Workshop Facilitator - Counter Mapping Urban Heat

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION Climate Resilient Communities

Role Title Workshop Facilitator — Counter Mapping Urban Heat

Program Community Climate Data Program

Reports To Helena Yu, Project Lead

Role Level Senior / Specialist (8+ years experience)

Priority High Priority (Critical for immediate project phase)

Time Commitment 7–10 hours per week

Start Date February 16, 2026

Duration 3–4 months

Check-in Frequency Weekly meetings

Key Partner University of Toronto — Toronto Climate Observatory

About Climate Resilient Communities Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) is a volunteer-run not-for-profit operating under Transition Toronto. We work at the intersection of community, data & AI, and climate change to strengthen communities' capacity to bounce forward from climate challenges. Our mission is to help community groups effectively advocate for their needs and find solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges exacerbated by changing climate. Learn more at https://crc.place.

About the Project Counter Mapping Urban Heat Workshop Series brings together community leaders and residents from heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to critically examine existing urban heat information and data products and co-design more equitable, relevant, accessible, and actionable alternatives.

Current heat vulnerability maps, warning systems, and data dashboards are often designed by and for institutions rather than the communities experiencing the climate impact. This workshop positions community leaders and residents as expert evaluators and designers, examining how existing heat information products fail to meet their needs and envisioning alternatives grounded in principles of care, relevance, accessibility, usability, and equity.

Through hands-on critical analysis and creative design exercises, participants will dissect the assumptions embedded in current heat data tools, map how information actually flows (or fails to flow) during heat emergencies, and prototype new approaches that center community knowledge and priorities.

Role Purpose The Workshop Facilitator is responsible for designing and delivering engaging, inclusive workshop experiences that empower community members to critically examine urban heat data products and co-create equitable alternatives. Working in close collaboration with the University of Toronto's Toronto Climate Observatory, you will co-develop workshop content, structure, format, and activities that center community voices and produce actionable outcomes. This role requires deep expertise in facilitation, climate adaptation, and community engagement—and a commitment to creating spaces where community leaders and residents are recognized as experts.

Key Responsibilities 1. Workshop Design & Development
• Co-develop workshop content, structure, format, and activities in partnership with

UofT's Toronto Climate Observatory
• Design participatory exercises that enable critical analysis of existing heat data tools

and creative co-design of alternatives
• Create accessible, culturally responsive workshop materials that meet participants

where they are
• Develop facilitation guides, activity templates, and supporting resources 2. Facilitation & Delivery
• Facilitate workshop sessions in Rexdale, Jane/Finch, St. James Town, and other

heat-vulnerable neighborhoods
• Create inclusive, psychologically safe spaces where all participants feel empowered

to contribute
• Guide participants through critical analysis of heat maps, dashboards, and alert

systems
• Support hands-on prototyping and design activities that generate community-driven

alternatives
• Adapt facilitation approach in real-time based on participant needs and group

dynamics 3. Collaboration & Documentation
• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager, CRC team, and UofT partners

throughout the project
• Synthesize workshop discussions into clear documentation of gaps, barriers, and

community priorities
• Contribute to the development of workshop outcomes: Gap Analysis Summary,

Design Concept Portfolio, Priority Actions List, and Community Design Principles
• Participate in weekly check-ins and provide input on project progress

Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in workshop facilitation and design
• In-depth knowledge of community engagement principles and proven experience

working with diverse communities
• Strong understanding of climate adaptation, specifically urban heat impacts and

vulnerabilities
• Familiarity with data/information products (maps, dashboards, visualizations) and

their role in climate communication

• Ability to create inclusive, accessible spaces that center marginalized voices
• Excellent communication, listening, and synthesis skills

Nice-to-Have Qualifications
• Experience with participatory design, co-design, or human-centered design

methodologies
• Background in environmental justice, public health, or urban planning
• Familiarity with Toronto's heat-vulnerable neighborhoods (Rexdale, Jane/Finch, St.

James Town)
• Experience working with frontline service providers or community health workers
• Knowledge of critical cartography, counter-mapping, or data justice frameworks
• Multilingual abilities relevant to workshop communities

Key Deliverables & Workshop Outcomes
• Successfully delivered Counter Mapping Urban Heat Workshop Series and reports

such as gap analysis and community design principles.

How to Apply Interested candidates should submit their application through the Google Form link: https://forms.gle/s6ULESPkGP9UiiEq7. Please include a brief statement of interest explaining why you're passionate about this role and any relevant experience within the form.

Climate Resilient Communities values diversity and inclusion, seeing volunteers as essential partners and co-creators. We value their diverse perspectives and community knowledge, encouraging them to

challenge and guide our initiatives.

https://forms.gle/s6ULESPkGP9UiiEq7

• How to Apply