Events & Training
Check out our trainings and workshops, and events put on by our community.
GVAT Trainings & Workshops
We offer workshops and provide training in Industrial Areas Foundation community organizing and power-building.
Our Foundations of Community Organizing training is free for member organizations. Leaders from member organization will also have access to IAF retreats at reduced cost. If you are interested in organizing a Foundations training for your organization, contact izzy@gvat.ca. Our next training is scheduled for September 25 + 26, 2026 at the Anglican Church of the Advent in Colwood.
Registration is now open here!
Another Foundations training will occur October 24+25, 2026.
Our Indigenous Relationships Learning Circle has developed a short Land Acknowledgement Training, available for all GVAT bodies and member organizations. Contact jane@gvat.ca for details.
Community Events
GVAT Potluck Picnic: Sunday Sept. 6, 5:00 pm @ Beaver Lake picnic shelter
This is a no-frills, low-key event. Your presence is what will make it special. Rain or shine.
Please bring:
Yourselves, other members of your GVAT member organization, friends and family if you would like
Potluck food to share
Whatever non-alcoholic beverages you would like to drink. Alcohol not permitted in a CRD park)
Re-useable dishes, cutlery, napkins (We aim for a zero-waste event.)
You may also wish to bring:
Chairs or blankets (There will also be seating at picnic tables in the shelter.)
Lawn games (eg. bocce, croquet…)
Canopies for sun or rain protection depending on weather (but the picnic shelter roof will also protect us).
Directions:
If you can cycle, walk, use transit or car pool, that’s great. There is a car parking lot right beside the picnic shelter. If you can offer a ride or need a ride, please contact janewelton@shaw.ca
Filter Beds Entrance:
From West Saanich Road turn east onto Beaver Lake Road and go 1.2km to the Filter Beds parking lot. From Elk Lake Drive turn west onto Beaver Lake Road and drive 800m to the Filter Beds parking lot. (The Filter Beds area is not the area with the swimming beach and playground.)
We post regional events that inform us of our humanity and remind us of our inter-connectedness, and to celebrate the richness of our diverse community. We also have information here about our trainings, research meetings, and actions!