August's Community Conversations

Spencer van Vloten
Aug 12
4 min read

Updated: Aug 14

What relevance does this photo have? See below!

Hello community leader!

Each month in Community Conversations, we look at issues, events, resources, and opportunities in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

If you're interested in receiving updates like this by email, sign up for my newsletter below! Also feel free to contact me if you're aware of any opportunities you'd like included.

All the best,

Spencer van Vloten

Community Resources

The Library Of Lived Experience Needs You

The Library Of Lived Experience is a digital collection of stories and resources from people with lived experience of autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and more. The Library's looking for folks with disabilities to join upcoming consultations, with participants earning $30 per hour.

Relationships & Yoga As Resources

Researchers are exploring benefits of yoga therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their partners. Participants attend weekly group yoga sessions, share mindfulness practices, and receive a $100 honorarium. No yoga experience needed

Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open

Skills Grants Now Available!

The StrongerBC future skills grant covers up to $3,500 for skills training at post-secondary institutions. People 19+ can now apply for the grant, preparing them for employment in current and emerging job markets.

Seeking Aspiring Advocates

Applications are now open for a spot in the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network! This innovative program pairs aspiring blind and low-vision advocates with experienced mentors, fostering a supportive environment where knowledge, resources, and guidance are shared.

WILD Wants Your Best Shots!

WILD magazine is inviting kids 5–12 to grab a camera and capture the amazing wildlife around them—from buzzing bees to towering trees, and everything in between. Enter your best photos to win exciting prizes and have your winning shot featured in an upcoming issue of WILD!

Seniors - Your Leadership Is Needed

Seniors First BC is looking for a new board member to help pursue its mission of advocating for the rights, well-being, and quality of life of seniors across British Columbia. With so many issues hitting seniors harder these days, this is a great opportunity to make a difference.

In Focus: Empowering Indigenous Youth; Furthering Reconciliation

To empower Indigenous communities and foster cultural growth, several opportunities are now available that focus on youth employment, language preservation, and reconciliation efforts.

Indigenous Youth Employment

The Indigenous Youth Employment Program is for Indigenous youth aged 16-29. Participants will receive 1-to-1 mentorship, and attend a variety of workshops for developing pre-employment and employment skills. Transit passes, participation honorariums, paid placements, grocery allowances, and other supports are provided. Email IYEP@froghollow.bc.ca to learn more or apply.

Mentor-Apprentice Program

The Mentor-Apprentice Program is a one-on-one language immersion program for people to become fluent speakers by bringing their language into their daily lives in the home and on the land and waters.

Reconciliation Action Grants

Reconciliation Action Grants provide $1,500 to $15,000 to support reconciliation activities, events, and initiatives that contribute to cultural revitalization, elevate Indigenous culture, languages, and traditions, increase understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Budget Time - Help Shape Funding

Budget consultations are underway in the City of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver and they want to hear from you! Whether it's about improving local services, infrastructure, or priorities for the coming year, your input helps guide how public funds are spent.

City of Vancouver

The City of Vancouver is now accepting input to help prepare its 2026 budget. Let them know your priorities for City spending, and your preferences for balancing the budget while maintaining core services and programs.

Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver is finalizing its 2026 budget, and wants to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape the budget, which the Board will consider in the fall.

BC Trivia: Let The Run Begin!

Did you know the first signs of the salmon run often begin in August?

The amazing Pacific Salmon travels roughly 50 kilometers per day and can jump over two meters to cross obstacles. That's the equivalent of being able to complete two marathons a day and qualify for the Olympics in high jumping!

Despite the resilience of the Pacific Salmon, Vancouver has lost most of its salmon streams due to urban sprawl, with only two remaining out of an original 50. Efforts to boost the salmon population are ongoing, and are an important part of restoring ecological balance to the region

Learn more

More Updates: Events, Contests & More!

Events