Programs & events

“We’re living through the biggest transformation in human history, and when a transformation this big happens, confusion follows. Growing up in Woodbine, the film industry felt impossibly far from my life… I wish I’d had someone to tell me that a kid from Calgary could make it. It took years of confusion before I found my footing and wrote a show on Netflix. If we want to be a country that prospers in the future, we have to invest in our young people. That's why Living Library is so far ahead of the game. Students can ask professionals about their actual career paths, and lessons learned from experience are what matter most. If you're a student, this program will help you expand your horizons. And if you're a professional who can change someone's life just by telling your story, it's for you too.”

"If you haven’t heard of the Living Book concept, it’s exactly what it sounds like. People become “books” that others can “check out” for honest, open conversations. Instead of reading pages, participants engage in real dialogue, ask questions, and learn directly from lived experience.

Choosing a caring profession, whether in community, health, education, or social services, is deeply meaningful work. But it’s also complex, human, and sometimes messy. There is no perfect script. That’s why spaces like this matter.

Being an open book means talking about what inspires this work, what challenges it, what keeps us going on the hard days, and why it’s still absolutely worth it.

Young people deserve real conversations, not polished answers. They deserve to see the full picture of what it means to build a career grounded in compassion, connection, and community.

If even one youth walks away feeling more confident, more curious, or more seen in their desire to pursue a caring path, that’s everything!”

“I really enjoyed this program because it helped me learn new skills and made me feel more confident. The speakers were supportive and the activities were helpful.

I have more insight on how to apply for jobs now. I loved the fact that we got real tools for getting positions in the roles we wanted to apply for. Thank you for the support given to me. I have gained many opportunities and pathways from your help.”

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“It was a great experience to have. I really loved it because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and it taught me a thing or two about myself.”