Education for Engaged Communities | Sliding scale classroom workshops across Metro Vancouver schools
Grades 5-8
Overview
A 2-part series of highly interactive, hands-on classroom workshops (90min. each) exploring governance, civic engagement, and city planning through the lenses of climate action, sustainability and equity. Teachers choose 1 of 2 program offerings from the menu below.
Mapping Climate & Community Connections
Session 1 – Power, Place & Me: Government, Land & Community Relations (90min.)
- Students explore original Indigenous city-shaping, current government levels and responsibilities, and gain a stronger understanding of how systems of governance influence our neighborhoods and cities, and how we as youth can be part of it.
Session 2 – Climate & Sustainability: Causes, Impacts & Action Planning (90min.)
- Students sharpen their focus on the causes and impacts of climate change and environmental issues, including the personal and emotional connections to these topics. Students are then guided through a structured climate action planning process and wrap-up with their very own community-based climate action map.
Mapping Housing Futures
Session 1 – Power, Place & Me: Government, Land & Relationships (90min.)
- Students explore original Indigenous city-shaping, current government levels and responsibilities, and gain a stronger understanding of how systems of governance influence our neighborhoods and cities, and how we as youth can be part of it.
Session 2 – Housing & Affordability: Mapping Community Visions (90min.)
- Students put themselves in the shoes of an urban planner and consider the diverse needs and wants of community stakeholders as they set out to design a new housing project in their neighborhood. They combine theirs and their team-mates personal values with the needs of others to present their housing vision.
Eligibility
- Priority bookings to Metro Vancouver public schools serving systemically under-resourced communities
- Free for Public Schools or on a pay-what-you-can basis (suggested sliding scale $25-$200)
- Independent School Fee Structure: Sliding scale $425-600
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of this workshop program?
CityShapers in Schools is offered to classrooms across Metro Vancouver on a sliding scale. We aim to make civic literacy accessible to all youth, especially to those who face extra barriers to civic participation. We appreciate any financial contribution from schools who have the capacity to support.
The subject I teach doesn’t directly relate to the topic of Civics or Governance. Can I still book this program for my class?
Yes! CityShapers in Schools is first and foremost, about examining our place and role within our community through the lens of justice and equity. Session content and activities embed and activate all Curriculum Core Competencies and are interdisciplinary at their core, integrating topics of indigenous reconciliation, design, and sustainability, while engaging students’ imaginations and curiosity through dialogue, games, and creativity.
Who will be facilitating the program sessions in my class?
All programs are facilitated by 2 CityShapers facilitators: 1 trained CityHive staff (CityShapers Program Lead or Program Assistant), alongside 1 volunteer CityShapers Youth Facilitator.
*As an organization, we take pride in our youth-to-youth mentorship model that supports the career development of youth participants in our programs. Bringing CityShapers into your elementary or secondary classroom introduces students to a community that they can stay connected to, participate in, or seek employment from beyond school graduation.
Is there anything I need to do in preparation for the sessions?
After confirming a booking in your classroom, you will be sent a folder containing document hand-outs required for the program. Printing these documents at your school before the start of the program will be appreciated. This email will also contain access to optional pre- and post-program lessons and resources that extend program learnings.
Can I book only 1 workshop?
Programs are designed to scaffold learning to ensure students are supported through an exploration of these complex civic issues. A program booking is therefore dependent on accommodating all 4 sessions (for grades 9-12) and both sessions (for grades 5-8).
Ready to shape your city?
CityShapers in Schools is ready for bookings for the school year 2024-25.
