Laurier invites community projects for Summit for Creative Community Solutions

BRANTFORD - Wilfrid Laurier University's Hub for Community Solutions will shine a spotlight on innovative solutions for positive change at its inaugural Summit for Creative Community Solutions, taking place May 16 at the Research and Academic Centre on Laurier's Brantford campus.

The Summit will include keynote speakers, presentations, and interactive workshops featuring community leaders, academics, creators, and entrepreneurs. Laurier invites ideas, projects or stories from community members and students that connect to the Summit themes of innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. Presentations may relate to more than one theme.

"The Summit will be an inspiring event that will bring our students, faculty, and community members together to explore innovative, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to community challenges," said Christina Han, director of the Laurier Hub for Community Solutions and associate professor of History. "Come join us and be inspired!"

The goals of the Summit are to celebrate creative community solutions; inspire change; create an opportunity for learning, innovation, networking and knowledge sharing; honour community leaders and changemakers; and showcase Brantford as a creative city. It is hosted in partnership with the City of Brantford, Laurier's Sustainability Office, Belonging Brant, Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, and Enterprise Brant.

Keynote speakers will include:

• Ellie Joseph and Jay Bailey, founders of Two Row on the Grand: "Creating community along the Grand River"

• Christian Clauwers, photographer and EU Climate Pact Ambassador: "Using image to bridge the gap between science, education, and policy"

• Robert McLeman, professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University: "What you and I can do to create sustainability in a rapidly changing world"

To submit a project or presentation idea, students and community members must complete a Summit for Creative Community Solutions 2024 application form by Thursday, April 25, 2024. For any questions, please contact [email protected].

The Summit takes place on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Research and Academic Centre, 20 Charlotte St., Brantford. For registration details and an agenda, visit the Summit for Creative Community Solutions web page.