Visuals for Indigenous cultural competency framework

Visuals can support conversations about Indigenous cultural competency frameworks in health care. Recently, I worked at the Moving Forward conference, a unique gathering held by the Provincial Health Services Authority. I came away from this experience profoundly changed, as I always do when work takes me to a deep place. Graphic recording visuals brought a unique dimension … Read more Visuals for Indigenous cultural competency framework

Visuals can support cultural competence in healthcare

Visuals can support cultural competence in healthcare. Recently, I worked at the Moving Forward conference, a unique gathering to talk about Indigenous cultural competency frameworks in health care. I came away from this experience profoundly changed, as I always do when work takes me to a deep place. Graphic recording visuals brought a unique dimension to tough conversations about … Read more Visuals can support cultural competence in healthcare

knowledge translation at Brain Matters in the news

Graphic recording is great for knowledge translation, and it was featured in the 24 hours newspaper this week. Scientist Timothy Caufield wants us to see through the hype in science research, and my visuals were featured alongside his recent Brain Matters talk. The talk was part of a two day conference on brain science and social … Read more knowledge translation at Brain Matters in the news

Engage visually and start with a juicy question

Thinking about hosting an event where you want people to share their thoughts – and see the conversation emerge visually? As a graphic facilitator, my tip is to engage visually and start with a juicy question. One of my favorite resources is a book called The Art of Powerful Questions. This short yet comprehensive guide is written by … Read more Engage visually and start with a juicy question

A look back at January projects

Well, this month flew by… here’s a recap from my twitter photos! I was graphic recording for strategic planning sessions and open houses this month. Each of these particular gatherings were quite special – they were a way for the organizations to bring key people into the same space for reconnection. I was honoured to … Read more A look back at January projects

Gathering Wisdom – visuals on social determinants

*updated 2018 with a new version of the SDOH image * In October 2013, I had the privilege of graphically recording at the Gathering Wisdom VI conference, hosted by the First Nations Health Authority, First Nations Health Directors Association, and First Nations Health Council. Over 900 delegates, including Chiefs, Health Directors, and Provincial and Federal Partners … Read more Gathering Wisdom – visuals on social determinants

Graphic recording for executives – the shoulder checking technique

I noticed two useful things while graphic recording for some recent executive meetings. Shoulder checking during presentations It was a high-level meeting between senior executives that included dense information in a very tight timeline. The graphic recording tool was like shoulder checking while driving. A quick look was all that was needed. While he talked, the speaker … Read more Graphic recording for executives – the shoulder checking technique

Mentoring and Graphic Recording at IFVP conference

This summer, I went to my first International Forum of Visual Practitioners (IFVP) conference in New York. I promised I would go outside my learning “comfort zone” if I was flying all the way to New York, so for me the best part was being mentored. While I was mingling and signing up for sessions, two … Read more Mentoring and Graphic Recording at IFVP conference

My Health My Community- graphic recording at the launch

We’re at a crucial time for health care planning, and we need good data to make decisions in our cities and health systems. My Health, My Community is a new health survey that will gather that important data. What kind of data? My health is partly about “me” –  my biology, lifestyle, and health care – … Read more My Health My Community- graphic recording at the launch

Drawing for Healing- Truth and Reconciliation in Williams Lake

Earlier this year, members of the Communities That Care group brought the esteemed Dr. Martin Brokenleg for a workshop about the Circle of Courage. At his workshop, participants brainstormed lists of important activities happening in the Cariboo Chilcotin. But lists are only as powerful as how they are used, so the committee thought an image would be an … Read more Drawing for Healing- Truth and Reconciliation in Williams Lake

Adding the role of Synthesizers helps groups focus

It’s the middle of an important meeting. Heads are bowed. But unfortunately, it’s in Blackberry prayer. An effective and gentle way to help a group refocus is the role of Synthesizers.  Synthesizers are people who support the facilitator and summarize the main points and emerging themes for the group. They speak for 1 – 2 minutes … Read more Adding the role of Synthesizers helps groups focus

Adding visuals with graphic recording templates

There’s a graphic facilitation/ graphic recording technique that lets me be in two places at once. It’s called template work. I wasn’t able to join the Surrey Welcoming Communities event in person, and we all wanted visuals to complement the facilitation at this cross- cultural, multi agency gathering. I proposed a custom, graphic recording template. … Read more Adding visuals with graphic recording templates

Embracing Diversity – graphic recording and dialogue

The Fraser Basin Council in Williams Lake hosted a forum on diversity, multiculturalism and anti-racism. I brought graphic recording to support their discussion and dialogue. This diversity forum covered a lot of ground. Participants talked about vocabulary and ‘words that hurt’. Iris from PeerNet BC facilitated great discussions about systems of power and privilege that … Read more Embracing Diversity – graphic recording and dialogue

Using graphic facilitation for writer’s block

At some point in writing a PhD, it’s safe to say you’re going to get writer’s block. Wouldn’t anyone? So when an old, trusted friend was stuck in his writing process, I asked him to experiment with me:  could graphic facilitation could get his ideas from his head onto paper. I put up giant paper. He … Read more Using graphic facilitation for writer’s block

Graphic Facilitation Training in Brandy Agerbeck’s Lab

This January I joined Brandy Agerbeck, graphic facilitator extraordinaire, and 5 learners in her graphic facilitation “Lab”.  The Lab is a 3 day retreat/ training/ challenging and supportive environment where graphic facilitators can try new things and grow our visual practices. My big takeaway? Emphasizing synthesis as well as capturing information. Let me explain a bit … Read more Graphic Facilitation Training in Brandy Agerbeck’s Lab