What a Trip! Engage Nova Scotia’s Winter Road Trip about the Sustainable Development Goals and quality of life for all (Part 2)

(If you want to circle back to read Part 1 of this 2-part series, click here to read it now).

What We Heard: A good quality of life requires basic needs being met, belonging, and self-determination

A long piece of white banner paper with the question ‘What does a good quality of life mean to you?’ at the top and multi-coloured post-its with answers written in pen below.

Conversations were unique and personal, but our SDG Program Director, Blair Crawford, hosted each one and identified clear themes around what a good quality of life looked like for people.

All conversations started off with the understanding that quality of life means having your basic needs met. Just as in life, before anything else could really be considered, this was at the forefront. 

Conversations touched on the need for access to shelter, food, education, a basic income, health care, and more – but also highlighted the importance of prioritizing equity and safety in how basic needs are met.  

Folks shared personal stories about connection and belonging and noted that a sense of self and a sense of place are also essential building blocks for living well.

In Amherst, Alyssa Estabrooks said, “I want unconditional acceptance for everyone, everywhere, forever,” because, to her, when people don’t feel they belong, they aren’t living up to their full potential. 

Similarly, in Port Hawkesbury, Jody Nelson shared that belonging may actually be a good starting point to address meeting people’s basic needs because it allows for more voices to be at the table and in turn, more creative, innovative, and equitable solutions to emerge. 

A selfie taken by one of the speakers in Sydney - Omar Tag El-Din - next to the other speakers, Alison Uhma and Dave Sawler, with Engage team members and some of the audience in the background.

Another theme was the role of self-determination in relation to quality of life. In the Annapolis Valley, Kimm Kent emphasized that everyone has agency, and on the South Shore, Brian Braganza noted that choice is a privilege. 

Panelists across the province shared that the ability to choose where they live, how they spend their time, and what they do, all contribute to a good life for them. 

What We Learned: Rediscovering the magic of gathering together

The events captured the idea that no matter what we do, when we’re doing something, we’re adding to a greater whole. Deanna Mohamed articulated this in Pictou when she said,

“We are the system. We create systemic injustice, racism, and discrimination. We are part of the problem, and we must be part of the solution to affect change. There is no secret institution in a box, it is us.”

We heard how it was motivating, comforting even, to know about the kinds of things that speakers were up to – and to be in a room surrounded by other people who care deeply about their communities too. People told us they were walking away with ideas, inspiration, and relationships to sustain or fuel their efforts. 

Through these events the SDGs became more than a framework or measure, they were a thread of connection. They connected people across the province to others whom they might not know but whose actions are connected to theirs.

The conversations reminded me – and many of us – that we’re surrounded by stories and people that can strengthen our resolve and support us to step up.

We were reminded to reach out and find the piece of the puzzle that’s right for us, and to show up there as ourselves. We were reminded we’re enough, we can make a difference, we are having an impact.

One post-event survey captured our shared sentiments exactly:

“Thank you for the time, energy, intention, and heart that went into these sessions. I’m sad it’s over.” 

We are, too. 

A bright collage of the photographs that speakers submitted of themselves.

Thanks for joining us on the Winter Road Trip journey – we can’t wait to hear what you’ll do next. 

Were you inspired by something you heard or someone you met?
Share your story with us by emailing: info@engagenovascotia.ca.