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The Centre for Community Research, Learning and Action (CCRLA) works to actively mobilize resources in order to advance community well-being and social justice. CCRLA encourages the active development of diverse skill sets, as well as connects community and academic audiences in knowledge sharing and thoughtful discussion.
CCRLA actions that postively effect the community and Laurier include:
Evaluation Projects
We welcome the opportunity to build partnerships with those in our community looking for support. CCRLA can provide assistance or guidance to individuals and organizations engaging in community-based research projects or program evaluations.
Evaluation projects are accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on availability of staff resources and project alignment with CCRLA's guiding principles. Contact us to learn more about this opportunity, including: fee-for-service, pro bono and student placement options.
To reach a wider and diverse audience, CCRLA partnered with Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) and Social Innovation and Venture Creation (SIVC) to co-present the event Theories of Change.
Speakers
- Catherine Fife, MPP
- Joe Mancini, The Working Center
- Jessica Bolduc, 4R Youth Movement
- Dave Meslin, Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
- Christiane Saedler, Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council
- James Orbinski, CIGI Research Chair in Global Health at the Balsillie School of International Affairs
Social innovation and social entrepreneurship are hot topics nationally, internationally, and right here at home and at Laurier. But what do these terms really mean? There seem to be multiple definitions, depending on who it is you ask.
As we increasingly embrace these concepts and approaches, we should be asking critical questions:
- For what and whom are we are innovating — and why?
- How are questions of power, inequality, social justice and human rights being addressed?
- Is social innovation a strategy for a better world? Or is it merely neoliberal agenda in disguise?
At this series, speakers presented alternative understandings of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Speakers offered critical perspectives on the connections and tensions between social innovation, social entrepreneurship and social justice.
Speakers
- Jessica Bolduc, “Intersections between Social Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge.”
- Brian Christens, “Community Power, Empowerment, and Models of Capacity Building.”
- Laura Mae Lindo, “Doing Diversity Work Differently – L.O.L (Learning.Out.Loud) at the Diversity and Equity Office.”
- Sean Geobey, “Visions, Reflections and Hallucination: The Social Imagination in Innovation.”
- Barry Colbert, “Sustainability Conversations and the Dynamics of Multi-Sector Collaboration: How Does Change Happen?"
- Alicia Sliwinski, "The Hope Trope in Social Entrepreneurship: A view from the mainstream."
- Ginette Lafrenière, "Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship: A Stimulus for Social Justice Work?"
- Karli Ferriolo and Brandon Hey, “Social Justice and Social Innovation: Complementary Approaches to Creating a Sustainable, Just, and Equitable Society.”
- Rick Hill: Hodinohson:ni knowledge and wisdom
- inREACH
- Robb Travers
- Nicole Nelson, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Department of the History of Science/Department of Medical History and Bioethics
- Brenda Murphy and Annette Chretien
- Liz Weaver
Resources
We offer the community resources to assist with research projects that aim to advance community well-being and social justice.
Meeting Space
CCRLA provides meeting space to academic and community groups to enhance opportunities for community research, learning and engagement activities. Our room is a comfortable space that easily accommodates up to 35 people for meetings, workshops and community events. Access to a projector cart and coffee station is also included in all room bookings.
Technologies for Research
CCRLA has a variety of technological devices available that are useful for the purpose of conducting research, including: a desktop computer (Microsoft Office, SPSS, NVivo), digital camera, video camera and digital audio recorders.
Library
CCRLA’s LibraryThing lists books available for use on the topic of community-based research, program evaluation, social justice and the field of community psychology.
Contact Us:
Ciann Wilson and Maritt Kirst, Research Centre Co-Directors
Elle Desmarchelier, Administration Coordinator (Thursdays)
E: ccrla@wlu.ca
Office Location:
232 King St. North, Waterloo