Ray Sims’ Post

📢 ANNOUNCING MAY EVENTS! 📢 Whether it’s from memories on the schoolyard, from inequity in the workplace, or the relationships you hold close, you know we have major challenges to overcome if we're going to become a gender-equitable society. So if you’re committed—or if you’re curious—there is a place for you in the Next Gen Men community. We facilitate online and in-person events for people of all genders and backgrounds to unpack how masculinity is evolving, how we can show up as allies and stakeholders, and how we can have healthy relationships with ourselves and others. If you leave with just one idea that stays with you, that’s a win. If you walk away with a feeling of connection, that’s a double-win. If you keep your connections and ideas in motion long after the event wraps up, that’s transformation. Join us this month! Access our events calendar: www.nextgenmen.ca/events #TorontoCommunityEvents #TorontoLocalEvents #TorontoGatherings #TorontoSocialEvents #TorontoMeetups #TorontoEventsCalendar #TorontoCommunityEngagement #LocalEventsYYC #CalgaryGatherings #CommunityGatherings #CalgaryEvents #CalgaryCommunityEvents #PositiveMasculinity #MentalHealthForMen #HealthyMasculinity #GenderEqualityMatters #EndPatriarchy

🌟 Driving Visionary Change: A Pioneering Collaboration at Specsavers Brighton 🚀 Hello LinkedIn community, I am excited to share a pivotal moment in our journey at Specsavers Brighton—a highly productive meeting with Alcon, where we laid the groundwork for an impactful launch day aimed at promoting contact lens wear. Our united goal is to address the concerning imbalance of low contact lens uptake and empower individuals with the gift of clear vision. 🌍💫 🛠️ Why is this initiative so crucial? 🤔 1️⃣ **Tackling Access Barriers:** By identifying and overcoming barriers to accessing contact lenses, we aim to make this valuable vision tool more accessible to a broader range of individuals. 2️⃣ **Education and Awareness:** Working closely with Alcon and other suppliers we intend to develop educational campaigns that shed light on the benefits and proper usage of contact lenses, dispelling myths and fostering trust among potential wearers. 3️⃣ **Tailored Approaches for Local Needs:** Recognizing the diversity in lifestyles and cultures, we aspire to customize our strategies, making contact lenses appealing and relevant to the unique needs of various regions. 4️⃣ **Advocating for Holistic Eye Health:** By advocating regular eye check-ups and fitting consultations, we hope to instill a proactive approach to eye health, building a foundation for a lifetime of clear vision. 🎯 What lies ahead? 🌈 1️⃣ **Community Engagement:** Joining forces with suppliers we are set to launch a community engagement initiative, creating awareness about contact lens wear and educating individuals about the benefits of contact lens wear.

This year is going to be the year for COMMUNITY. And let me tell you why 👇🏾 Remember 2020? The world turned upside down, and amidst that chaos, we discovered the undeniable power of community. Fast forward to today, with a shifting job market and evolving political dynamics -- the need for genuine, conscious communities has never been more vital. This rings especially true for people of color, echoing profoundly within the Black community. At Malaika Collective, we're not just responding to this call; we've been at the forefront of it. Since our inception 8 years ago, we've been crafting a community that's rich in authenticity and meaningful connections. Last year, we expanded into in-person events, and this year, we're pushing the boundaries even further. My commitment to collaboration over competition is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why I’m excited about partnering with businesses and organizations that share our heartbeat. And here's a twist: we’re amplifying these collaborations by inviting our clients to co-create in our upcoming events. Keep an eye out as we take community to a whole new level in 2024. We're not just building spaces; we're igniting a movement where creativity and connection intertwine. #Community #Collaboration #MalaikaCollective #BlackCreatives Photos taken at our 2023 Juneteenth event ✨

Your digital footprint is more than just likes and shares; it's a testament to the impact we can create when we unite for a cause. 🌍💙 Did you know that a simple click can translate into real-world change? Elevate your online presence from mere awareness to tangible action. Whether it's championing local initiatives, supporting meaningful causes, or uplifting voices that deserve to be heard – your digital steps matter. 🇯🇲✨ This Jamaican Christmas, let's harness the true potential of our online platforms and transform conversations into impactful movements. So, as we celebrate the season of giving, let's also celebrate the power each of us holds to turn awareness into action. 🤝🌟

