November's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- 5 days ago
- 5 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,
Funds, Programs, & Awards
Apply Now: Legislative Internship
The BC Legislative Internship Program is a six-month program that gives post-secondary graduates exposure to public policy-making and legislative processes. Applications are now open - graduates and current students can apply, as long as they will finish their degree before the program starts.
$400 For Leisure & Recreation
Applications are now open for the Winter CIF Education & Leisure Fund! It provides up to $400 to Vancouver residents who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges. The funding can be used for a wide range of education courses or leisure activities.
Artists: Grants Galore
Visual artists, musicians, writers, culture carriers, and other creative community members - there are several funding opportunities now open for applications!
Indigenous Students: Earn & Revitalize
The YES program provides language immersion learning and paid internships for BC First Nations students. First Nations students aged 18-35 can receive up to $32,320 to support language learning.
Community Engagement & Resources
Caring Card Needed!
The holidays are a favourite time for many, but for isolated community members, they can feel particularly lonely.  Vancouver Public Library is calling on you to submit caring cards with designs inspired by the holidays. Your cards will be delivered to community members in need.
Now Launched: CBC Disability Life
CBC has launched Disability Life, a new content hub for Canadians with disabilities, their caregivers, and allies.
The creation of this hub was directly inspired by feedback from disabled audience members, bringing together news, arts, sports, and more into one easy-to-find destination.
HandyDART: The Big Decision
On December 3, the TransLink Board will vote on whether to bring the service in-house under full government control, or to continue contracting out the services. You can apply to speak at the meeting and help shape the future of HandyDART.
Help Improve Youth Mental Health
The Family Support Institute is supporting a parent-initiated, parent-led effort advocating for mental health support and services for children/youth with disabilities across BC. You can join the discussion they are hosting to generate an action plan for creating a stronger mental health system for young people.
Now On: Faye's Room
There's still time to catch Faye's Room, playing at The Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables St from November 7th to 23rd.
Faye's Room is the story of Faye Murphy, an autistic lesbian who works at a queer cafe… and happens to have the power to summon and hide in a magical sensory room at will.
When she becomes trapped in this room with her least favourite co-worker an unlikely bond forms, and the two find themselves with a bit more in common than they’d thought. Faye’s Room is a moving exploration of neurodivergent solidarity, intergenerational bonds, and internalized ableism.
In Focus: Courage To Come Back Awards
Nominations are now open for the Courage To Come Back Awards!
These awards recognize the outstanding perseverance shown by persons with disabilities who have overcome obstacles to become community leaders.
I recently spoke with Louisa Bridgman, recipient of a 2025 Courage to Come Back Award, and a powerful advocate for accessibility and inclusion. To learn more about Louisa's journey and how to nominate someone for an award, click below.
Your Input Needed: Villages, Railtown, Youth Workers
The City of Vancouver needs support from community members who work or live in Vancouver.
Villages in Vancouver
The Vancouver Plan identifies 25 Villages envisioned as vibrant hubs with diverse housing options and essential shops and services within a short walk, bike, or roll.
The City now wants to know what you think of proposed changes to its plan for Vancouver's villages. Your input will shape the updates to the plan.
Railtown
Railtown is in the northern part of the Downtown Eastside, next to the Port of Vancouver and the rail yard. Railtown was originally developed as an industrial area, but over time became a hub for creative businesses and light industry.
The city is exploring ideas that could help Railtown thrive, such as housing opportunities, and more spaces for businesses and artists, and wants your input on how to improve the area.
Youth Workers Wanted
The City of Vancouver is convening a meeting to gather perspectives from Vancouver’s youth sector representatives, and is encouraging participation from all youth workers.
This session will provide an opportunity to exchange insights on current challenges and opportunities in the sector, including the City’s and community programs positions in promoting and supporting youth wellbeing.Â
Navigating The System: Winter Readiness For Furry Friends
With the weather getting chilly, it's important to know how to stay warm and dry. There are several resources available to help, such as the Vancouver Coastal Health winter weather website.
But what about for our furrier friends?
Pet Warming Tips
The following tips are for dogs, but apply to cats and many other animals as well.
1. Lightly warming your dog's food and water can help them warm up and enhance circulation during chilly weather.Â
2. De-icing salts and chemicals can harm your dog. Wash your dog's paws and belly off with warm water after a walk.
3. Many dogs, especially smaller ones that sit low to the ground, will get as wet and cold on their chest and stomach as they will their back. When selecting a coat for your dog, try to make sure this area is protected.
4. When you come in from trips outside with your dog, have a warming and drying station ready. This can include a mat, towel, a blow dryer, and some treats. Heated blankets and resting spaces away from drafts can also keep them warm and cozy.
5. Learn your dog's cold signals. These can include ears pinned sideways, a stiff tail, paw lifting, and slowed movement. If you notice them shivering, they are already too cold, so act quickly to warm them.
BC Trivia Contest: The Sleepiest Month
Did you know: In November, BC's black bears sink into their deepest, sleepiest stage of hibernation. After weeks of intense feeding, their heart rate, breathing, and temperature drop as they settle into dens for winter, their young hibernating with them!
That leads to this month's contest question: What’s your ultimate fall comfort food or drink?
Send your answer to spencer@bcdisability, and you will be entered in a draw to win a gift pack from the BC SPCA, featuring a tote bag, 2026 calendar, and more!Â
The winner of last month's contest draw is Richard H, who named his most memorable Halloween costume that of his (hot)dog Poppy!
More Community Updates!
Join A Board Or Volunteer
Contests, Competitions, &Â Awards
Events
To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten