February's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 13
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,
Funds, Programs, & Awards
BC SPCA Calendar Contest
The BC SPCA calendar contest is now open! You can enter a photo of your beloved pets for a chance to have them featured on the 2027 BC SPCA calendar. You can also browse the current entries and vote on your favourites. This is a great way to support the BC SPCA and the animals they help.
Nominate A Newcomer!
MOSAIC BC's scholarships and awards recognizing newcomers making a difference in their communities have now opened. These awards provide funding to help newcomers pursue their educational, career, and leadership goals.
Introducing The PICS Legacy Awards
The PICS Legacy Awards are a new initiative recognizing individuals, organizations, and community leaders whose work has created lasting, measurable impact across British Columbia. There are 6 award categories, with nominations being due by February 27th.
Opportunities For First Nations Creators
The First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Arts Program supports all forms of creative expression. offering up to $75,000 to BC First Nations artists and organizations. The YVR Art Foundation's Emerging Artist Scholarship is also providing $5,000 for early career Indigenous artists to pursue their career goals.
Community Engagement & Resources
Neurodivergent Expo
The Neurodivergent Expo on February 21 is a one-day community-focused event designed to connect families with service providers, spark new ideas, and build supportive relationships. Resource booths, feature speakers, breakout sessions, and more.
Shape Canada's Housing Future
The Government of Canada is inviting applications for Board of Directors roles with several federal housing and infrastructure organizations. These positions are open until March 9, 2026 and offer a chance to influence national priorities on housing, sustainable infrastructure, and community development.
Celebrate A Teacher!
Inclusive Education Canada is looking to share stories from teachers who go beyond to make their classes welcoming for students of all backgrounds. Share a story of an amazing teacher, for a chance to have it shared nationally!
Families Supporting Families
Vancouver Coastal Health is recruiting a family member to support its Family Connections Support Group for families of people accessing mental health and substance use services. This paid role involves co-facilitating a supportive, inclusive group twice a month, helping guide discussions, manage group dynamics, and share lived experience alongside mental health professionals.
In Focus: Free Safety Phones For Seniors
The Vancouver Police Department is providing free cellphones to seniors in need to enhance their safety and well-being.
The phones are designed to make outgoing calls to 911 only and cannot receive incoming calls or texts. They are easy to operate, and there is no monthly plan or cost.
Navigating The System: Free Tax Clinics 2026
Free tax clinics for the upcoming tax year will be opening soon! There will be several tax clinics available to help you prepare your taxes for free.
This list is currently in progress and will be updated on an ongoing basis. Check back regularly for additions and updates.
Artistic Opportunity: Outsiders & Tactile Creators Wanted
Based in Vancouver, Outsiders and Others bring non-traditional artists to the forefront. These are artists who identify as outsider, self-taught, and living with a disability.
Outsiders and Others is currently looking for submissions for a series of upcoming exhibitions. All artists are welcome to apply, but non-traditional artists are given priority in the selection process.
Applications are also now open for grunt gallery’s 2026 Tactile Co-Learning Engagement Program, a paid 6-week collaborative program exploring tactile learning and contemporary art practice.
Two non-visual artists based in Metro Vancouver will be selected to work closely with gallery staff to deepen access and expand possibilities for tactile art in gallery spaces.
Trivia Contest: BC's Photo Trailblazer
Did you know: In 1862, BC's Hannah Maynard (far left) became the first woman in Canada to open a professional photo studio.
During the 50 years she ran her studio, Maynard photographed subjects from all corners of the community, including babies, convicts, dignitaries, servants, and industrialists.
She also pioneered multi-exposure techniques that combined multiple images into a single photograph, finding new ways to document life in 19th century BC.
Question for you: what's the most memorable photograph for you? Whether of you, a loved one, a cultural figure, or anything else? All entrants will be placed in a draw to win a Purdys Chocolate prize!
The winner of last month's contest draw, asking the coldest place you've visited, is Luis N.! He found himself far away from his native Mexico's heat when he travelled to Antarctica.
More Community Updates!
PS - Did you know that saying someone's name out loud after they've introduced themselves makes you twice as likely to remember it in the future?
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To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten
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