For Sylvia McMechan, inspiring community citizens to identify their needs and find ways to meet them has been a common thread; counseling battered women; serving as executive director of Canada’s Network for Conflict Resolution; managing a private mediation and facilitation practice; teaching post-secondary adult learners; and more recently, mediating multiparty resource-based issues and working with the International Peace and Prosperity Project.

Dr. Avery Calhoun has practiced social work primarily in the area of violence against women. Her practice interests include clinical social work, particularly narrative practices, and program development and evaluation. Dr. Avery Calhoun has recently completed a seven year study research study “An Investigation of the Impacts and Participant Experiences of Calgary Community Conferencing.”

Sergeant Brent Sawatzky has worked in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta as a prisoner escort, member of the General Investigation Section, Mountain Bike Patrol and Property Crime Section, front line supervisor, detachment commander, and Operations NCO. Currently, Sgt. Sawatzky oversees the operation of Saddle Lake Cree Nation and Whitefish Lake First Nation.

Caring 4 Families offers support to families who have loved ones who are incarcerated. Families that have experienced the arrest and detention of a family member are often faced with the question “what happens now?”. When family members are informed, anxieties are reduced and understanding is increased. Family members are in a better position to support their family members who are incarcerated and prepare for their family member’s release.

Conference fees include admission to all conference sessions, conference materials and handouts, networking opportunities, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, three refreshment breaks and one evening reception!