Edmonton Social Planning Council

Author: Web Administrator

  • Research Review – The State of Childcare Services in Canada: Towards Affordability 

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    The cost of childcare services has steadily risen over the years and the federal government announced an ambitious plan to decrease fees to $10 a day in all provinces and territories. There are however several considerations to analyze before this reality can take place. 

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  • Blog: Experiences of Grief: Intersectional Healing 

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    Grief is a response to profound loss which comes in many forms and affects people differently. Resources, wellness practice and support networks are important ways to facilitate healing from this experience, especially as it pertains to marginalized loss.    

    By Amethyst Zapisocky, ESPC Volunteer

     

    Grief is the experience of and response to loss. (1) Although typically associated with the death of a loved one, it can occur after any loss. (1) (2) It can take many forms, making it difficult to pinpoint because grief varies across persons, situations and cultures. Some examples of specific subforms are abrupt (sudden/unexpected), climate (environmental anxieties), and anticipatory (loss about to happen) grief. (3) Major systemic forms of grief are demonstrated through collective grief (grief typically found in large-scale tragedies or under human rights violations) and disenfranchised grief (when grief is stigmatized or disregarded by others). (3) Connected to this latter form is disenfranchised guilt and stress, whereby an individual feels frustrated yet unentitled to grieve because it has been socially disregarded. (4)  

    On the broadest level, grief can be separated into two categories: uncomplicated and complicated. (2) The former follows the healthiest progression where the person’s grieving journey finalizes with acceptance and/or peace. Uncomplicated grief rarely needs medical intervention, as it is healthy to allow the grieving process to play out with appropriate wellness and support systems in place. (2) Conversely, complicated grief is prolonged suffering, where the individual is perpetually yearning and in distress from their loss. (2) In this case, targeted therapies can be important for the griever’s well-being. (2) 

    There are many physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms attached to grief, including isolation, eating and/or sleep disturbances, distress, shock, denial, anxiety, and (when extreme) substance abuse and/or suicidality. (1) (2) (5) (6) Many wellness techniques can be beneficial for relieving grief whenever it arises, including self-care and connecting with others. (1)  

    Disenfranchised and Collective Grief 

    Collective grief is a result of large-scale tragedies, disasters or loss that affect all members of a population. (7) Examples include the devastating Fort MacMurray fire in 2016, (8) as well as Edmonton communities forming from widespread eco-grief. (9) Such events can negatively impact community, interpersonal and intrapersonal functioning. (7) In this case, grief, confusion, disrupted living, safety fears, and disenfranchisement are common. (7) Furthermore, social justice implications are involved in collectivized grief because the pain of marginalized populations is more likely to be stigmatized, undermined and/or unacknowledged. (7) (10) The impacted communities are less likely to receive the support or resources they need for healing/rebuilding. (10) In some cases, the grievers are viewed as at fault for their circumstances and are, subsequently, underserved. (10)  

    Grief from and alongside drug addiction or overdose is frequently invalidated, despite the ongoing crisis and cycle of guilt, trauma, and loss associated with those affected. (11) (12) Despite efforts such as Edmonton’s Overdose Awareness Day (first held on August 31, 2022), those struggling with addiction have difficulty accessing adequate treatments and resources. (11)  

    Indigenous communities face disproportionately high levels of loss, which is further complicated by stigmatization, difficulty accessing resources (such as rehabilitation centers), and a need for thorough investigations/justice for violence against Indigenous Peoples (for example, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). (13) (14) A recent workshop intended for Inuvialuit and Gwich’in youth was hosted by the Western Arctic Youth Collective in Inuvik; it targeted mental wellness by establishing an Indigenous safe space for discussion and activities on grief and promoting hope which yielded promising results for healing. (15) (16)

    Collective and disenfranchised grief are intertwined. Outside observers can also experience collective grief as a result of being exposed to the loss of others. (7) As such, adequate and honest exposure to the loss of marginalized communities is imperative for understanding, destigmatization, and inclusive efforts for healing. (7) Bearing witness to grief is a powerful way to support grieving communities. The pain that loss brings needs to be attended to through acknowledgement, support, and resources, with systemic gaps needing to be filled in order to help every griever.  

    RECOVER’s Soloss Project 

    Albertans are not immune to grief. RECOVER’s Soloss project targets disenfranchised grief in street-involved Edmontonians. (17) Soloss conducted an ethnographic study which found that profound grief was pervasive in this population, which has been minimized and ignored (disenfranchised) producing further stigmatization, mental illness, substance use, isolation, and eviction. (17) Subsequently, Soloss has become a community care intervention which employs diverse Losstenders (trained recruits who connect with grieving Edmontonians) to facilitate intercultural healing through art and bearing witness to loss. (17) This has not only helped marginalized persons receive important support for their bereavement but also informs fellow Edmontonians to understand this suffering. (17) The project has helped many grieving populations including Indigenous Peoples, those in addiction recovery, refugees and immigrants, and social service workers through acknowledgement and holistic therapies. (17) Overall, this intervention seeks to fill the gap in resources available to equity seeking grievers in Edmonton by establishing connections and integrative practices to facilitate peace. (17) 

    Establishing Wellness in The Face of Grief  

    There are many ways to promote healing when grief arises. Different resources and wellness practices work for differing persons and circumstances, but some tips for healing are as follows: 

    • Connect with loved ones and/or a support network (1) 
    • Practice self-care/self-loving strategies (1) (6) 
    • Avoid trying to rush the healing process (1) 
    • Plan ahead for triggering holidays or occasions which may reignite grief (1) 
    • Be honest about your feelings and acknowledge your loss (1) (6) 
    • Allow for life to change while still remembering and honouring your loss (1) (7) 

    Connecting with resources can also be beneficial, with many targeted programs/services available to help. Edmonton’s Grief and Trauma Healing Centre is available for therapeutic aid. Alberta Health Services lists many services for grief available here. As previously described, Soloss is also open for disenfranchised grievers, with Losstenders available to be booked here. 

