Event Overview
Why Now
Civic infrastructure is fragile.
Public trust is eroding. And too often, the people closest to the problems are furthest from decision-making power.
The challenges are big, the systems are strained, and our efforts for change can feel fragmented, exhausting, and uncertain.
Civic Spark is a chance to come together.
For the builders, the connectors, and the quiet experimenters — people who are organizing, innovating, and creating a more equitable public life.
Let’s share what’s working — and name what’s not.
Let’s make space for action that’s meaningful, grounded, and real.
Let’s learn what others are working on, and co-create what’s next.
With purpose. With people. With the belief that we can still build together — across roles, sectors, and lived experience.
This is your invitation.
Share your story. Spark connection. Shape what’s next.
Programme
The shape of Civic Spark reflects the way we believe change happens — collaboratively, experimentally, and in community.
Civic Spark unfolds over two days — one curated, one emergent. Together, they create space for both structured learning and open exploration. Whether you’re sharing a story, joining a discussion, or just taking it all in, this is a space to listen, reflect, connect, and act.
Day One: Conference
Stories, sessions, and shared lessons
The first day features a curated schedule of talks, panels, and workshops 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.
Expect:
- Lived experience, not just expertise
- Reflections on practice and impact
- Lessons from the field, not product pitches
- Room to listen, learn, and be inspired
Day Two: Unconference
You set the agenda. We build it together.
The second day is an unconference — meaning the agenda is created by participants, on the day of. 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.
Expect:
- Open conversations and peer learning
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Skill shares, breakout discussions, and idea testing
- A space to follow up on what sparked during Day One
No slides required. Just show up curious.
Conference Themes
The programming at Civic Spark is shaped around three core themes. These are not rigid tracks — they’re invitations to share stories, ask questions, and reflect on what it takes to build meaningful civic impact together.
Building Together
Community Innovation and Mutual Aid—How do we co-create civic tools, services, and support networks from the ground up?
This theme is about community-led projects, grassroots collaboration, and the messy, creative work of building with care — not just code. From participatory design to mutual aid infrastructure, we want to hear how people are organizing and experimenting together.
Tech That Serves
Grounding Tools in Real Needs—How do communities use technology to achieve their own socially aligned outcomes?
We’re looking for stories that go beyond hype — where tools are designed with and for communities. This includes digital and analog approaches, building data and tech literacy, and creating infrastructure that supports equity, accessibility, and trust.
Intersections of Change
Collaborating Across Sectors—How can communities, government, academia, and nonprofits be better together?
Civic challenges rarely sit in one silo. This theme explores what’s working (and what’s not) when people try to bridge roles, institutions, and power dynamics. We welcome frameworks, real-world case studies, and honest lessons from cross-sector collaboration.
Looking to speak?
Dates & Location
Dates
Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th 2025
Location
Myhal Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Toronto.
55 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 0C9