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?
- Attend pitch night.
- Support a group of students who will engage your residents.
- Provide students with insight, ideas, and feedback on their
projects. - Carry out the project.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to expect
01
November
The Exploring Communities application is due on December 3, 2021.
02
December
The selection committee selects four community organizations to participate.
03
January
Students begin class and learn about your organization, engagement, and the
project. The Federation hosts an info session with all organization representatives.
(1 hour)
04
february
Session 1: 30 minutes 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. They then engage the broader
community.
05
march
Session 2: 30 minutes of board meeting time required. The students present their
project idea and recommendation. 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.
06
april
Pitch Night: Representative members from each association attend the event in early April (2 hours). Students pitch their project ideas to a the audience, who awards $1000 to first place winner and $500 to the second place winner.
Beyond April: 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.
Your Organization
- 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.
The Federation
- Facilitates the connections.
- Commites to timely communication with the other stakeholders.
- Offers funding to “winners”
The University
- Coordinate student projects the incorporate community information.
- The instructor commits to timely communication with other stakeholders.
Applications are currently closed!
Stay tuned for when applications will open up again! You can keep up with the latest Federation news on our social media, or through our newsletter!
Questions or comments? We are always happy to help.
Contact planner2@calgarycommunities.com
Submit your application today!
Projects are encouraged to take place soon after the completion of the winter 2022 semester and must be completed by August 31, 2022.
Questions or comments? We are always happy to help.
Contact Michelle at planner2@calgarycommunities.com
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