2026 Impact Summit: Bridging the Gap

A hands-on summit where collaboration turns into a real, actionable plan shaping how Global Brigades Canada bridges connection and impact.

About the Event

The Global Brigades Canada Impact Summit 2026 is a full-day, interactive working session designed to turn collective insight into concrete action. Bringing together Brigaders, students, professionals, and members of the wider community, the Summit goes beyond traditional conference formats to actively engage attendees in shaping solutions that matter.

Through a thoughtfully curated mix of short presentations, expert-led discussion, and facilitated group collaboration, participants will explore the intersection of global impact and local experience, learn from diverse perspectives, and contribute directly to a structured, solutions-focused process. The outcome of the day will be more than ideas or dialogue. Insights generated during the Summit will be synthesized into a tangible, organization-wide plan that will directly inform how Global Brigades Canada strengthens connection, trust, and long-term impact across its programs.

Designed to be participatory, inclusive, and purpose-driven, the Impact Summit invites attendees to show up not just to listen, but to help build something real. Expect meaningful discussion, collaborative problem-solving, and a few surprises along the way.

What to Expect

• Short, engaging presentations connecting global impact and lived experience
• A moderated Q&A with professionals and practitioners
• Facilitated small-group collaboration and solution-building
• Opportunities to network with Brigaders, students, and community leaders
• A clear pathway from participant input to real organizational action

Some of Our Panelists

• Kassandra Barteaux, President, United Nations Association in Toronto
• Shania Bhopa, award-winning global health scholar and thought leader
• James Yap, human rights lawyer specializing in transnational accountability

Event Details

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Location: YMCA Downtown Toronto, Ontario
Event Program: Full day, specific time TBD (10am-5pm)
Format: In-person, interactive + online recording (less interactive)
Capacity: Limited seating (advance registration required)

Summit Program Overview

The Impact Summit is structured as a progressive, solutions-driven experience:

1. The Mission in Motion: Voices from the Field and Back Home
   Hear from Global Brigades in-country partners and Brigaders as they share real stories of impact, progress, and challenges from both global communities and local chapters.
2. The Impact Challenge: Bridging the Gap
   Participants are introduced to the Summit’s central challenge question, exploring how Global Brigades Canada can strengthen connection, trust, and long-term impact across its programs.
3. Panel Discussion + Q&A
   A moderated panel of professionals and practitioners will offer diverse perspectives to help frame the challenge and guide deeper exploration.
4. Networking Lunch
   An interactive networking lunch bringing together Brigaders, students, and professionals to exchange ideas and build connections.
5. Solutions Workshops
   Facilitated small-group sessions focused on generating practical, actionable solutions to the Impact Challenge.
6. Solutions Showcase and Voting
   Groups present their proposed solutions, followed by collective discussion and participant voting to identify priority ideas for implementation.

Who Should Attend

• Current and former Brigaders
• Students interested in global health, development, and social impact
• Professionals and community members passionate about meaningful, ethical engagement
• Anyone interested in contributing to solutions that move from insight to implementation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a conference?
Not in the traditional sense. While the Impact Summit includes short presentations and expert discussion, it is designed as a participatory, working session. Attendees will actively contribute to structured group work that feeds into real outcomes for Global Brigades Canada.

What will come out of this event?
The ideas, insights, and solutions developed during the Summit will be synthesized into a concrete, organization-wide plan that will directly inform Global Brigades Canada’s future programs and decision-making. This is a purpose-driven event focused on implementation, not just discussion.

Do I need prior experience with Global Brigades Canada to attend?
No. The Summit is open to both Brigaders and non-Brigaders. A mix of perspectives is intentional, and all attendees will be provided with the context they need to participate meaningfully.

Will we know the full program in advance?
High-level information is shared in advance, and more detailed information about the specific program, sessions, and activities will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event date.

What should I expect during the day?
Expect a blend of learning, dialogue, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving. The day includes presentations, a moderated Q&A, facilitated small-group work, networking opportunities, and collective sharing.

Is this an in-person event?
Yes. The Impact Summit is an in-person event held in downtown Toronto to support meaningful interaction and collaboration.

Who should attend?
Students, professionals, current and former Brigaders, and community members who are interested in global health, ethical engagement, and contributing to practical, solution-oriented impact.

Is there an opportunity to connect after the event?
Yes. An optional, informal post-event social will take place in the evening for those who wish to continue conversations and connect with other attendees.