Nov. 6, 2020
Community Conversations event helps fuel national engagement framework
Giventheunstable environment created byCOVID-19, how post-secondary institutions engage with their communitiesiscritical.However, a nationalcommunityengagement frameworkfor post-secondaryinstitutionscurrentlydoesn't exist in Canada.
Recognizing this gap, a Canadian cohort is piloting theUnited States’framework,, toexplore the classification and how it might support community engagement in Canada.In 2019,UCalgarywas selected as one of 16 institutions in Canada to participate in this pilot.A cross-campus advisory group including key community partners formed inSeptember2019 to helpguide the process.
“The Canadian cohort istestingthecurrentCarnegie Foundation’s Classification for Community Engagement with the end goal ofco-creating a Canadianframework, reflecting theunique social and cultural elementsof our country,” saysɫSusan Mide Kiss, senior director, strategic initiatives in Community Engagement.
“While thefirst phase of thepilot was extended due to COVID-19, it’salmost complete. With the support of our advisory group and community partners,weplan tosubmit a‘mock’application tothe Carnegie Foundation in December 2020.Thefeedbackwe receivewill be criticaltodesignaCanadian frameworkwith our nationalpartnersanddiversecommunities.”
The Canadian cohort anticipates feedback from the Carnegie Foundation in early 2021. Once thisis received, they will start building a Canadian framework that will include engagement with community partners. The framework is expected to launch by 2022.
“We aim todesign a national framework thatprioritizesreciprocity, reconciliation,social justice, equity, diversity,accountability and collaboration,” says Mide Kiss. “We are committed tocreating a shared and ethical space for dialogue and growth.”
Community conversationswill informnational framework
To help inform the co-creation of a Canadian framework, UCalgary is hosting Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss challenging community issues and explore ways to strengthen relationships in uncertain times.
The event will recognize Métis Week, and includes Métis scholar Dr. Brenda Macdougall, director, Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies at the University of Ottawa, who will discuss how the Métis operationalized the principle of Wahkootowin, ‘a worldview linking land, family and identity in one interconnected web of being’ to enhance relationships, intercultural capacity and engagement with our communities. Piikani Elder and ɫ Traditional Knowledge Keeper in residence, Dr. Reg Crowshoe, will also provide a blessing and ceremonial smudge at the event.
Community Conversations isa joint initiativehosted in collaboration withUCalgaryteams:Carnegie Pilot - Advisory Group,,andIndigenousEngagement, with support fromother teams on campus and in the community.The teamsareunitedby a commitment to community engagement and making a difference in our local, regional, national and globalcommunities.
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