Course:LFS350/Projects/W2020/RFSS-Engagement

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Overview

Project Title

Engaging the Community Through Infographics

Organization Name

Richmond Food Security Society

Keywords

Food policy, civic engagement, public engagement, accessibility, barriers to inclusion

Related Course Concepts

Food justice, Food security, Social class/income inequality, Cultural identities, Indigenous food sovereignty

Organization Information

Organization Name

Richmond Food Security Society

Mission and Vision of Organization

  • Inspiring a robust Richmond food system through education, advocacy and community-building initiatives.
  • Healthy people, community and environment.

Guiding Principles + Values

  • We live the values as identified in the Richmond Food Charter
  • Courageous Community Leadership: We engage our community to address challenges
  • Healthy Ambition: We grow community wellness and have fun doing it
  • Sustainable Change: We inspire long-term, tangible, systemic results

Contact Information

  • Primary Contact Person(s): Sarina Clay-Smith
  • Email: coordinator@richmondfoodsecurity.org
  • Phone: 604-440-7848
  • Address: 7611 Ash Street, Richmond BC
  • Website: https://www.richmondfoodsecurity.org/

Preferred Method of Contact

  • Best method(s) to contact: Email
  • Best day(s) to contact:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
  • Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

The City of Richmond has an official Food Charter but does not currently have a food policy council or another formal mechanism for residents to inform matters of municipal food policy. Through this project, RFSS is seeking the food systems opinions and priorities of Richmond residents, so that residents can be included in the development of the City's municipal food policy processes.

For comparison, see the Vancouver Food Policy Council, Kamloops Food Policy Council, and Toronto Food Policy Council.

Main Project Activities

The students will create infographics to educate and engage the Richmond community on the topic of food security, as the general public does not have a full understanding of the terms "food secure" or "food insecure." To fully engage the public in matters of food policy, we need to work to promote a greater public understanding of food insecurity issues, and how our current food system is vulnerable to climate, economic, governmental, and other changes. The infographics will be used throughout RFSS programs, but the primary intention is to generate interest in participating in our future Townhall initiative.

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

  • Infographic (both digital and poster)

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

  • Ability to create friendly and welcoming environments
  • Interest in civic participation processes
  • Interest in low-barrier/accessible participation strategies
  • Creativity communicating topics to a variety of audiences

Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)

  • Understanding of civic engagement processes
  • Strategic visioning and planning skills
  • Cross-cultural and education communication skills Research and development

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

  • No

Is a criminal record check required?

  • No

Project Location

  • Flexible

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

  • Monday to Friday before 4 pm.

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

  • Students have ample opportunities to volunteer with our organization during and after their project in any of our program streams. Please ask.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:

  • TBD

General Resources

Expected Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

I hope students will learn about...

  • issues of food security and how to engage the public

I think students will come to appreciate...

  • how complicated issues of food security are and how we need diverse programs to help address them

Through this project, students will develop...

  • communication skills and a greater understanding of their community

Organizational Outcomes

Intended Project Outcome (Short Term Outcome)

  • Increased public awareness of the issue of food security and how prevalent it is in the Richmond community. The public would then have a greater understanding of how food insecure they are and steps they could potentially take to increase their security. This would also better inform the changes the community needs with relation to policy and governmental legislation that will be discussed during the town hall.

How does the student project contribute to your organization's mission and long-term vision?

  • This project increases the Richmond community's understanding of the services our society provides. The development of an infographic will help us continue our programs that address issues of food secure and strive to increase the communities access to healthy and local food. With a basic understanding of what impacts and improves an individual's or community's food security, we can continue to engage and educate the public and increase the community's involvement with initiatives that address social and economic inequalities.
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