Work at CSI for the day with our new Lounge Pass!

Next Economy Conversations

Our monthly tête-à-tête with industry leaders 

Around the world, there are movements calling for systems change: a world that is sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all. But what will that world look like, specifically? How are we each going to play a role in defining those specifics? Next Economy Conversations, our newest event series, brings the people building systems-level solutions into conversation so we can answer those questions, and learn from their successes and failures.

Join us at the next Next Economy Conversation

learn more about our past guests

employee-ownership
Employee ownership builds community wealth, improves business performance, and creates a more inclusive economy. Cofounder of Grantbook and Unwrapit Peter Deitz explains what an Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) is, why he implemented one, and how this approach could disrupt the Canadian economy for the better.
Lightbulbs drawn on dusty black chalkboard
2021 is going to be a year of recovery, and we need big, bold ideas to get us started. We’ve chosen some highlights from the Next Economy Conversations we had last year, with the leaders from across Canada who are creating a future that is regenerative, equitable, and prosperous for all.
RavenCapital_DiabetesLab
We sat down with Jeff Cyr to chat about barriers to innovation in government, closing gaps faced by Indigenous social enterprises, and an exciting social finance model that puts solutions back into the hands of communities.

Part of the CSI Connects Initiative

CSI Connects helps you build the relationships and collaborations to make change happen. Come to learn, share, make friends and allies. It’s as much about learning as it is about fostering belonging, cohesion and community resilience.

Community Animator Program

Community Animators sit in a circle on the ground floor of CSI Spadina, listening to two hosts speak from the center couch.

Are you a social entrepreneur, an innovator, or seeking to gain new skills and opportunities?

7 hours a week. Unlimited Hot Desk coworking access. We are recruiting our next cohort of Community Animators (formerly known as our DECA Program) for CSI Annex and CSI Spadina. Apply to become a Community Animator.

Are you looking for a community who values changing the world and having fun doing it? Do you love meeting new people, solving new problems every day, and making sure our spaces flow? Does the idea of engaging in community building sound right up your alley?

Would you exchange 1 day a week for a fantastic free workspace, access to an incredible community, plus training, development, and resources? If the answer is a resounding YES, the Community Animator Program is perfect for you.

WHAT IS A Community animator?

Our Community Animators (CA) used to be known as DECAs (Desk Exchange Community Animator), but we thought that this was a more accurate name to reflect our secret sauce!

CAs welcome people as they arrive and are the first faces people see when they arrive at a CSI location. They foster a welcoming culture and they set the tone for the rest of their experience. They work with our members to help build and create connection and collaboration.

You exchange your time as a CA for unlimited access to CSI’s coworking locations and full access to membership resources – a $500+ value! You are a connector of ideas and people, helping to build and foster an incredible community – you are the heart of the CSI community.

The commitment: Exchange 7 hours on a dedicated day, once per week, for a 6 and a half month term.

The benefit: Free CSI membership, including unlimited hot desking and 10 meeting room hours, and inclusion to a vibrant, innovative community. You’ll also have access to training, development, networking and events.

CAs have the opportunity to develop and experience community engagement efforts, develop and contribute skills, and deepen their connections with their cohort and the CSI community, all while learning the behind-the-scenes magic of almost two decades of social innovation and the art of animation. 

WHY BECOME A Community Animator?

No pressure, but CAs are the glue that keeps the CSI community together and the glitter that makes it sparkle. This program is perfect for anyone wanting to learn about social innovation by immersing themselves in it. CSI is a network of networks with over 2,500 members. On any given day, you could meet someone who will change your life. Some CAs have gone on to start their own companies. Others have joined organizations working out of CSI. Some have found their next big opportunity and create their own network. A handful have even become full-time CSI staff. CAs have used their experience as Animators to support their goals. Where will your CAP experience lead you? 

WHO BECOMES A Community Animator?

CAs are diverse in every way. They have varied backgrounds including race, ethnicity, gender and gender identity, age, socio-economic status, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, and religion. But they all have excellent customer service, radical hospitality, organization, communications, and problem solving skills. And perhaps most importantly, a commitment to approaching tasks and projects with sincerity, care, fun, and goodwill.

Part of the CSI Connects Initiative

At CSI we connect the community to each other with convenings and communities of practice, socials, networking, and animation. Learn more about our approach here.

CSI Amplifies

Spread the good work

We want to tell the world about you! 

One of the perks of being a CSI Member is the ability to broadcast on CSI’s content channels. We’re happy to share your news, events, and opportunities on our social media platforms, newsletter, and blog!

Please note that this form is only for CSI Members and alumni. If you haven’t joined CSI yet, take a look at our membership options.

Submit Your Work to Our Comms Team

Ready to share your opportunity with us?

Don’t forget to include a short written explanation of your shareable, relevant links, and the deadline to share by date!

A few administrative things to keep in mind:

  • It will take 3-4 business days to process your entry
  • Due to the high volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee promotion of all entries across all platforms
  • Sharing your information with us at least 2-3 weeks in advance will help ensure timely promotion