Civic Spark
Share your story. Spark connection. Shape what’s next.
A two-day gathering for organizers, innovators, and community builders working toward a better future of public life.
9am–5pm on August 16 + 17, 2025 in Toronto
Event Overview
Civic Spark is a gathering for people who care about the future of public life.
We're bringing together organizers, technologists, public servants, mutual aid networks, researchers, designers, and community leaders from across North America.
This isn’t a pitch stage or a showcase. It’s a space to share real stories, challenge assumptions, and explore what works — and what doesn’t — when building for civic impact.
Whether you’re deep in the work or just getting started, you’re invited.
Why Now
Today's challenges are big, and the work can feel fragmented, exhausting, and unclear. Civic Spark is a chance to reconnect — with purpose, with people, and with the possibilities of what we can build together.
- Let’s share what’s working — and name what’s not.
- Let’s build across disciplines, roles, and lived experience.
- Let’s co-create what’s next.
We believe civic infrastructure can be resilient, public trust can be restored, and those most impacted can lead the way forward.
Who Should Attend
If you're building something better — whether that’s a community, a project, a policy, or a platform — Civic Spark is for you.
Maybe you are (or want to be) a:
- public servant working collaboratively with communities.
- grassroots organizer exploring tech or data as a tool for justice.
- mutual aid volunteer making things work with what you’ve got.
- designer, technologist, or researcher committed to public interest work.
- student or newcomer looking to learn, connect, and contribute.
Or someone who's just figuring out where you fit — but knows things need to change — whether formally or informally, institutionally or on the ground — you are invited.
What to Expect
The Conference
Saturday, Aug 16
A set schedule of stories, sessions, and shared lessons from people building community-powered tools, services, and networks. It’s a space to share what’s working, reflect on hard-won lessons, and explore new ideas together.
The Unconference
Sunday, August 17
A day of workshops and sessions created by participants. Anyone can propose a session. Anyone can host. This is where we dive deeper, get hands-on, explore tough questions, and connect around shared interests.
Supporters
Civic Spark is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Their commitment to civic innovation and community building helps us create a space for meaningful connection and collaboration.
This event is organized by Civic Tech Toronto, CARTE, and 1RG.
Presenting Sponsors
Lead Sponsor
Major and supporting sponsors:
Bloom Works
•
Code for Canada
•
webCOMAND