SWAA CIRCLE OF TRUST PART TWO
Overview
In Part Two, Living from Within: A Reflection & Renewal Series, we continue that journey by exploring what it means to carry the wisdom of the inner teacher into our daily lives and professional practice. If the work of Part One was learning to listen, the work of Part Two is learning to live in greater alignment with what we hear. Together, we will reflect on how our identity, integrity, values, and gifts can guide us in responding to the complexities of social work and life with greater authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Social work calls us into relationship with uncertainty, paradox, suffering, hope, and change. In the midst of these demands, it can be easy to become disconnected from the very qualities that sustain us, our sense of purpose, our deepest values, our personal voice, and our capacity for renewal. This series offers a space to explore what it means to live and practice from a place of wholeness rather than fragmentation, allowing our inner lives and outer work to become more fully aligned.
Facilitator: Paula Cornell
Paula Cornell is an instructor at NorQuest College, and has served as the Chair of the Social Work Diploma Program and the Chair of the Child and Youth Care Diploma. She has also taught at MacEwan University and The Kings University. Prior to her work at NorQuest, she spent more than a decade working in summer camps, group homes, and with people of all ages experiencing homelessness in Edmonton and was named Top 40 under 40 for her work in 2015. In her spare time, Paula is a facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, where she holds space for people to explore their lives using poetry, imagery, and reflection to uncover their inner wisdom. Paula is a lifelong enthusiast of learning, a curious question-asker, crafter and maker, and a passionate educator, bringing heart, humour, and a deep belief in community to everything she does.
Professional Development: Participants who complete all five sessions will receive 7.5 hours of Professional Development under the Professional Engagement category. Please refer to ACSW’s Competence Program Guide for more information about Professional Development and the Continuing Education and Professional Engagement categories.
Dates: Nov 2, Nov 9, Nov 16, Nov 23 and Nov 30
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual (Link to be sent upon registration)
Eligibility: Open to individuals who have completed Circles of Trust Part 1 with SWAA
Register on the Member Portal: SWAA Circles of Trust Workspace
SWAA CIRCLE OF TRUST PART One (closed)
Overview
In a time when social workers are stretched thin, navigating the weight of systemic challenges, human suffering, and rapid social change, this professional development series offers a space to pause, reflect, and remember what called us to this work in the first place. Rooted in the Courage & Renewal® approach founded by Parker J. Palmer, this series is designed to help social workers reconnect with their inner source of wisdom, the “inner teacher” that guides integrity, compassion, and clarity in the midst of complexity. Through this series of gatherings, participants will be invited into a trustworthy community where reflection, dialogue, and community offer an opportunity to renew and encourage their spirit.
Facilitator: Paula Cornell
Paula Cornell is an instructor at NorQuest College, and has served as the Chair of the Social Work Diploma Program and the Chair of the Child and Youth Care Diploma. She has also taught at MacEwan University and The Kings University. Prior to her work at NorQuest, she spent more than a decade working in summer camps, group homes, and with people of all ages experiencing homelessness in Edmonton and was named Top 40 under 40 for her work in 2015. In her spare time, Paula is a facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, where she holds space for people to explore their lives using poetry, imagery, and reflection to uncover their inner wisdom. Paula is a lifelong enthusiast of learning, a curious question-asker, crafter and maker, and a passionate educator, bringing heart, humour, and a deep belief in community to everything she does.
Professional Development: 7.5 Hours of Professional Engagement
Dates: Sept 7, Sept 14, Sept 21, Sept 28 & Oct 5
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual (Link to be sent upon registration)
Learn More: SWAA Circles of Trust Flyer
Free Info Session on August 17, 2026
Before the Fall Circle of Trust series begins, join us for an Info Session to learn more about the program, what to expect throughout the five-week series, and whether it is the right fit for you.
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026 (7:00-8:30 PM Mountain Time)
Location: Virtual - Link to be shared with those who register
Learn More and register here: SWAA Circles of Trust Info Session