News & Updates
Announcing Black Spaces Symposium - Virtual/Vancouver/July 23-25
Afro Van Connect would like to announce our “Black Space Symposium Virtual” taking place this Summer, July 23 - 25th. We truly believe to change the place we need a space, so we are starting a new conversation. The Black Space Symposium is about creating the infrastructure and spaces we need as people of African Descent to continue to grow, support each other and build our community. Below are a series of questions and answers describing why “Black Spaces Matter”.
The Black Space Symposium is about being and belonging. Within British Columbia there are no cultural hubs, community infrastructure, or neighbourhoods that directly serve the specific needs of people of African descent. The intention of the Black Space symposium is to create the awareness of the necessity of black spaces, highlight the various resources within our community, and develop practical solutions to alleviate our inequities. The Black Space Symposium will consist of various panel discussions, art exhibitions and music performances. All centred and designed to showcase the black experience.
Please note that subsided tickets are available to any community member who is interested in attending. Please reach out to afrovanconnect@gmail.com for more information.
New SPRE case studies that inspire us
In the month ahead SPRE presents 4 new case studies that showcase innovative solutions for housing and community space. This week - Broadway Youth Resource Centre and Kwayatsut Housing.
BC Event Re-opening Guide
Federal Infrastructure $ for shovel ready projects in COVID recovery.
Federal Infrastructure $ ahead for smaller “shovel ready” projects in the COVID recovery.
Vantage Point COVID-19 Response
Vantage Point's COVID Response - a new short-term initiative, matches not-for-profit leaders with skilled volunteers.
Federal Announcement on Rent Assistance Aids Charities and Non-Profits
A major announcement this morning provides commercial rent assistance that will apply to not-for-profits and charities - “This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.” https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/24/prime-minister-announces-partnerships-provinces-and-territories?utm_content=buffer7c1c7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffe
COVID 19 Resource Lists
A comprehensive and evolving list from Imagine Canada imaginecanada.ca/en/covid19
And from Heritage BC https://heritagebc.ca/covid-19-and-the-heritage-sector/
Legal Lunch & Learn: Commercial Leases in Times of Trouble
Presented by Pacific Legal Education and Outreach Society - Law for Non-Profits
Guest: Grant Haddock of Haddock & Company Lawyers, moderated by Martha Rans
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
12:00–1:00pm
Free webinar via Zoom
COVID19 and its impact on Not-for-profits, social enterprises and the artist/creative sector
COVID19 is affecting so many people—individuals, families, friends and communities. SPRE is acutely aware of the challenges being faced by the NPO sector in this time of uncertainty, and of their incredible work supporting community and in particular vulnerable populations. We are here to help in what ever way we can—our 19 members are each active within their network of not-for-profits, social enterprises and artist/creative sectors. There are so many excellent resources to help organizations—at this time SPRE is focusing on just a few with links below to other sites and in separate news and resources posts where deeper info may be found. Be safe and let’s all care for each other—those close to us and those we may not know, but who are equally important members of our communities.
Information for Canadian Heritage grants and contributions recipients related to COVID-19 https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/information-covid-19.html
BC Museums Association http://museumsassn.bc.ca/
BC Housing https://www.bchousing.org/COVID-19