What is the Changemaker Series?
The first panel-style session of the UBC Changemaker Series tackled the pressing issue of affordable housing. Guest speakers and professors discussed the implications of gentrification, homelessness, and the housing crisis in Vancouver – and what we, as students, can do to address it.
The second session tackled the topic of refugees, asylum-seekers, and displaced persons. It was a moving night full of powerful speakers who shared their first-hand experiences as immigrants as well as working closely with refugees, and the issues that surround this vulnerable population in Vancouver.
One of the speakers, Tima Kurdi, gave a profound speech on how the photograph of her nephew, ‘the boy on the beach’ galvanized the world into action, and how it shouldn’t have taken such a tragedy to motivate us. She encouraged everyone to break away from the silent majority, and instead to use our voices and positions of privilege to create change.
‘The silent majority’ – that line stuck with me.
I’d like to think most of us have an urge to make a positive impact – that we haven’t fallen into the stereotype of apathetic millennials.
Living in an age where information is more accessible than ever should mean we’re more aware than ever. The tricky part is figuring out how to turn that awareness into action.
The Changemaker Series is one of many avenues for students to collaborate and develop strategies for tackling important issues on both a local and global scale.
‘Changemaker’ may sound like a lofty title for entrepreneurs or global activists but long-term, large-scale shifts start from the small decisions and interactions we make as individuals. I hate to sound like those motivational speaker infomercials but when passion meets determination, some incredible things happen – and it all starts small.
As a once-disengaged student, I want you to know there are more opportunities than you think to get involved on campus with issues that resonate with you.
The Centre for Community Engaged Learning focuses on bringing students and community members together to engage with prevalent community issues. If you're keen to get started, check out the range of workshops they host and register for the next session in the Changemaker Series – Explore – where we’ll discuss the topic of sustainability and you’ll be able to pitch your idea for a chance to win one of five $100 prizes.
