication-may-2025_1274/
Description: Being aware of how trauma presents in people is a critical skill for anyone, including family support professionals. In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will learn about ourselves, explore how we perceive and filter information, and learn communication strategies that are based on understanding trauma.
In the first part of this workshop, we will create the foundation for our time together. We will share our understanding of trauma (our personal and societal views) and we will look at the concept of a “spectrum of trauma.” We will briefly explore self-compassion and how this approach is a powerful ally and tool for better communication.
In the second part of the workshop, we will experiment with somatic witnessing, or becoming aware of body sensations (for example, a tightness in the stomach) and how this may relate to trauma. We will examine emotions, needs, and feelings, as well as communication styles and cognitive distortions, (all of nothing thinking, mental filtering, mind reading, and more). Through self-compassion and non-judgemental activities, participants will be able to see how information is filtered and perceived, and how this can affect communication.
Past participants have shared that this workshop has highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in communication. Others have shared that it helped make a positive shift in their workplace as employees/co-workers started to communicate differently, using "I language," and a better understanding of how they are communicating and perceiving information.
Learning Objectives
-To understand the role that we play as the professional individual in trauma aware communication
-To recognize your personal “triggers” and how to separate that from your current situation
-To learn how to be self-compassionate and curious (rather than judgemental) as you become aware of your cognitive distortions and communication style
-To become aware of communication styles and how to be a responsible communicator
-To acquire skills on how to be mindful with information, internal dialogue, and how one communicates information
Dates and Times
Tuesday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 20 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST. -
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training Refresher
2025-05-15 | Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training Refresher
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 05/15/2025
End Date: 05/15/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-refresher-may-2025_1265/
Description: Refresh your knowledge of the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program
Join Nobody’s Perfect Parenting BC to review program concepts, gain fresh facilitation techniques and learn tips and strategies for offering Nobody's Perfect programs. You will also have the chance to connect and collaborate with facilitators across the province.
In this virtual refresher, hosted by the BC Council for Families, participants will:
-Review Nobody’s Perfect program, history, key concepts and the facilitator’s role in participant centered learning
-Have an increased awareness of adult education principles and explore facilitation through interactive activities and examples of warmups, energizers, group building and other participant-centered techniques
-Have the opportunity to collaborate with other NPP facilitators
-Discover how to facilitate that will help engage parents (even on zoom!)
Prerequisite
This workshop is for trained NPP Facilitators only. You must have already taken the Nobody's Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training. -
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: May 2025
2025-05-21 | Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: May 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 05/21/2025
End Date: 05/29/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Weekly)
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-facilitator-training-may-2025_1248/
Description: Learn how to help parents with children aged 0-5 years connect, build knowledge, and gain confidence in this training hosted by the BC Council for Families.
Develop new skills for delivering strength-based learning and conducting non-judgmental and inclusive community programming. Participants learn how to facilitate experiential learning in which parents gain information and insight and learn how to apply what they have learned to many areas of their lives. NPP is a core training for family support professionals.
This crucial program, developed in Canada for parents of every cultural community, has been consistently demonstrated to positively impact the parenting knowledge, skills and confidence of participants. For parents in particularly stressful situations – when there simply isn’t enough money, when they’re new to the community or to the country, when they’re young, or under-educated, or struggling without a partner or family support – being part of a supportive group of parents who understand and share their difficulties can make all the difference.
Who is this training for?
The Nobody’s Perfect facilitator training is specifically aimed at those with previous experience and/or education in facilitating groups and working with children, youth and families. You will be comfortable with the basic principles of adult education, currently employed with or volunteering at a multi-service or family support organization, and passionate about supporting families in all their diversity.
How will I benefit?
After attending this training, you will have developed:
-Knowledge of Nobody’s Perfect program objectives and materials
-Increased awareness of the principles of adult education and their application to the Nobody’s Perfect program parents
-Enhanced skills in assessing the needs of parent groups
-Ability to plan and direct program sessions
-Enriched practical facilitation skills
A complete training and program materials package is included in the cost of the training.
Dates and Times
Wednesday, May 21 1:00 p.m.. – 4:30 p.m.. PST p.m
Thursday, May 22 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST p.m.
Friday, May 23 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
Wednesday, May 28th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
Thursday, May 29th 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
Prerequisite
To be eligible to take the training you must make arrangements to co-facilitate the program with an experienced facilitator within one year of receiving training. A letter from an agency or organization confirming that they will support you in the delivery of the program, and that you have undergone a criminal record check, is required to confirm your enrolment. Please address the letter to Ruby Banga, and email it to her at rubyb@bccf.ca or fax it to 604-678-8886.
Certificates will be issued upon delivery of your first group. -
Integrated Strategies for Home Visitors: May 2025
2025-05-22 | Integrated Strategies for Home Visitors: May 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 05/22/2025
End Date: 05/27/2025
Event Times: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/integrated-strategies-for-home-visitors-training-may-2025_1271/
Description: Acquire new knowledge, tools, and techniques to support families (with children aged 0-6 years) in their homes in this core training developed by Great Kids, Inc.* (GKI) and hosted by the BC Council for Families.
