Welcome. You Belong HERE.

NEW to Salt Spring? Been here FOREVER? Somewhere IN BETWEEN?


The Salt Spring Welcome Network is for anyone who’d like a little more connection — and a little more fun — in their life.

Because this island is full of wonderful people… and still, somehow, we don’t always meet each other.

What’s the deal?

We host monthly gatherings where meeting new people is made easier, lighter, and genuinely enjoyable.

Expect:

  • nametags (yes, proudly worn — no pretending you remember names)

  • fun prompts and gentle icebreakers to kick-start conversation

  • just enough structure to help things flow

  • plenty of room for laughs, stories, and surprises

Nothing awkward. Nothing forced. Everything optional.

Our secret sauce…

We’re inspired by Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, which basically says:
good gatherings don’t happen by accident — they’re designed with care.

That means:

  • a clear reason for being together

  • activities that actually help people connect

  • permission to be human (and imperfect)

  • fun and meaning, happily coexisting

Think less “networking event,” more “oh wow, that was actually lovely.”

Who should come?

You should come if you:

  • are New to Salt Spring

  • have lived here for ages but want to meet new faces

  • like people (or want to like people again 😄)

  • enjoy thoughtful, yet fun + light-hearted connection

You don’t have to be an extrovert.
And you don’t have to bring a friend.
Just bring your curiosity.

Why we’re doing this

Because Belonging Matters.


Because community doesn’t just magically happen.


And because sometimes all it takes
is a nametag,
a good question, and
a room full of friendly humans.

Come once. Come often.

Come whenever it feels right.


We’ll save you a nametag ;)

  • This past summer I was out at Ruckle Park for an Untamed - an outdoor 5 Rhythms weekend retreat and got talking with a fellow attendee and how she was looking to join an organization called Women Welcoming Women Worldwide (or something akin to this) - an organization where members welcome and show visiting members around their communities.

    And this got me thinking…

    I’ve always enjoyed the role of welcomer - showing people around, giving them the low-down on where to eat, shop, etc. 


    I’ve also been a leader and facilitator of groups since I was a teenager - whether it was teaching art in kid summer camps, visual art classes at university, or all kinds of community groups – I love the thrum of a good group gathering. Ones that call people forward to create new connections and conversations. 

    I’m also a celebrant - someone who writes and officiates ceremonies like weddings and funerals. And love helping people to celebrate significant events in their life with ceremony and ritual. 

    I’m also a bit of a picky socializer myself - I don’t really like spaces without at least a little bit of structure. And I also want to meet and connect with more people… but in deeper, more fun and authentic ways. 

    And after leading the Member Mixers for the Salt Spring Chamber for the last year and a half, and seeing the powerful and disarming combination of soft and slightly silly icebreakers, I’m ready to try out a new kind of gathering. 

    One whose purpose is to invite and welcome attendees into new connections and conversations with one another through welcoming, light hearted interactions and facilitation. Where you don’t have to have anything in common with anyone else other than the urge to connect.

    So if this sounds like something you’d enjoy. Or something someone you know would enjoy, please check out the gatherings of the Salt Spring Welcome Network.

Our 1st session is set!

Join us on Tuesday, Jan 27th

5:30 - 7pm at SIMS

$15 - 20 sliding scale

Payment: e-transfer or cash

Enter your details to RSVP
+ Reserve Your Spot!

Can’t make this one?

Please enter your name + email to get on our invite list for the next one :)