May's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4
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
Seniors - how should our public spaces be used?
Teaming up with BC's Seniors Advocate, I’m hosting a conversation with seniors to better understand how our parks and recreation spaces are working—and where they’re falling short. On June 24th, we will discuss the question: how are our parks and recreation spaces better support the needs, comforts, safety, and accessibility of seniors? Whether you're a senior, or have a loved one who is, I'd love to see you there!
What are your city hall priorities?
Women Transforming Cities want to know what you need from your next city council. If you live, work, study, or access services in Vancouver, take the Our City Hall Survey. Your responses inform the asks put to mayor and council candidates in the upcoming election. When you complete this short survey, you're eligible for a monthly draw for a $100 Visa gift card.
Share Your Ideas About Accessible Housing
People with disabilities and older adults face serious barriers when it comes to finding housing that meets their needs. The National Housing Council is examining these challenges and how they can be addressed. They want to hear about the experiences and practical ideas you, your loved ones, or people you support have about accessible housing—helping ensure that government takes more effective, informed action.
Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open
Women Empowerment Awards
Presented by Rogers, the Women Empowerment Awards recognize women making outstanding contributions to their communities, both locally and beyond. With several award categories—including business, innovation, and social impact—a nomination is a meaningful way to celebrate and elevate leaders who are creating positive change. It’s also an opportunity to help shine a light on inspiring work that might otherwise go unrecognized.
Get Money For Your Book Club
BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner invites public, community and school libraries, and community organizations across British Columbia to participate in the Human Rights Commissioner’s Book Club.
This initiative, offering $500-$1000 per project, supports engagement using B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner’s Book Club selections as a starting point for learning and conversation.
Artist Alert: Opportunities Available
Whether you're an emerging artist, writer, or creative professional, there are a wide range of funding opportunities, prizes, and professional development programs available to support your work. This list brings together grants, competitions, and resources across disciplines—from visual arts and writing to music, theatre, and film. It’s designed to help you find opportunities that match your practice, build your skills, and connect with broader creative communities.
Support For Those Falling Through The Cracks
The Reducing Poverty Through Early Intervention and Occupational Rehabilitation initiative aims to support people who have little or no help from other resources and are off work due to injury or illness. Participants will be connected to a Certified Disability Management Professional, who will help them acquire a range of supports.
BC Hydro Indigenous Scholarships Open Now
BC Hydro offers several options to support Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education, including in fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, skilled trades, and business. Scholarships of up to $8,000 are available to help offset the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses, supporting students as they work toward their academic and career goals.
Belonging Bursaries Are Open
The Belonging Network’s bursary programs provide flexible funding to help youth pursue post-secondary pathways, whether that’s attending college or university, entering a skilled trade, or participating in other training and certification programs. Bursaries can be used toward tuition as well as related expenses, including books, supplies, and living costs while studying—helping reduce financial barriers so students can focus on their education and future goals.
Changing The System: Reshaping Our Public Spaces
I’m hosting a series of conversations with community members across Vancouver to better understand how our parks and public spaces are working for people—and where they’re falling short.
These sessions are about listening, learning, and bringing voices together. I hope you’ll join one that fits your experience!
Active Spaces
Environmentally Flourishing Spaces
Public Spaces for Seniors
Accessible Parks & Recreation
And more
Check out the full list, and find the sessions that most interest you.
In Focus: Supporting Older Adults
Looking to stay active, improve your health, or try something new? These research programs are designed specifically for older adults and offer supportive, guided opportunities to build strength, improve sleep, and maintain mobility.
By taking part, you can benefit from tailored programs while also helping researchers learn more about how to support healthy aging in our communities.
Adding Life to Years in Cognitive Frailty by Preventing Falls The primary goal of the study is to assess the impact of a home-based strength and balance training program compared to a group health education program in reducing falls. Actively recruiting those ages 70 to 89 who have had a history of falls.
Rise and Shine: Promoting Sleep Quality in Chronic Stroke with Exercise
The primary goal of the study is to assess whether a moderate-intensity exercise training program or cognitive and social activities program can improve sleep quality in adults with chronic stroke. Recruiting those ages 55 and over who have had a stroke at least one year ago, and experience poor sleep quality.
Supporting Physical Activity for Mobility in Mobility-Limited Older Adults
The primary goal of the study is to assess the impact of individualized health coaching compared to a group health education program in increasing time spent doing moderate to vigorous physical activity in adults with limited mobility. Status: We are actively recruiting those ages 70 to 89 who have experienced a decline in their mobility.
To learn more about these opportunities, contact Sioban at sioban.tatara@ubc.ca
Trivia Contest: A Century Of Soccer
Did you know: The first documented soccer club in BC was formed in 1889 in Victoria. The first provincial championship would take place three years later, with Vancouver Island teams dominating before the sport spread throughout the province.
Canada's soccer legacy nationwide also grew in 1904, when Ontario's Galt Football Club won gold at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis.
Although Canada won't be the favourite for gold at the upcoming World Cup, participating in the event can help rekindle an underestimated passion for soccer that stretches over a century.
More Community Updates! Thanks For Reading.
PS: Did you know that naming an emotion (“I’m stressed”) has shown to reduce its intensity
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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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