Full Content or Description of the Activity
As part of my role, I planned and executed a housing justice workshop in collaboration with the UBC Centre for Community Engaged Learning, the Social Justice Centre, and the Vancouver Tenants Union. This event was attended by over 40 participants who gathered to explore the systemic challenges around housing security, availability, and affordability, and how these issues contribute to personal and community instability.
The workshop consisted of three main components:
- Educational Presentation: Delivered by student organizations and community partners, highlighting tenants' rights, neighborhood organizing, and the systemic barriers contributing to housing insecurity.
- Interactive Q&A Session: Participants had the opportunity to engage with panelists, deepening their understanding of housing justice.
- Reflection Space: Attendees reflected on their learning and shared actionable ideas to promote housing justice.
During the project, I took on key responsibilities, including logistical planning, coordinating with student groups and community partners, securing a venue, and organizing catering. One of my proudest moments was seeing attendees stay beyond the event’s planned timeline, actively engaging in conversations with panelists and fellow participants. It was gratifying to know the workshop succeeded in fostering dialogue, education, and community building.
This project also presented challenges, such as coordinating with multiple student groups with limited availability. To address this, I adapted the original event format from a formal panel to informal group discussions, ensuring meaningful participation while reducing logistical strain. Another moment of growth was stepping out of my comfort zone to deliver the opening remarks and lead activities, overcoming initial anxiety to feel more confident speaking in front of an audience.
Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons about adaptability, leadership, and fostering inclusivity. Despite unexpected changes, such as last-minute modifications to the kick-off activity, the workshop achieved its goals, with attendees describing the event as informative and impactful.
This project was significant for my personal and professional growth. It enhanced my leadership, event planning, and problem-solving skills. I gained a deeper understanding of how to navigate community-engagement challenges, ensuring collaboration between diverse groups and creating spaces for open dialogue. The experience reinforced the importance of advocacy and education in addressing systemic issues like housing insecurity, equipping me with skills applicable to social justice, public policy, and community development work.