Unmuting 2025: Turning Up the Volume on Community Connection

by

Last week, on May 8th, 2025, we turned the volume all the way up on community connection, collaboration, and creativity at the third edition of “Unmuting”—and what a powerful day it was!

Hosted at the welcoming Elmwood Community Centre in the heart of Elmwood, this event brought together an incredible mix of local agencies, service providers, and changemakers from across Grey Bruce. Our goal? To spark conversation, break down silos, and make it easier for our neighbours to access the vital resources they need to thrive. Mission accomplished!

A Morning of Curiosity & Connection

We kicked off with an energetic interactive session where participants were encouraged to circulate, mingle, and question. Tables representing diverse organizations lined the room, creating a vibrant hub of information and curiosity. Attendees jotted down thoughtful questions on sticky notes and sparked meaningful dialogue around each organization’s work.

But that was just the beginning! Ten featured agency profiles took centre stage, responding to these community-generated questions with insight, heart, and a whole lot of purpose. It was a truly dynamic exchange—equal parts informative and inspiring.

Afternoon Brainstorms & Big Ideas

The afternoon shifted into a collaborative mode with scenario-based brainstorming sessions. Each table tackled a realistic, hypothetical community challenge and worked together to figure out: “How would we help this person?” The answers drew on both the expertise in the room and the magic that happens when organizations think together instead of apart.

These conversations were more than just hypotheticals—they were blueprints for action, reminders of what’s possible when we pool our knowledge and compassion.

Thank You to Our Community Champions

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of our partners:

  • Walker Catering Co. – your food was a hit! Thank you for keeping us fuelled and smiling with your delicious menu items.
  • Elmwood Community Centre – thank you for opening your doors and your hearts to our gathering.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the momentum built yesterday, we’re filled with hope and excitement. With the success of Unmuting 2025, we’re dreaming big: we want to make this an annual tradition. Because in a world that’s constantly changing, events like this remind us that real connection, shared knowledge, and human-first problem solving are timeless tools.

So here’s to unmuting—again and again. Let’s keep listening, learning, and lifting each other up.

Among the notable attendees were:

Uncategorized