January's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- 15 hours ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
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 Achievement Awards Now Open
The BC Achievement Foundation invites you to nominate outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses for its 2026 award programs. Applications are now open across five categories, covering community service, reconciliation, art, and design.
Calling Young Storytellers!
The Ripple Foundation is inviting students in grades 4–8 across BC to enter the Kids Write 4 Kids writing contest. Writers can submit stories or poetry for a chance to become published authors and support a charity of their choice. Entry is free, deadline is March 31, 2026.
Young Changemakers Wanted
The Ingenious+ Youth Innovation Challenge invites Canadian youth 14–18 to submit projects that make a positive impact. Participants can win $1,000 regional awards, compete for national prizes up to $10,000, and access learning opportunities across themes like climate action, inclusion, health, and tech innovation.
BC Artists: Shine at the PNE
The PNE is offering its inaugural Arts & Culture Grant Program, featuring grants of up to $20,000 for BC artists.
Artists are invited to apply to showcase their work and advance their artistic practice while contributing to the public arts experience at the PNE.
Indigenous Students: Earn & Revitalize
Applications are now open for the Kenneth Lackner Scholarship, a $2,500 award supporting postsecondary students. It is open to Ribbon Community clients or family members, volunteers, and people living with HIV in BC who are enrolled, have recently completed, or have confirmed admission to a program starting in 2026.
Community Engagement & Resources
Apply: Advisory Council on Indigenous Women
The Province is seeking two Indigenous applicants to serve on the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women. The Council advises government on improving the quality of life for Indigenous women across British Columbia, with priorities including MMIWG2S, wellness, Indigenous laws, and more.
Accessible Winter Adventures
The Family Support Institute has prepared a collection of accessible winter activities across BC for people with disabilities and their families! From high-speed to slow and relaxed, you will be able to find the right outing for you and your loved ones.
Winter Photo Contest!
The First Nations Health Authority is inviting First Nations people in BC to share photos of themselves, family, and community being active on the land or waters this winter. Selected photos will be shared on social media throughout January and February, and participants will be entered into weekly draws for $25 gift cards.
Engagement Open: Hunting & Legal Reforms
The Province has opened two engagement opportunities for British Columbians. The issues addressed include proposed reforms to the legal profession, as well as proposed hunting, angling, and trapping regulations. Your input can help shape the final outcomes.
Your Input Needed: Strengthen Patient Care in BC
An opportunity has opened to bring your professional insight or lived experience to an independent, province-wide role that helps improve how patient care concerns are addressed in BC’s health system.
The Patient Care Quality Review Board is seeking members with lived experience and/or direct patient work, including but not limited to physicians, social workers, occupational therapists, dieticians, physiotherapists, and paramedics.
The Board recommends improvements to the health care system, and reviews public health care service complaints. This work helps ensure patient voices are heard and translated into better care for everyone.No prior board experience is needed.
In Focus: Paid Research Opportunities for Youth & Parents
McCreary’s Youth Research Academy is inviting BC youth ages 18–27 who are aging out of care, or have recently aged out, to complete a 20-minute survey to help improve transition supports and services.
The survey can be done online or on paper, with follow-up surveys every six months until age 27. Participants receive a $25 e-gift card for the first survey and $30 for each additional one. Participation is anonymous, confidential, and voluntary.
Out of the Margins is a new community-led research study exploring how parents with disabilities in BC navigate precarious work, financial stress, and family life.
The study is recruiting up to 10 parents with disabilities in the Lower Mainland or Victoria/Vancouver Island who have children under 19 and experience low or unstable income. Participants will complete a confidential 60–90 minute interview and receive a $115 honorarium, with optional participation from partners and youth aged 14–18.
In Focus: New Year, Volunteer!
There are several new volunteer opportunities for community members interested in making a difference!
Lunar New Year Needs You
LunarFest brings together diverse communities to welcome the Year of the Horse—a symbol of courage, momentum, and collective progress. Throughout February, all-ages activities will celebrate culture, connection, and the shared journey toward a more harmonious future.
Volunteers play a critical role in making LunarFest possible, and there are many different opportunities available, great for anyone looking to support this special cultural celebration.
Supporting Seniors, Strengthening Community
The West End Seniors Network is currently looking for volunteers to support several programs at Barclay Manor, and would love for you to join them. There are a variety of opportunities available, including hosting roles, event support, and social meal programs.
The South Vancouver Neighbourhood House is also looking for seniors to join its peer-led council supporting seniors and local services. Council members advocate for seniors in a diverse, inclusive setting.
The Jewish Seniors Alliance is also looking for volunteers, including peer support volunteers, a part-time editor for their Senior Line magazine, and a social media coordinator.
Trivia Contest: BC's Coldest Place
Did you know: Christmas may have passed, but the cold hasn't! January is the coldest month in BC, and Smith River holds the distinction of being the province's coldest area, with a chilling temperature of -58.9 C on January 31st, 1947.
Question for you: where's the coldest place you've ever been? Send your answer to spencer@bcdisability.com, and you will be entered in a draw to win an assorted tea bundle!
The winner of last month's contest draw is Selma, who described her cozy routine as wrapping up in a warm throw with fuzzy socks, a rice heat pack, and a cup of fragrant tea.
More Community Updates!
Join A Board
Contests, Competitions, & Awards
Events
To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten
Comments