In this hands-on, engaging, and informative program, updated in 2019, you’ll learn about the protective factors that increase the health and well-being of children and families, as well as practical strategies to teach and strengthen these factors in the families you work with. Participants will receive a manual and international training certification from GKI.
Participants will benefit from:
-Opportunities to concretely apply theory to practice
-Action tools, assessment tools and practical strategies for engaging families in home visiting
-Strategies for building parental confidence and competencies that support growth in families and promote positive parent-child relationships
-Informative discussions on professional boundaries, limit setting and self-care tips
-Networking with other family practitioners who do home visits
-A comprehensive manual full of tools and ideas.
Participants will receive certification for full attendance.
Assignments
Please note there are Learning Assignments in this virtual training model that must be completed after Days 1, 2 and 3 - for approximately 2 hours.
There is a mandatory orientation session on Thursday, May 15th 2025 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM PST -
Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: June 2025
2025-06-03 | Strengthening Self-Regulation through Self-Compassion: June 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 06/03/2025
End Date: 06/10/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/strengthening-self-regulation-through-self-compassion-how-to-create-peace-patience-and-less-overwhelm-june-2025_1275/
Description: What is self-compassion?
In this workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families, we will explore some of the myths about self-compassion as well as what self-compassion is and what it is NOT. We will introduce the three pillars of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness, and explore them both individually and collectively. We will look at some of the benefits of self-compassion and the resistance we experience to it, including the beliefs that lead to this resistance.
Learning Objectives
-Explore our thoughts, feelings, and internal dialogue about self-compassion
-Discuss the myths about self-compassion and what it is and is not
-Begin to understand the science behind self-compassion
-Learn what it means to “create space,” and to get curious about yourself with self-compassion, mindfulness, and personal awareness (using somatic awareness exercises)
-Gain an introduction to the three pillars of self-compassion and spend time exploring them through solo and group activities/explorations
Dates and Times
Tuesday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PST. -
Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: June 2025
2025-06-04 | Mothers Mental Health Toolkit Training: June 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 06/04/2025
End Date: 06/05/2025
Event Times: 9:30 AM-1:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/mothers-mental-health-toolkit-training-june-2025_1272/
Description: Enhance your maternal mental health literacy at this online event.
Often you are the first point of contact for a mother struggling with their mental health. This newly updated workshop hosted by the BC Council for Families will enhance your mental health literacy, provide a guide for the promotion of mental wellness for mothers, and promote practices that build resiliency and a strong network of community supports.
The valuable toolkit is a workbook-style resource that will increase maternal mental health knowledge, skills, and confidence among those working with mothers and families.
This toolkit and workshop will:
-enhance your mental health literacy,
-provide you with a guide for promoting mental wellness for mothers,
-teach tools and techniques to help you prevent mental health issues,
-help you recognize the risks and signs of possible mental illness,
-help you guide women and their families—and other people supporting them—to understand and access assessment and treatment services, and
-enhance your knowledge of community responses and support that encourage recovery and decrease stigma.
As a bonus, participants will have access to the Growing Together Toolkit, a complementary resource designed by the BC Council for Families, that presents services providers with strategies to build healthy relationships with babies and toddlers and focuses on mothers who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and other challenging circumstances. Accompanying Parent Handouts are translated into 9 languages! -
Risk Management for Home Visitors: June 2025
2025-06-09 | Risk Management for Home Visitors: June 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 06/09/2025
End Date: 06/09/2025
Event Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/risk-management-for-home-visitors-june-2025_1273/
Description: Risk Management for Home Visitors is a practical and research-based workshop that will equip outreach workers with the skills, awareness and strategies to stay safe and healthy in their work.
This training hosted by the BC Council for Families has been developed specifically for home visitors, by the Home Visitor Training Initiative at BC Council for Families, with extensive consultation through WorkSafeBC and an occupational health-care expert.
Following the training, participants will have: 1) an increased level of knowledge of the risks of delivering social services in clients’ homes, and 2) increased skills and knowledge to assess risk levels and to take the appropriate steps to mitigate risk. Risk Management policies and resources from Canada, the US and other countries have been integrated into this practical and informative workshop.
Topics covered include:
-The BC Workers Compensation Act
-Occupational Health and Safety Rights
-Risk assessment
-Strategies to mitigate risks such as: working alone, slips and falls, driving and travel, violence, infectious diseases, and psychological trauma
Prerequisite
Training participants need to have taken the Integrated Strategies for Home Visitors 4-day training or currently be working in home visiting. -
My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: June 2025
2025-06-09 | My Tween and Me Program Facilitator Training: June 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 06/09/2025
End Date: 06/11/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/my-tween-and-me-program-facilitator-training-june-2025_1276/
Description: My Tween and Me is a parenting program for families with children aged 7-12 years
The BC Council for Families' 15-hour training is newly revised to provide family service professionals with practical strategies and techniques that are flexible and adaptive in promoting positive youth development for tweens as they transition into adolescence and early adulthood.
