Annual SVC event stresses capacity building and self-reflection
Michel Foucault wrote: “A critique does not consist in saying that things aren’t good the way they are. It consists in seeing on just what type of assumptions, of familiar notions, of established and unexamined ways of thinking the accepted practices are based. To do criticism is to make harder those acts which are now too easy.” The meaning behind these words was explored in Karen Houle’s workshop, Selflessness within Humans in Today’s Society. Karen Houle is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Guelph, and facilitated one of the workshops on Jan. 18 during the annual Do So Much conference, hosted by Student Volunteer Connections.
The conference, which took place on campus at the University Centre, strived to engage students in three different streams of social good: activism, social entrepreneurship, and innovative communities. From better fundraising tactics to the inside scoop on benefit corporations, the morning of the conference was packed with insightful and helpful tips for students striving to better contribute to the social good in their respective communities.
The afternoon consisted of various workshops, including an interactive session on transforming skills and ideas into tangible projects, learning about the fair-trade campus initiative, and using social media as a part of effective campaigning.
“It was a really great experience,” said Rebecca Hanemaayer, a fourth-year Applied Human Nutrition student. “My perspective and understanding of volunteerism and activism was challenged, and it was a wonderful opportunity to network and collaborate with student leaders.” Hanemaayer is also the Volunteer Coordinator at the CSA Food Bank.
The day ended with a talk by a group of young social entrepreneurs who co-founded the About Face Collective, an arts and environmental grassroots organization that focuses on urban sustainability. The group is currently working on plans for a rooftop garden located on top of the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto.
Their advice for community engagement success is to have a viable idea with a clear presentation that will allow the community to take the entrepreneur or artist seriously. The collective also stressed the importance of making connections with different partnerships and implementing fundraisers to establish a sense of credibility.
“I was really impressed with the way the conference was structured this year,” said Sanam Shindé, a master’s student in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the U of G. “The streams of activism, entrepreneurship and innovation helped students choose interests that were specific to them, and the stories presented in the workshops were inspiring.”