Community Conversations 2026

In 2026 our online evening Community Conversations series will happens on a monthly basis between March and November to create a space for bringing members together to share experiences, successes, challenges and ideas around particular themes.

The idea of Community Conversation sessions is to create a space to bring members together to share experiences, successes, challenges and ideas around particular themes, with open discussions following some input from someone with knowledge or experience of the topic. Everyone is very welcome to come along, and contribute thoughts, practice and learning from your experience. We hope to introduce some skill improvement focussed conversations in the Spring. We hope to introduce some skill improvement focussed conversations in the Spring.

We hope that any discussions can potentially mean that successful ideas are taken forward elsewhere to support the continuous development of orienteering in Scotland. SOA staff and Board members participate in each session to support discussion and listen feedback and suggestions.

We have a suggested calendar of topics below but if there is something you think would benefit to be discussed please let us know by emailing our COO Nikki Howard nikki@scottish-orienteering.org or Marketing and Communications Director Katherine Ivory marketing@scottish-orienteering.org

The events will take place on the dates below, 7.30-8.30pm, via Zoom. Participants can sign up via the links below, and also suggest discussion points or questions. A Zoom link will be sent in advance of the session to those who have registered. There will be a write-up following each session on the key discussion points and ideas.

Month/DateCommunity Conversation Topic
Monday 23rd March 7.30pm – 8.30pmWhat is SOA up to? – a look at 2025 and plans for 2026 March Club Conversations sign up
Tuesday 21st April 7.30pm -8.30pmReaching out to new audiences and marketing – event publicity, social media and feedback on the new SOA leafletApril Club Conversations sign up
Thursday 7th May 7.30pm – 8.30pmCreating a welcoming environment at an event/ welcoming newcomers without bamboozling – newcomer packs May Club Conversation sign up
Monday 1st June 7.30pm to 8.30pmHow to get parents orienteering – encouraging  whole family participationJune Club Conversation Sign up
JulyBreak for the holidays
AugustBreak for the holidays
Monday 7th September 7.30pm to 8.30pmPermanent Orienteering Courses – case studies and how we ensure they reach the audienceSeptember Club Conversation sign up
Monday 5th October 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Safeguarding – lets talk about why its important and raise its profile		October Club Conversation sign up
Monday 2nd November 7.30pm to 8.30pmCoaching Focus
November Club Conversation sign up

2025 Community Conversations – Reports

MonthCommunity Conversation themeSign-up Link / Report
January – Mon 6thCommunications and MarketingCommunications and Marketing write up
Feb – Mon 3rdDevelopment and Recruiting newcomersDevelopment and Recruitment write up
March – Mon 3rdDevelopment: Progression and Retention of Newcomers Development: Progression and Retention write up
April – Mon 7thClub Coaching and Support for Development Development: Club Coaching and Support for Development write up 
May – Mon 5thFuture of the Scottish Six DaysScottish 6 Days : Future of the 6 Days write up
June – Mon 2ndSupporting Inclusion and WellbeingSupporting Inclusion and Wellbeing write up
JulyNo Session – holidays
August No session – Six Days
September – Mon 8thSupporting Clubs: Event Access and PermissionsSupporting Clubs: Event Access and Permissions Write Up
November – Mon 3rdClub Development: Ensuring a Thriving Volunteer-Based sportNovember Community Conversation sign up form
December – Mon 1stSafety Round-upDecember Community Conversation sign up form