The event focused on addressing housing justice and affordability. This event served as a crucial platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions about the systemic issues surrounding access to affordable housing. Through community talks, storytelling sessions, and expert panels, attendees explored topics such as gentrification, zoning laws, and economic disparities, all of which contribute to the housing crisis.
The goals of the event were to share student resources and skills related to housing justice, provide participants with insights into housing rights and available resources, and engage the community in discussions on the impact of housing issues. Over 50 attendees participated, including students, community members, and housing justice advocates, who all contributed to the conversations.
The event began with a registration and check-in process, where attendees were welcomed, given name tags, and directed to their seats. The opening remarks included a land acknowledgment, a brief introduction to the event, and an emphasis on a no-tolerance policy for discrimination. This set the tone for an inclusive and respectful environment.
Following the opening, the conversation on housing injustice began with an introduction by VTU, which led into a Community Talks and Storytelling session. During this segment, participants formed smaller groups to share personal experiences and discuss issues related to housing justice. Key themes were then shared with the larger group, and a housing expert from BC Co-Op Housing provided insights, answering questions raised by the audience.
A short break followed offering snacks and beverages, as well as an opportunity for informal networking. The panel discussion, following the break, featured 2-3 experts and representatives from local housing organizations. They discussed current housing issues and explored potential solutions. The audience was invited to submit questions via Kahoot, and these were addressed by the panelists.
The event concluded with an interactive vision board activity where participants were given sticky notes, markers, and other materials to express what they had learned and share their ideas for just and equitable housing. This collaborative activity encouraged reflection on the day's discussions and allowed participants to contribute their thoughts on how to create meaningful change.
Finally, the event closed with remarks expressing gratitude to the participants, social justice groups, and speakers. The importance of collective action for housing justice was emphasized, and contact information for further engagement with CCEL was shared. The event successfully fostered a space for learning, dialogue, and inspiration, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of housing justice and actionable steps toward change.
Housing Justice Impact Event Slides-
From this experience, I learned the importance of adaptability and proactive problem-solving. The challenge of coordinating schedules with various student groups taught me how to pivot when things don’t go as planned. I learned to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, which allowed me to suggest a format change for the event that still met our goals, despite the difficulties with coordination. I also learned the value of clear communication and ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and responsibilities.
What I achieved was a successful event where participants engaged meaningfully, learned about housing justice, and had an opportunity to connect with one another. This event achieved its goal of bringing together diverse student groups and organizations to address housing issues in a collaborative and educational environment. The positive feedback from attendees and the extended participation from both panelists and guests showed that the event succeeded in fostering connections and promoting learning.
This experience relates to my personal and professional growth, particularly in leadership, event management, and community engagement. It reinforced my ability to manage complex tasks, handle unforeseen challenges, and create spaces where people can engage in important social issues. It also relates to my broader goal of improving my leadership and organizational skills, as I was able to apply these skills in a real-world setting to create a meaningful experience for the community.