Action Lab

A lot of what makes a space feel welcoming comes down to the small details.

At Action Lab, we try to set things up so people can settle in and use the space in ways that work for them. Snacks on the table, supplies within reach, access to the kitchen, fridge, and cupboards, all simple things, but things that can help a space feel more comfortable and shared.

[The image is a table setup inside the Action Lab space. A wooden tray holds snacks, sticky notes, markers, colourful coasters, and Action Lab materials, including a small sign about Treaty 6 territory and tatawâw. A shared kitchen and seating area can be seen in the background.]

Season 2 of Wicked Complex is here!

If you haven’t listened yet, this is your reminder to check out our first episode featuring Sakawithiniwak sibling duo Jacquelyn and Hunter Cardinal of Naheyawin.

Listen on our here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.actionlab.ca/podcast

[The image has a bold red square centered over a black-and-white aerial image of people walking across a large target pattern. Large white text reads “WICKED COMPLEX,” with a small green label “SEASON 2.” Below, smaller text says, “Absurdly Hopeful: How Play and Creativity Can Crack Open New Futures.” At the bottom, on a dark blue background, it reads “Wicked Complex Podcast S2-2” and “The Sacred Bit: Reconciliation Through Laughter, Sincerity, and Love.” The Action Lab logo appears on the right, and along the left edge, vertical text reads “DON’T MISS IT.”]

The second episode of Season 2 of Wicked Complex is out! On this episode of Wicked Complex, Sakawithiniwak sibling duo Jacquelyn and Hunter Cardinal of Naheyawin bring Nehiyaw wisdom to questions of play, creativity, and social change.

Drawing on their reconciliation work, they share why leading with love isn't soft — it's strategic, why laughter can be sacred, and how telling stories authentically might be the most radical act of all.

You can find Wicked Complex on our website or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://www.actionlab.ca/podcast

[The image introduces Season 2 of the Wicked Complex podcast. The title “Wicked Complex” appears in large white text over a red square cutout, revealing a greyscale background image of people walking in circular formations. The text “Season 2” appears below, alongside the Action Lab logo and the season theme: “Absurdly Hopeful: How Play and Creativity Can Crack Open New Futures.”]

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Edmonton Community Foundation and the Social Enterprise Fund. Their investment gives us the space to explore and go deep on ideas that sit outside our usual scope. Right now, that means helping us explore the possibility of an innovative, inclusive approach to small-scale multi-family affordable housing.

Thank you, ECF.

[In this image, there is a teal gradient background that fades to white near the center. Large bold text reads “Donor Recognition: Edmonton Community Foundation,” aligned to the left. A vertical yellow bar sits along the left edge of the text. In the upper right corner, partial dark navy circular line graphics curve into the frame.]

We’ve been making a few updates in the Action Lab, including upgrading our tables, as part of our ongoing effort to maintain and improve the space. We’re always thinking about how to ensure the best experience possible for our renters and how the Lab can continue to support the ways people gather and work together.

[In the image, the Action Lab is pictures several white rectangular tables arranged in pods, each surrounded by black chairs. The space has large windows along, with roller shades partially lowered. The ceiling is exposed, showing metal ductwork, pipes, and track lighting. On the walls are colourful circular signs with phrases, along with visual explorer cards. A podium with a computer sits at the front near a whiteboard.]

In collaboration with Skills Society: Supporting the Citizenship of People with Disabilities, we have been supporting the research and development of the Community Animation Service - an innovative approach to nurturing community in affordable apartment buildings in Edmonton. As part of a developmental evaluation of this work, we collaborated with Naheyawin to create two Strategic Learning Briefs.

The briefs include:�Intentional Infrastructure for Nurturing Emergent Community (prepared by Action Lab) and Finding Our Way Home Together: A Strategic Learning Brief on Indigenous-Informed Community Animation at Edgemont Flats (prepared by Naheyawin).

These are now available on our project webpage if you’re curious to explore what we’re learning along the way: https://www.skillssociety.ca/projects/the-community-animator

[The first image shares about the collaboration with Skills Society, highlighting support for the research and development of the Community Animation Service. Large blue text sits across a soft gradient background, with smaller text below adding context about strategic learning briefs, while simple geometric shapes in bright colours frame the image.

The second image highlights the two Strategic Learning Briefs developed through the project. A bold heading reads “The briefs include:” followed by a list of the titles. Below, the cover pages of each brief are displayed side by side, each using distinct colour blocks and geometric shapes. The layout sits on a gradient background, with bright, shapes framing the image and the Action Lab logo in the corner.]

We’re still looking for someone to join our team as a Community Animator!

Follow the link to read the full description and learn how to apply:https://www.skillssociety.ca/s/Community-Animator-Job-Posting_March-2026.pdf

[In the image, large navy text reads “We Are Hiring” against a light background with colourful geometric shapes in yellow, blue, and orange around the edges. A smaller blue banner at the bottom reads, “For a Community Animator.”]

We welcome Annand as he joins our parent organization, Skills Society, as Director of Development and Community Engagement. At Action Lab, Annand will contribute to our facilitation service offerings, bringing a strong focus on connection, collaboration, and growing social innovation work alongside community.

Over the past 10 years, Annand has been part of social innovation labs in many ways, as both a participant and someone helping convene them. This includes Shift Lab 2.0 and the Future of Labs 2024 practitioner gathering.

He brings experience from both non-profit and for-profit sectors, and was part of founding the social enterprise You need this box.

If you’ve got a project idea, a question, or just want to connect with Action Lab, Annand is a great person to reach out to. You can reach him at: [email protected]

[The image introduces Annand Olliverre, with his name set in large, flowing type across a soft green organic shape. A greyscale portrait of Annand appears on the right. Supporting text describes his role and approach, all set against a white background.]