About this Event
Community-Centred Connectivity in your Backyard is an in-person event for local community members to share their experiences and help shape the future of technology.
Join the Internet Society Manitoba Chapter and North End Connect for a welcoming, interactive gathering. This isn’t a conference where experts do all the talking: through friendly workshops, you can ask questions and discuss issues that affect us all.
Technology affects everyone
- Artificial intelligence: Is AI helping us or creating new problems?
- Online safety: How can we protect ourselves and our families?
- Privacy: Who controls our personal information?
- Affordable internet: Should everyone have access?
- Digital rights: Who gets to make decisions about technology?
Your ideas and concerns can inform future technology policies and community initiatives. The goal is for decision-makers to hear from everyday people, not just technology experts.
Build a computer and take it home
In a hands-on workshop, learn how computers work and assemble one with help from knowledgeable volunteers. No previous experience is necessary. Spaces are limited, and separate registration is required for this workshop.
Everyone is welcome
Parents, seniors, students, community members, small business owners, and anyone curious or concerned about technology are invited. Enjoy meaningful conversations, meet your neighbours, learn something new, and help shape a digital future that works for everyone. Lunch is provided.
Register today—space is limited.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Open Doors (Check-in, Coffee and Snacks, Meet & Greet)
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:05 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Joel Templeman
🕑: 10:05 AM - 10:10 PM
Welcome and Blessing
Host: Courtney Comber
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Mastercard Foundation Announcement
Host: Courtney Comber
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Option A: Panel Discussion "What is a Community Network?"
Host: Kyle Shulman
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Option B: Youth Leadership Round Table "Our Community, Our Technology"
Host: Connect5
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break
Host: ISOC Manitoba Board of Directors
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Research Presentation - University of Toronto
Host: Michel Mersereau, PhD
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Option C: Technology Alternatives for Privacy, Security, and Autonomy
Host: Joel Templeman
Info: Take Control of Your Digital Life!
Concerned about online privacy, security, or how much control technology companies have over your digital life? Discover practical alternatives that put YOU back in control!
Join this interactive workshop to explore free, open-source, and privacy-friendly alternatives to popular apps, software, and online services. Learn how to better protect your personal information, improve your online security, and reduce your dependence on big technology companies.
We'll introduce practical tools and simple changes you can make to your everyday digital life, from safer web browsing and messaging to alternatives for storing files, sharing information, and using online services.
No technical experience necessary! Bring your questions, share your experiences, and discover that you have more choices than you might think.
FREE workshop | Take home practical ideas and tools you can start using right away
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Option D: Hands-On Computer Refurbishment Workshop.
Host: Jesse Zerbin
Info: Hands-On Computer Refurbishment Workshop – Build It, Test It, Take It Home!
No experience necessary! Ever wondered what's inside a computer or how all the parts work together? Join our fun, hands-on workshop to learn how to refurbish and rebuild a computer from start to finish!
With guidance from friendly, experienced volunteers, you'll explore the different computer components, learn what they do, assemble your own computer, and test it to make sure everything works.
Best of all, you get to take home the computer you build for FREE! You can keep it or donate it to someone who needs one.
Learn new skills, gain confidence with technology, and help give computers a second life!
FREE workshop | No experience required | Limited spaces available – advance registration required!
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Wrap-up Session
Host: Joel Templeman
Event venue & nearby stays
Merchants Corner, 541 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.