Bakery Gatherings #2: The Art of Saying No
About this Event
Presented by Edmonton Learners Collective and Ararat Café & Bakery
Sometimes the hardest word to say is "no."
Not because we don't know the word, but because we don't want to disappoint someone, sound rude, or lose a connection.
At Edmonton Learners Collective, we believe language is about more than grammar. It's about feeling confident in everyday conversations, building meaningful relationships, and feeling like you belong in your new community.
Together with Ararat Café & Bakery, we're creating another Bakery Gathering where learning happens naturally, around a table, through conversation, creativity, and community.
This week's gathering is The Art of Saying No.
We'll explore how to politely say no in everyday Canadian situations, express boundaries with confidence, and practise useful English phrases through guided conversations and real-life examples.
Then we'll slow down and get creative.
Together, we'll design and paint our own postcards to take home, a small reminder that every conversation begins with confidence, kindness, and being yourself.
It's a welcoming space where newcomers, Canadians, professionals, students, and community members can learn from one another, meet new people, and leave feeling a little more connected.
No artistic experience is needed.No perfect English is expected.
Just come as you are.
What we'll do together
Learn natural and polite ways to say "no" in English.
Practise real-life conversations in a relaxed environment.
Talk about boundaries, confidence, and communication.
Meet new people through guided conversation activities.
Create and decorate your own handmade postcard to take home.
All art materials will be provided.
About Edmonton Learners Collective
Edmonton Learners Collective is a not-for-profit community organization that brings people together to learn, connect, and grow through shared experiences.
Our gatherings are designed to help people build confidence, improve communication skills, create friendships, and feel more connected to life in Canada.
Whether you're new to Canada or you've lived here for years, everyone is welcome to learn alongside one another.
Meet Your Facilitator
Lily Yağmur Gosling
With more than ten years of experience teaching English and a background in HR and recruitment, Lily creates welcoming learning experiences where people build confidence through conversation.
Her goal is simple: to create spaces where people feel comfortable meeting others, practising English, sharing experiences, and building community.
Why is this event free?
Because we believe community should be accessible.
Thanks to the collaboration between Edmonton Learners Collective and Ararat Café & Bakery, we're able to offer our time, space, and materials at no cost.
If you leave with one new phrase, one new friend, or one conversation that makes you feel more confident, we've achieved our goal.
If your plans change
If you're unable to attend, please cancel your Eventbrite registration so someone else can join. Our gatherings have limited seating, and every cancelled ticket gives another person the opportunity to participate.
Thank you, we can't wait to welcome you.
I have some questions:
1. Do I need to be fluent in English?
Not at all. This gathering is designed for English learners and anyone who wants to practise speaking in a supportive environment.
2. Do I need art experience?
No. The postcard activity is simple, relaxing, and meant for everyone. We'll provide all the materials.
3. Who can attend?
Everyone is welcome. Newcomers, international students, long-time Canadians, professionals, business owners, volunteers, and anyone who enjoys meaningful conversations and meeting new people.
4. What should I bring?
Just yourself. If you'd like, you can bring a favourite quote, a small photo, or a pen you enjoy using, but everything you need will be provided.
5. What makes Edmonton Learners Collective different?
Our gatherings combine language learning, creativity, and community. Instead of focusing only on English, we create opportunities to build confidence, make friendships, meet local professionals and business owners, and practise communication through real conversations. Our goal is to help people feel more connected and more at home in Canada.
Who This Gathering Is For
This gathering is for you if...
You often say "yes" when you really want to say "no."
You leave conversations wishing you had answered differently.
You feel emotionally drained because you put other people's needs before your own.
You worry that saying no will hurt someone's feelings or make you sound rude.
You find it difficult to set boundaries in English.
You want simple, natural expressions you can use in everyday Canadian conversations.
You'd like to communicate with more confidence while staying kind and respectful.
You're looking for a welcoming community where you can practise English, meet new people, and learn together.
You'll leave with practical language you can use right away, more confidence in everyday conversations, and a handmade postcard that reminds you that setting healthy boundaries can also be an act of kindness.
We'll practise useful expressions for real-life situations, learn how to politely say "no", meet new people, and create our own handmade postcards to take home.
No artistic experience or perfect English is needed.
Come for the conversation. Stay for the community.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Ice-Breakers: Who we are? Answer these with us. Let's pick one whenever you..
Host: Lily Y. Gosling
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
What do we say while trying to say NO?
Host: Lily Y. Gosling
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
