Land Acknowledgement

Look Forward’s work takes place on the traditional homelands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, including the Siksika, Piikani and Kainai Nations, joined in signing Treaty 7 by the Stoney-Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley Nations; and the Tsuut’ina Nation. Southern Alberta is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. Today all of these people call Moh'kins'tsis (the Blackfoot word for Calgary) home.

How we work together

At Look Forward, we strive to create safety and accountability in our spaces by focusing on inclusion, equity, solidarity and community in our work.

Most of our meetings and conversations take place online; cameras are not mandatory for any Look Forward meeting.

We use a modified version of the Occupy movement’s hand signals to quickly build consensus. We use three hand signals:

• Up twinkles indicate agreement;
• Down twinkles indicate disagreement;
• Raising a hand indicates a desire to speak.

You can also use Zoom reactions (e.g. thumbs up) and the hand-raising function instead of hand signals.

We work to hold space and to actively listen to each other, and we recognize and embrace friction as evidence that multiple ideas are entering the conversation. This extends to differences in opinion, perspective, identity, history, background, political affiliation, etc. As long as someone aligns with our evidence-based, outcomes-focused, and collaborative approach, and shares the vision represented by our principles of an inclusive, resilient and thriving city, we want them to feel welcome here.

Inclusion means that we strive to involve and empower everyone.

• We work to choose venues, times, spaces, and processes that present as few barriers as possible
• We respect mental, emotional, and physical boundaries, both our own and others
• We do not make assumptions about anyone’s opinion, perspective, identity, history, background, etc
• We practice active consent, including always asking for explicit consent before touching or engaging someone

Equity means that we work to equalize the space and ensure that people are treated fairly.

• We practice confidentiality; we work to share lessons and experiences rather than identifying people
• We work against patterns of privilege by making space and taking space as appropriate
• We honour and respect differences in opinion, perspective, identity, history, background, etc.
• We consider and accept responsibility for the impact of our behaviour on others

Solidarity means we stand with each other in shared struggle.

• We all will make mistakes, have bad days, are triggered, and fail
• We all have something to offer and something to learn
• We all practice offering and receiving forgiveness
• We all assume positive intent

Community means that we engage with each other and build connections.

• We ask clarifying questions
• We share and challenge ideas and practices rather than judging people
• We practice responsibility for both the “problem” and the “solution” (known as the “50% rule”)
• We use “I statements” and take responsibility for our perspectives

If you ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwelcome in one of our spaces, or if you see someone else feel that way, we invite you to privately contact one of our Directors or Contractors.