Embracing Resilience and Revelations: A Post-Campfire Reflection A heartfelt journey unfolded yesterday around our virtual campfire, setting the stage for a night of profound discussions and artistic expressions. At our IWD 2024 live campfire, at The Old Court, we delved into our Inspire Inclusion topics: 🎤 As women, how do we develop resilience in hostile environments? 🎤 Coping when life throws you a curve ball (Illness & Ageing) 🎤 Empty Nest’ syndrome – how to cope when the flock have fled/flown the nest.   The shared wisdom by the panel Patsy Christian Lydia Magdalene Shekiluwa Hellen Lawuo-Meena Margaret Shekiluwa (she/her) and Dawn Bridges illuminated the virtual space, fostering an atmosphere of strength and unity. The curveballs life throws our way were explored, specifically focusing on the challenges faced during the middle-young years and health challenges. Our collective insights became a compass, guiding each other through the twists and turns of these complex life chapters. 'Empty Nest' syndrome took center stage. A recent experience felt by one of our hosts, but with a unique twist as we also celebrated the beauty of a full nest. The discussions were rich with experiences, offering a tapestry of coping mechanisms for both stages of life—when the flock has fled and when it thrives in abundance. What made the night even more magical was the infusion of artistry. Our virtual space was graced by inspiring poets, musicians, and artists, creating an atmosphere where words, melodies, and visual expressions danced together. The engagement from our audience was nothing short of spectacular, turning the night into a shared celebration of resilience, coping, and the diverse forms of beauty in life. Let's carry forward the warmth and inspiration from our campfire. ❓ Which topic resonates with you most?  ❓ Can you share any tips that have helped you navigate any of these areas?    Together, we've woven a tapestry of strength, creativity, and shared experiences that will continue to light our paths. #CampfireReflections #resilienceinadversity #LifeCurveballs #emptynest #fullnest #artisticexpressions #communitystrength  #blackpodcasters #blackwomenprofessionals #blackwomen #staycurious #patsyandlydia

I love supporting brands that align with my values. It feels so good. Here’s why: 1. They care about the environment. 2. They use ethical and sustainable practices. 3. They give back to the community. 4. They support diversity and inclusion. 5. I feel proud of where my money goes. These are the reasons, but who’s counting? :) You can’t go wrong with brands that share your values. It’s great knowing you’re making a positive impact. So, what’s stopping you from choosing brands that align with your values? P.S. What’s a brand you love that shares your values? Let’s chat! 🌟

There is nothing like building community. Last Tuesday, 8 remarkable women gathered for an intimate dinner, aiming to foster open dialogue and strengthen our professional community. What unfolded was a night filled with enriching conversations that spanned the breadth and depth of both our professional and personal lives. We dove into the intricacies of user experiences, comparing tools like Mural, Miro, and FigJam. Our consensus? Their major differentiation is in their pricing model - not their product features. And, inspired by the principles of the "Fair Play" boardgame, we discussed the finding innovative ways to distribute household responsibilities equitably. Beyond the immediate conversation, it's the community dividends from these gatherings that truly astound me. From a previous dinner, one attendee found her next career leap, being hired for a senior-level role (VP, no less!) by another woman at the table. The hiring manager described our dinner as "the most impactful networking event I think I have ever been to." These dinners are more than just meals; they're a testament to the power of community and the incredible potential that arises when we come together to share, support, and uplift one another. Let's keep the momentum going. Here's to more conversations, connections, and opportunities that propel us forward. Thank you to Danielle MacLean, Megan Rees Ahigian, Ada Glover, Anjana T., Rachel Schiff, Elizabeth Repetto, Sarah Robinson (Lundblad) for such a great night! #WomenInProduct #CommunityBuilding #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Empowerment

Welcome to Cultivate Your Community, Denise Franklin ✨ Want to join us?! Let’s create a wildly engaged community that will lead to more referrals, loyalty and growth in your life & business! In today's business landscape, if you don't have an engaged community, your brand is going to SUFFER. Here's the cold hard truth, your competitors have mastered the art of community building and are surging ahead while you're scratching your head wondering what the missing link is. With Cultivate Your Community, you’ll learn the who, what, where, when, why & how of building a community of raving fans! We’ll talk about ambassadors, onboarding, how to get more exposure, what types of events to facilitate, how to find your people AND keep them engaged, where to house your community, and you’ll do this all while brainstorming with the other 16 women in the group! Let me teach you everything I learned and how to prevent the mistakes that I made as I built a community of 2,300+ women from scratch in under 2 years! Get more info here and join us - https://lnkd.in/epv-3WeY ✨

If you’re still curious about what we get up to at When Life Gives You Lemons and our events, check out my blog post where I discuss my highlights and key takeaways from our recent event! 🍋 #WhenLifeGivesYouLemons #EventRecap

From the desk of Dr. Gerilyn Davis: Happy Friday!! I hope you had a splendid holiday. I truly enjoyed myself. For this daily assessment, I witnessed an inclusive example and story to share. For my holiday, I attended a neighborhood gathering. There were several things that I found to be most compelling. --- INCLUSIVE EFFORTS: The neighbor who hosted the event made a point to reach out to all his neighbors. --- INCLUSIVE RESILIENCE: Even after they didn’t attend, he went around the cul-de-sac, spoke with each of them, and still included them in the festivities. --- INCLUSIVE DETERMINATION: He was determined to be inclusive even if others didn’t receive it. Lo and behold, someone engaged who normally doesn’t.  There are always opportunities for inclusion. It sometimes only takes ONE person to make a decision and be an example for others. Now, that is something to celebrate! Enjoy your holiday weekend! #joyofinclusion #inclusionexpansion #inclusionincludesyoutoo #InclusionontheSlopes #SWORDInclusionSystem #PhaseFiveDailyAssessment