Community Dialogue & Engagement Shadow / Support Practicum

The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association (ADBA) is seeking a thoughtful and community-minded student to support a project focused on facilitating community dialogue around complex social challenges affecting downtown Abbotsford, including homelessness, unhoused residents, and substance use in public spaces.

This practicum will involve helping to organize and support community roundtable discussions, stakeholder conversations, and public forums that bring together diverse perspectives from residents, downtown businesses, service providers, advocacy groups, and community organizations. The goal of the project is to create space for respectful dialogue that acknowledges the complex realities facing unhoused individuals while also addressing the concerns of businesses, residents, and the broader community.

Working with the ADBA team and community partners, the student may assist with background research, stakeholder outreach, event planning, and documenting key themes emerging from discussions. The insights gathered will contribute to a summary report that presents the range of perspectives and potential community-based approaches to addressing these challenges.

This practicum is ideal for a student interested in community engagement and social change. The ideal candidate is thoughtful, open-minded, and interested in understanding how communities work together to address complex issues such as homelessness, public health challenges, and community safety.

This position requires a student with:

·       Interest in social justice, community development, or social policy

·       Strong listening and interpersonal communication skills

·       Ability to approach complex and sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism

·       Strong organizational and research skills

·       Ability to document and synthesize perspectives from multiple stakeholders

·       Interest in community engagement and dialogue processes