Intended Goals of this training:

• Developing confidence in holding uncomfortable conversations as they arise in a caring and respectful way in any setting.

• Learning how to remain focused on the issue you are addressing, based on the mandate and mission statement of whom you are representing.

• Understanding the power of the words we use to either hold a safe conversation or shut it down. Use of correct vocabulary balanced with accurate, respectful, and tangible vocabulary.

Cathy (Gerrior) Grant:

Cathy is an Indigenous social activist who works specifically with men on the issues of violence against women at the New Leaf program since 1999. Cathy is also one of the original members of the Peace and Friendship Gatherings where she first experienced the Tatamagouche Centre that has become a part of her soul over all these years. The couple of thousand or so of men that Cathy has worked with in group over 24 years have taught her how to hold difficult conversations in a plainly speaking way that is caring while also speaking the truth. Maybe even more importantly, how to listen to what someone is saying. Cathy has learned first hand how making safe space for these important conversations can be more important than why everyone had gathered in the first place `Cathy is a down to earth woman who is also quick to laugh, often at herself, and is always motivated by a genuine caring for whomever she is working with.

 Harvey Bate

Harvey was born in Montreal in 1963, but he grew up in the town of Pictou since the age of one.  Being a social person Harvey was employed as a teen coaching kids in swimming and tennis. After high school he took a position managing and organizing a province wide youth organization. The position was for one year and he moved on to university and a degree in physiological psychology from St. F. X.

Not quite content with the impersonal approach of psychology, Harvey went on to get a BSW degree in social work. This led to a career in child welfare. Harvey spent 30 plus years in various positions with The Children’s Aid Society of Pictou County and the Department of Community Services of Nova scotia. During that time Harvey was introduced to New Leaf. He became a board member and eventually the board chair.

Excited about New Leaf offering a program for grade seven boys in the school system Harvey left the board and became an employee of New Leaf. Seeing the powerful work being done Harvey became more involved and is now Co Director.

Having difficult discussions and facilitating groups has been something Harvey has been doing since a young age.  The recent past six years at New Leaf have given him even more experience in this area. Harvey has participated in facilitating workshops throughout his career on many topics.

When not working Harvey enjoys camping in nearby Brule, NS, playing music playing sports and spending time with family and friends.