Action Lab

We welcome Annand as he joins Skills Society as Director of Development & Community Engagement. At Action Lab, he contributes to facilitation and growing social innovation alongside community. Have a project idea or want to connect? Reach Annand: annand@skillssociety.ca

Curious about what’s happening in the Action Lab? Our mailing list is where we share a bit more about what we’ve been up to, what we’re learning, and what’s happening in the broader Lab ecosystem. You can join our mailing list here:
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Last week we gathered at the Action Lab for SDX53 with Mark Cabaj. Using Ecocycle Planning, we reflected on disruption, release, and transition, and the reminder that authentic renewal requires authentic release. Thanks to Mark and everyone who joined the conversation.

The Action Lab’s movable furniture adapts to your work. Tables and chairs can shift for rows, pods, open space, or circles, supporting presentations, small group dialogue, hands-on activities, or collective conversation. The space reshapes to fit your needs.

Need a facilitator to help guide your team through complex challenges? Action Lab’s certified facilitators bring tools like empathy mapping, concept mapping, and systemic design to support your work. Learn more through the link in bio.

Season 2 of Wicked Complex is here! If you haven’t listened yet, this is your reminder to check out our first episode featuring Ben Weinlick. Listen on our here or wherever you get your podcasts: share.transistor.fm/s/33b201c5

The first episode of Season 2 of Wicked Complex is out, featuring guest Ben Weinlick. You can find Wicked Complex on our website or wherever you listen to podcasts: share.transistor.fm/s/33b201c5

We’re hiring a Social Enterprise & Innovation Coordinator to support and grow Action Lab at Skills Society. Follow the link to read the full description and learn how to apply: ca.indeed.com/job/social-ent… The posting closes March 13, 2026.

We love highlighting renters like Youth Agency Collaborative (YAC). The Action Lab is one of Edmonton’s most unique spaces for private events, workshops, meetings, and strategic planning. Learn more: actionlab.ca/the-space

We loved collaborating with the United Nations Association in Canada to design a 2-hour custom innovation workshop for young leaders at their Eco Clubs Regional Conference. Want Action Lab to lead a keynote or interactive workshop at your next event? actionlab.ca/workshops

We’re thrilled to announce that SDX 53: Agency & Hope in a Time of Societal Transition & Evolution with Mark Cabaj is sold out! Keep an eye out for more SDX events coming soon!

Last chance to register for SDX 53: Agency & Hope in a Time of Societal Transition & Evolution. Join us March 5, 1:00–4:00 PM at Action Lab for a workshop with Mark Cabaj on how breakdown and uncertainty shape systems change. Get your ticket here: eventbrite.ca/e/197830737160…

Curated with @Naheyawin, the Action Lab Treaty Reflection & Renewal Space offers tangible reminders of what it means to be a good Treaty relative. Smudging can be done in the lab upon request, with smokeless smudge spray always available.

Season 2 of our podcast Wicked Complex is here. The theme this season is Absurdly Hopeful: How Play and Creativity Can Crack Open New Futures. The first episode drops early March 2026, and features social innovator Ben Weinlick.

Join us March 5, 1:00–4:00 PM at Action Lab for SDX 53: Agency & Hope in a Time of Societal Transition & Evolution. Hosted by Mark Cabaj, this reflective, practical workshop explores how breakdown and uncertainty shape systems change. Get your ticket: eventbrite.ca/e/197830737160…

We’re excited to recognize @Civida_CA as a Community Animator partner at a 115-unit building in central Edmonton. Their support has made this work, and its ongoing learning and growth, possible. Learn more about the project: skillssociety.squarespace.com/config/pages/6…

Last week’s SDX workshop, led by Stefan Morales, brought together futures work and Liberating Structures to support shared sensemaking and peer-to-peer learning. Thank you to Stefan, and to everyone who joined and contributed their thinking.

Our latest work at Action Lab: the OT Praxis Toolkit, developed with @UofARehabMed. Co-designed by and for occupational therapists, the toolkit supports ethical reasoning in complex practice situations. We are grateful to collaborate on meaningful work like this.

Join us January 29, 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Action Lab for an interactive workshop with Stefan Morales. Explore futures, practice shared problem solving, and strengthen your adaptive skills. Get your ticket here: eventbrite.ca/e/sdx-52-using…

Grateful to work alongside a team at the Bennett Centre on building capacity with social innovation tools. It was especially meaningful to support their prep for a workshop bringing students and staff together to explore belonging and connected school communities.