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.]

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.”]