A donuts & conversation gathering about staying connected to each other when the world feels overwhelming. By frankie d's donuts and in collaboration with community helpers banff, ywca banff, banff pride and settlement services.
Thursday, march 26th
5:30pm arrival, 6pm start - 8pm finish
191 sundance rd, banff (Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi, the pavilion building at sundance park)
free community event, all welcome
If the state of the world has you feeling anxious and unsure what to do, you're not alone. this free community gathering is a space to slow down together.
We'll talk about how to stay informed and care for ourselves so we don't burn out. well hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating anti-immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict, and discuss ways we can support people in our local community.
this is not a therapy session. there is no expectation to share personal details. you are welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable to you; listening, and engaging in conversation as much or as little as you choose.
This is not a political forum or space for debating policy or arguing perspectives. Harm, discrimination, or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
important details (please read)
this free community gathering is for anyone who has been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. if the constant news cycle has left you feeling anxious, irritable, or unsure what to do. you belong here.
there is no expectation to share personal details. you’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels most comfortable. listening, reflecting quietly, or engaging in conversation as much, or as little, as you choose.
IMPORTANT:
this is not therapy.
it is not a political forum.
it is not about debating policy or arguing perspectives.
discrimination or dismissal of lived experiences will not be tolerated.
this gathering is about acknowledging how rising hate, violence, instability, and dehumanization are impacting real people in our community. it’s a structured, facilitated space to feel less alone, and explore ways to support people in our local community.
plan for the evening
we will begin by naming what feels heavy and how it’s showing up in our bodies, relationships, and daily lives.
we’ll hear brief lived-experience reflections from community members navigating racism, anti immigration sentiment, anti-trans harm, and global conflict... focused on what they are carrying and what is helping them stay steady.
we’ll explore how to stay informed without drowning, how to regulate when everything feels overstimulating and how to support ourselves better so we don’t burn out and have compassion fatigue.
we’ll talk about what is within reach, meaningful ways to support each other and stay connected locally.
what to bring
yourself, notepad and pen if you'd like to take notes. anything that helps you feel grounded or comforted. blankets, pillows are welcome.
parking
free in the parking lot.
venue accessibility
the venue is wheelchair accessible
bathrooms
venue bathrooms are stalls and universal.
seating options: chairs will be available for all participants. you’re welcome to sit, stand, move around, or step outside as needed. if you prefer a specific seating arrangement, please speak with a volunteer or reach out in advance.
scents: this event is not officially scent-free but we kindly ask participants to avoid strong perfumes or scented products.
lighting: there will be no flashing lights or sudden visual effects. a powerpoint will be displayed on a projector at the front of the room for the presentation. you’re welcome to sit closer if needed for visibility.
acoustics: a microphone will be used to support clear and comfortable hearing.
language & communication: the event will be facilitated in english. If you need any interpretation or other communication assistance, please email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com.
food & allergens: frankie d’s donuts will be provided. donuts are made in a shared kitchen where nuts are present and may contain trace allergens. some gluten free and vegan donuts will be available and sourced from external suppliers. if you have allergies, please inquire before consuming.
safety, support & care: a support person from Community Helpers Banff will be present. you’re encouraged to take care of yourself throughout the evening, including stepping out or leaving early if needed. local support resources will be shared. this event is not therapy or a replacement for professional advice.
contact & feedback: for questions or accommodations, email hello@frankiedsdonuts.com (at least 48 hours before the event).
feedback forms will be available at the event