Octobers's Community Conversations!
- Spencer van Vloten
- 3 hours 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,
Community Events
The Power Of Forests: A Health Celebration
Reach Community Health Centre is hosting an all ages community health event inspired by the strength and wisdom of the forest. Come enjoy health resources, cultural performances, a free vaccination clinic, a fun zone, prizes and more!
Inclusion Art Show
October 22nd marks the return of the Inclusion Art Show, featuring the work of artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Roundhouse Community Centre will transform into a gallery of paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more.
Join The Rally For Accessibility
Along with BC People First and Disability Without Poverty, I'll be hosting another rally for community accessibility! Members of human rights organizations from across BC will share about the successes and challenges of accessibility within our communities. If you'd like to attend or speak, click here to learn more!
Farmers Fall Fair Returns!
On October 18th from 11am-2pm, the Farmers on 57th Fall Fair returns for a fun-filled day of local produce, handmade goods, and community spirit! This is a great opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, tase delicious food, and enjoy live music.
Funds, Programs, & Awards Now Open
Board Bonanza
Interested in becoming more involved in the community? A great way to do so is by joining a board, and several organizations are recruiting. Examples of focus areas include animals, the arts, housing, cooking, literacy, and community planning. Look near the bottom of the page for a list of opportunities.
January Award Now Open
The January Marie Lapuz Youth Leadership Award is presented annually to a young person 16 to 30 years of age who has demonstrated involvement, commitment and leadership in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their leadership, click here.
Rewild and Win!
The Rewilding Arts Prize honours art that shines a light on rewilding — restoring and revitalizing our connections with nature, culture and community.Â
Five winners will each receive a $2,000 prize and be profiled by the David Suzuki Foundation and Rewilding magazine.Â
Reconciliation Grants Open Now
Reconciliation Action Grants are now available to individuals and organizations. These grants support reconciliation activities, community events, and initiatives that contribute to cultural revitalization and move reconciliation forward.
Your Input Needed - Vancouver Development Plan
The City of Vancouver is inviting public feedback on the draft Official Development Plan, a city-wide policy document that will be adopted by by-law to guide how the city grows and changes over the next 30 years and beyond.Â
Feedback collected through this engagement will be used to inform the final version of the Official Development Plan, which will be presented to City Council for discussion and decision in 2026.
In Focus: Disability -Â Benefits, Mentorship, and Long Hauling
Disability Navigator
Inclusion Canada’s Barrier-Free Benefits program offers free, one-on-one help with disability benefits. Their Navigators are here to help you apply for a range of federal and provincial supports.
Writing Mentorship
Are you, or do you know, an aspiring writer with a disability? Creating Mentorship for Deaf and Disabled Writers is a mentorship program designed to support the creative growth and professional development of Deaf and disabled writers.Â
Mentors are professional writers who are Deaf and/or disabled. Each mentor-mentee pair will work together to develop the mentee's writing and prepare it for presentation.Â
Long COVID Exhibit Open Now
The Museum of Vancouver's Living With Long COVID exhibit presents photographs and reflections created by 46 Longhaulers, offering an intimate perspective on their everyday challenges and resilience. Grounded in a community-based, participatory arts approach, the project advances understanding and dialogue about Long COVID.
Navigating The System: Getting The Most From Your MLA/MP
The offices of our MLAs and MPs can be great resources, but unfortunately many people go about approaching them the wrong way, leading to less than ideal experiences. I've prepared some tips on who to reach out to for help, and important points to keep in mind when doing so.
Be detailed, but concise
Too few words and it can be unclear what you're after or how to help you. Too many and your message becomes exhausting to read and key details may be lost.
You want to find balance. Stick to the essentials and be clear about what you're after, whether that's finding information, setting up a meeting with the MLA or MP, or using office space. Generally 3-4 paragraphs will do it.
One issue at a time
You may have numerous issues you need assistance with or want to raise with your representative. Sticking with one issue at a time will help focus, generating quicker responses than spreading things thin and dumping several issues on your rep at once.
Have your info ready
Depending on your situation, certain information might be essential to provide. This could be a personal health number if you issue is with the Ministry of Health, contact info for people who've worked on your ICBC case, or numerous other things.
Having your info ready from the go will cut down on the back and forth and speed up the process.
Manage your expectations for time and outcome
Larger constituencies may be getting hundreds of emails and calls each day, and as important as your issue is, someone else's may be just as pressing.
Further, sometimes they cannot change the situation on their own, because structural legislative change is needed. In this case, your goal could be communicating the need for change to your elected representative. So while you should expect timely service, prepare yourself for the possibility that your case cannot be resolved immediately.
Check back in
If you reach out to your MLA or MP's office and haven't heard back for over a week, you may conclude they simply don't care, but the reality is that in a sea of dozens or hundreds of emails and phone calls, there can be oversights.
Follow-up with a respectful reminder and more often than not you will hear back shortly.
Be respectful
Most of the time you will interact with constituency staff, rather than the MLA or MP directly. These staffers aren't responsible for legislation you dislike or your unpleasant dealings with bureaucrats.
Staying respectful despite your frustrations builds a positive relationship that encourages the offices to push for your cause and keep the door open to you in the future.
Generally, avoid handwritten letters
Some people think sending a handwritten letter adds a personal touch that's more likely to generate a response. However, most offices process communication electronically, meaning they'd have to scan your letter anyway.
It may seem minor, but this adds a layer to dealing with handwritten communication that makes staff more likely to put it off.
BC Trivia: Mascot Mayhem!
Did you know: while Canadians now carve pumpkins for Halloween, the first Halloween carvings were done using potatoes, beets, radishes, and other root vegetables?Â
With Halloween approaching, it's a good time to ask this month's contest question:Â what was your most memorable Halloween costume?Â
Send your answer to spencer@bcdisability, and you will be entered in a draw to win a gift pack from Purdys Chocolatier!
More Community Updates!
Give Your Input
Join A Board Or Volunteer
Contests, Competitions, &Â Awards
Jobs
To find more community resources, click here! Also feel free to email me at spencer@bcdisability.com
-Spencer van Vloten