Community Action Teams (CATs) are an integral part of responding to the overdose crisis in BC. The CAT Knowledge Exchange connects all 36 CATs throughout BC to share learning and accelerate local work to address the overdose crisis. Virtual learning and networking went from October 2020 to October 2023. These meetings included project-focused sessions and capacity-building webinars. This initiative is in partnership with the Community Action Initiative and funded by the Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions, while guided by diverse individuals who represent CATs and includes people with lived and/or living experience.
Community Resources
The following resources were co-developed with the Community Action Teams in province-wide working groups. Coordinators and community organizations can use these tools to improve our collaboration and collective impact on the toxic drug crisis.
- Recruitment & Retention Skill Sheet for connecting organizations in a community, such as a Community Action Team.
- Meeting Facilitation Skill Sheet to improve the effectiveness of group meetings.
- Leading Community Dialogues Skill Sheet is a how-to guide for community dialogues, including wise practices for culturally safe engagement.
- Safer Supply Community Toolkit is focused on engaging partners, developing relationships, and increasing support for safer supply programs.
Self Care & Safety for Online Events
Events can be dynamic, exciting places to learn and meet other people. However, we recognize that they can also be draining, especially in the virtual world, and we are striving to create safe virtual spaces. You can check out our full Virtual Safety Plan – this resource offers some guidance for taking care of yourself before, during and after a virtual event.