March's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
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,
Community Engagement & Resources
I really need your support!
I love Vancouver's parks and public spaces, and it is my goal to make them safe and accessible for everyone.
If you want to join the effort you can become a nominator for my Vancouver Park Board campaign - it's quick and easy. I'm excited to work with you!
Seniors - is this city accessible for you?
Seniors deserve a community where they can get around, participate, and feel included.
This short survey is your chance to share the barriers you face and help guide real changes that make our city more accessible for everyone. Your input truly matters and will directly shape future policies and programs.
Join a teen advisory group!
Vancouver Public Library's Teen Advisory Groups allow teens to share their ideas about the library’s teen programs and services while earning community service hours.
Several library branches across the city have a Teen Advisory Group, and applications to become a member are now open.
Share your priorities for the city
What should City Hall focus on next? Women Transforming Cities' City Hall Community Priorities survey helps identify key priorities for the coming term by gathering input from residents and turning those ideas into clear policy goals.
The results will help guide advocacy, secure commitments from mayor and council candidates, and hold City Hall accountable over the next four years.
Shape Metro Vancouver's budget
Help shape the services that over three million people count on every day — from clean drinking water and waste management to air quality and long-term planning for our region.
Your thoughts let Metro Vancouver know what matters most to you and your community as the 2027 Budget and Five-Year Financial Plan take shape.
Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open
Grassroots grants for local women
Vancouver Status of Women is offering Community Action Grants of $2,000–$5,000 for grassroots projects led by women or gender-diverse people.
Projects can benefit communities in the Vancouver Lower Mainland or anywhere in Canada. Priority is given to initiatives that support underrepresented, marginalized, or equity-deserving communities.
Celebrate youth in care with $250
Celebrate children and youth in and from government care with a community event! Grants of up to $250 are now available to help fund celebrations — applications are open until April 13, 2026.
Everyone is encouraged to involve youth in or from care in the planning, helping to make events engaging, accessible, and meaningful.
Now open: Celebration of Families Awards
The Family Support Institute bestows the Celebration of Families award to those who support families in an extraordinary way.
There are eight award categories up for nomination this year, including community member, self-advocate, Indigenous advocate, corporation, and more.
Funding for your mental health projects
Have an idea for a project to support Vancouver’s mental health community? It could be a class, events, or something else.
Community members are invited to submit proposals for 6 and 12-month projects, with funding of up to $8000 available. This funding is a great way to see your vision come to life and make a difference in the community.
Aspiring poets - win big!
Back by popular demand, the Rising Poet Prize is returning this spring. Palette Poetry invites all poets who have not yet published a full-length collection to submit their best poems.
Prizes of up to $3,000 will be awarded, along with publishing opportunities and more. This is a great opportunity for poets looking for a big break.
In Focus: Acting is for everyone
Mitch and Murray Productions is offering acting workshops for youth and adults on the autism spectrum. Acting Atypical blends improvisation, scripted on-camera work, and exploration of the differences between stage and screen acting, helping aspiring actors build foundational skills in a flexible, welcoming setting.
The next workshop takes place on April 11th at Granville Island's Carousel Theatre. The registration fee is only $10
Navigating The System: 1000s of free activities for newcomers
Canoo is a free app for newcomers to Canada offering free or discounted access to 2000+ museums, parks, historic sites, science centres, concerts, and more. It’s a simple way to discover Canada’s history, arts, and outdoor spaces while connecting with your community.
Canoo offers a free Canadian citizenship practice test that helps you prepare for the official exam. Based on the government study guide Discover Canada, the practice test covers key topics like Canadian history, rights and responsibilities, and symbols — and you can take it as many times as you need to build confidence before test day.
Trivia Contest: Two firsts for Japanese-Canadians
Did you know: In 1906, Japanese-Canadian students were enrolled in non-segregated public school classes at Lord Strathcona School in Vancouver, the first time this ever happened in Canada.
Three decades later, in 1938, The New Canadian was established in Vancouver as the first Japanese-Canadian English language newspaper.
Question: Can you share a personal “first” in your life or community — a time you, your family, or someone you know broke a barrier or achieved something new?
Send your answers to spencer@bcdisability.com, to be entered in a draw for a locally selected prize pack of your choice!
More Community Updates!
PS: People who walk while brainstorming often come up with more creative ideas than when sitting.
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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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