Exploring

COMMUNITIES

How does Exploring Communities work?

Focusing on placemaking, students work with four communities to create a unique project through identifying demographics, needs, and amenities unique to each community.

PLACEMAKING:

Placemaking is the process of turning unused spaces into places, and inspiring a connection between your residents and the community.

What are the benefits?

Your organization will:

Learn about the needs and opportunities in your community.
Learn new virtual ways to engage residents.
Receive a project plan that you can easily implement.
Engage your residents!

What is your role?

Support a group of students who will engage your residents.
Provide students with insight, ideas, and feedback on their
projects.
Attend pitch night.
Carry out the project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What are Deadlines and Timelines?

The application deadline is July 15, 2024. Students will work with your community from September to December. The project will take place from January to April 2025. See “What to Expect” for the complete timeline.

How Do I Get Involved?

Interested communities must submit an application by July 15, 2024 on our website.

What is Pitch Night?

After the students dream up their project idea, they will ‘pitch’ their idea to an audience at a virtual event. Winning communities will be awarded $500 or $1,000 depending on the audience’s decision. Note: bring lots of your members to win!

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What to expect

Step one

15 July

Application due

Step two

15 August

The Federation and the professor decides on the community and coordinates with the CA

Step three

12 September

Semester begins for the students and the Federation hosts an info session with all organization representatives (1 hour).

Step Four

October

30 mins of board meeting time required. The students meet and engage with the board on values and interests.

The students facilitate engagement to learn more about the community. Then they engage the broader community. – 3 project options

Step five

November

30 minutes of board meeting time required. The students present their project ideas and recommendations. The board offers feedback on the project.

The students will complete their final report and share with the instructor and the Federation. This will be an opportunity to prepare for Pitch Night.

Step six

05 December

Pitch Night: Representative members from each association attend the event in early December (2 hours). Students pitch their project ideas to the audience, who award $1000 to first-place winner and $500 to second-place prizes

Beyond December – Commitment to implement the project as funded on a reimbursement basis.

Stakeholder Commitment:

It is important for your organization, the Federation, and the University
instructor to be committed to Exploring Communities so that the program is
carried out successfully. This means that all stakeholders ensure that they can
uphold the meeting requirements and commit to open communication.

Endorses the program and
provides support during
planning (ex. communications
and logistical help).
Commits to timely
communication with the
students and the Federation.
Meets with the Federation
to discuss logistics and the
purpose of the program.
Commits to implement the
project as funded.