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New West residents invited to chat about community

New West residents are invited to chat about community projects, small grants and learning. Culture Chats BC Association and Family Services of Greater Vancouver are teaming up to hold a free discussion and networking event on Thursday, Sept.
Neighbourhood Small Grants Maylen Crespo
Maylen Crespo, coordinator of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program in New Westminster, chatted with folks at a community event for community members involved with the program. A new grant program entourages folks to build community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New West residents are invited to chat about community projects, small grants and learning.

Culture Chats BC Association and Family Services of Greater Vancouver are teaming up to hold a free discussion and networking event on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library. The event is part of the Vancouver Foundation’s On the Table event series, which is for conversations about local issues.

“All the topics that are discussed in a series of events across the province will be collected and shared, giving us an exciting snapshot of what’s on people’s minds right now,” said a write-up about the event. “It’s a fun, meaningful opportunity for people everywhere to meet, gather, and share.”

Community members who have attended, volunteered for or organized a block party, workshop or other neighbourhood event are invited to share their experiences and best practices. The event is also celebrating the contributions of volunteers and community leaders who support community projects that make a positive impact on social cohesion and individual well-being – often with limited funds or resources.

Through a partnership between Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the Vancouver Foundation, Neighborhood Small Grants are provided annually for local residents to strengthen their community by bringing people together, sharing skills and knowledge, celebrating diversity and increasing people’s sense of belonging. Maylen Crespo of Family Services of Greater Vancouver, who is the small grants coordinator in New West, is inviting small grant recipients to attend the Sept. 26 event and talk about their experiences and challenges.

“Please join us for informal networking and conversations about the possibilities that the grant program can provide to our community and our neighbourhoods,” she said in a press release. “It is intended for project leaders but open to all. We can share tips and tricks for using social media for their community-building work, and how to plan events sustainably.”

Drop-ins are welcome but organizers prefer if attendees register at www.onthetablebc.com/event/6dea65.