Engaging newcomer leaders for community impact
Leadership and Community Engagement (LACE)
Offered by the Saskatoon Open Door Society, LACE is a community-focused, cohort-based leadership program designed to empower newcomer leaders in Saskatoon. It aims to develop leadership skills, foster community engagement, and build networks among immigrants and refugees.
The program is open to individuals with English fluency of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 or higher.
Learning Teams in the LACE Leadership Program
Learning Teams are a signature feature of the LACE Leadership Program — where learning happens through collaboration and a hands-on experience.
Each small team of participants works together on a Learning Team Project, exploring a real community issue in Saskatoon. Along the way, team members practice communication, public speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork while building confidence as leaders.
The Learning Team experience is leadership in action: contacting and meeting community organizations and leaders, learning from peers, navigating group dynamics, and co-creating a group presentation.
It’s a safe space to stretch your comfort zone, test ideas, develop public speaking skills, and achieve a team result.
Community Engagement
The program encourages active participation in community events and initiatives, promoting a sense of belonging.
Cultural Bridging
LACE provides opportunities for cultural exchange, helping newcomers integrate into the broader community.
Leadership Development
Participants engage in workshops and activities that enhance their leadership abilities.
Networking Opportunities
LACE facilitates connections among newcomers, local organizations, and community leaders.
LACE Projects
LACE cohorts form smaller Learning Teams to practice teamwork, leadership,
and engage in a community issue with impactful results.
Understanding Homelessness in Saskatoon
LACE participants gathered and delivered winter care packages to the Salvation Army in Saskatoon.
Food Insecurity in Saskatoon
LACE participants gathered and delivered winter care packages to the Salvation Army in Saskatoon.
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit
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Navigating the Health System as a Newcomer
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LACE Alumni
LACE has consistently received a positive response and has a steady flow of interested newcomer participants from around the city.
To date, over 125 participants have graduated from LACE.
Graduates’ contributions bring valuable multicultural perspectives to Saskatoon, fostering a more inclusive community. Participants report enhanced leadership skills and confidence, empowering them to be more actively engaged in their communities.