Learn new facilitation skills to engage both parents and their tweens in our innovative curriculum that goes beyond parent education to promote strong family relationships and positive youth development for children aged 7-12 as they move through the critical transition from childhood to adolescence.
Learn how to help parents:
-Strengthen their pre-teen’s self-confidence, esteem and worth
-Positively influence their pre-teen’s choices, values and goals
-Support their tweens in making healthy decisions
The training centers around five core topics:
-Healthy development of children age 7 – 12
-Life at school as a pre-teen
-Building strong family relationships
-Encouraging strong peer relationships
-Exploring today’s pre-teen world and building community
Dates and Times (PST)
-Monday, June 9: 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
-Tuesday, June 10: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
-Wednesday, June 11: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -
June 2025 Kelowna & AGM
Jun 11 | June 2025 Kelowna & AGM
Organization: The Federation of Community Social Services of BC
Event Location: Kelowna
Start Date: 06/11/2025
End Date: 06/13/2025
Event Times:
Description: Overview
Our June conference, previously held in Osoyoos, is an opportunity for members to come together, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions. Shaped by member input, the agenda will focus on key topics relevant to our sector. The Federation AGM on the final morning will provide space to address important organizational matters and collective priorities.
What to Expect
Through discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, we will explore leadership strategies, practical tools, and emerging ideas. Together, we will examine ways to foster inclusive and effective leadership while considering approaches like mentorship and self-assessment to strengthen our work.
Event Website: -
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: October 2025
2025-10-06 | Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: October 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel, 838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Start Date: 10/06/2025
End Date: 10/09/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-facilitator-training-october-2025_1262/
Description: Learn how to help parents with children aged 0-5 years connect, build knowledge, and gain confidence.
Develop new skills for delivering strength-based learning and conducting non-judgmental and inclusive community programming. Participants learn how to facilitate experiential learning in which parents gain information and insight and learn how to apply what they have learned to many areas of their lives. NPP is a core training for family support professionals hosted by the BC Council for Families.
This crucial program, developed in Canada for parents of every cultural community, has been consistently demonstrated to positively impact the parenting knowledge, skills and confidence of participants. For parents in particularly stressful situations – when there simply isn’t enough money, when they’re new to the community or to the country, when they’re young, or under-educated, or struggling without a partner or family support – being part of a supportive group of parents who understand and share their difficulties can make all the difference.
Who is this training for?
The Nobody’s Perfect facilitator training is specifically aimed at those with previous experience and/or education in facilitating groups and working with children, youth and families. You will be comfortable with the basic principles of adult education, currently employed with or volunteering at a multi-service or family support organization, and passionate about supporting families in all their diversity.
How will I benefit?
After attending this training, you will have developed:
-Knowledge of Nobody’s Perfect program objectives and materials
-Increased awareness of the principles of adult education and their application to the Nobody’s Perfect program parents
-Enhanced skills in assessing the needs of parent groups
-Ability to plan and direct program sessions
-Enriched practical facilitation skills
A complete training and program materials package is included in the cost of the training. -
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: November 2025
2025-11-20 | Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Facilitator Training: November 2025
Organization: BC Council for Families
Event Location: Online via Zoom
Start Date: 11/20/2025
End Date: 11/28/2025
Event Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Event Website: https://shop.bccf.ca/catalogue/nobodys-perfect-parenting-facilitator-training-november-2025_1270/
Description: Learn how to help parents with children aged 0-5 years connect, build knowledge, and gain confidence.
Develop new skills for delivering strength-based learning and conducting non-judgmental and inclusive community programming. Participants learn how to facilitate experiential learning in which parents gain information and insight and learn how to apply what they have learned to many areas of their lives. NPP is a core training for family support professionals hosted by the BC Council for Families.
This crucial program, developed in Canada for parents of every cultural community, has been consistently demonstrated to positively impact the parenting knowledge, skills and confidence of participants. For parents in particularly stressful situations – when there simply isn’t enough money, when they’re new to the community or to the country, when they’re young, or under-educated, or struggling without a partner or family support – being part of a supportive group of parents who understand and share their difficulties can make all the difference.
Who is this training for?
The Nobody’s Perfect facilitator training is specifically aimed at those with previous experience and/or education in facilitating groups and working with children, youth and families. You will be comfortable with the basic principles of adult education, currently employed with or volunteering at a multi-service or family support organization, and passionate about supporting families in all their diversity.
How will I benefit?
After attending this training, you will have developed:
-Knowledge of Nobody’s Perfect program objectives and materials
-Increased awareness of the principles of adult education and their application to the Nobody’s Perfect program parents
-Enhanced skills in assessing the needs of parent groups
-Ability to plan and direct program sessions
-Enriched practical facilitation skills
A complete training and program materials package is included in the cost of the training.
Dates and Times
-Thursday, November 20: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
-Friday, November 21: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. p.m. PST
-Thursday, November 27: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST
-Friday, November 28: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. PST