    Amethyst Zapisocky is working towards a BA in psychology at the University of Alberta. A fourth-year undergraduate student, her career focus is on research and social development. She values equity, learning, and philanthropy. Personally, Amethyst enjoys statistics, mindfulness and jazz music. 

       

    References 

    1. Canadian Mental Health Association (n.d.). Grieving. CMHA Alberta Division. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://alberta.cmha.ca/documents/grieving/  
    2. Zisook, S., & Shear, K. (2009). Grief and bereavement: What psychiatrists need to know. World Psychiatry, 8(2), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2009.tb00217.x  
    3. Gillette, H. (2022, December 19). 9 different types of grief. PsychCentral.  Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://psychcentral.com/health/types-of-grief  
    4. Degges-White, S. (2021, March 30). Disenfranchised grief: Mourning events that never were. Psychology Today. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/lifetime-connections/202103/disenfranchised-grief-mourning-events-never-were  
    5. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. (n.d.). Your journey to healing. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/  
    6. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022, September 6). Grief and loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/grief-loss/index.html  
    7. Kropf, N. P., & Jones, B. L. (2014). When public tragedies happen: Community practice approaches in grief, loss, and recovery. Journal of Community Practice, 22(3), 281-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/10705422.2014.929539  
    8. Baretta,, G. (2016, June 1). The fire is out, but the grieving continues. The Grief and Trauma Healing Centre. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.healmyheart.ca/blog/fire-grieving-continues  
    9. Wdowczyk, A. (2022, August 29). Edmonton climate activists use their ‘eco-grief’ as a tool for building communities. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-climate-activists-use-their-eco-grief-as-a-tool-for-building-communities-1.6562046  
    10. Bordere, T. C. (2016). Social justice conceptualizations in grief and loss. In D.L. Harris, R.A. Neimeyer & T.C. Bordere (Eds.), Handbook of social justice in loss and grief (pp. 9-20). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315659756  
    11. Junker, A. (2022, August 30). Edmonton and area to mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday. Edmonton Journal. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-and-area-to-mark-international-overdose-awareness-day-on-wednesday  
    12. Giacomucci, S. (2020). Addiction, traumatic loss, and guilt: A case study resolving grief through psychodrama and sociometric connections. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 67, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2019.101627  
    13. Stewart, C. (2022, September 28). ‘Nothing is being done’: Services desperately needed in Maskwacis says grieving father. APTN News. https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/grieving-father-services-drugs-murder-samson-cree-nation/  
    14. Liewicki, N. (2022, December 4). Grief in Long Plain First Nation after 2 women from Manitoba community identified as homicide victims. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/sadness-grief-long-plain-first-nation-chief-1.6673225  
    15. ‘My pain had a place’: Youth mental health event in Inuvik focuses on grief and loss. (2022, December 17). CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/inuvik-youth-mental-health-gathering-1.6687303  
    16. Western Arctic Youth Collective. (2022, November 18). WAYC is hosting a Youth Mental Wellness Gathering in Inuvik Dec 9-11, 2022 for youth ages 18-30. During [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/waycwaycwayc/photos/a.117064356752069/693637732428059  
    17. RECOVER. (n.d.). Soloss. Urban Wellness Edmonton. Retrieved January 3, 2023, from https://www.urbanwellnessedmonton.com/soloss  

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                                              1. CM: The Impact of Income: Post-Secondary Students’ Mental Health

                                                [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                                By Alejandra Hasbun, Practicum Student 

                                                 

                                                Income affects every aspect of a person’s life. It can alter choices in everyday decisions, for better or worse. For post-secondary students, not having enough income to meet basic needs is an extremely heavy burden to carry. Not only do they have to worry about managing the stress of school, but also about not having enough money to eat a proper meal, struggling to pay for tuition and rent, and engaging in a social life. These factors also cause time scarcity, which altogether can be so overwhelming it produces severe mental health issues for post-secondary students. 

                                                Income affects food security 

                                                Having a good healthy meal is strongly linked to a person being able to perform at their mental best (Firth et al., 2020). Most student diets circle around the idea of eating anything cheap and easy (Vadeboncoeur, 2015). People could argue that this is due to strict time factors, but it is also because it is the only option affordable to them. Food prices are increasing by 5 to 7 percent in 2022, making food even less accessible (Dalhousie University, 2022). Students have been struggling so much financially that they have reached out to food banks at unprecedented levels, which means they are not just looking for cheap food anymore, they are looking for food support. The University of Alberta has 200 new students requiring food bank services as of September 2022, increasing 73 percent since 2019 (Anchan, 2022). A lot of universities in Canada offer food banks for their students, which is a helpful act. However, the mere idea that a student does not have enough money to buy groceries because of how high other expenses are is outrageous. How are students expected to focus on learning when they are worried about a basic need like food? 

                                                Income affects students with children 

                                                People with children who study not only have to worry about sustaining themselves financially but also their families. It would be extremely hard for a person concerned about feeding their children or affording quality childcare to focus on school and manage to get good grades or stay enrolled. This will inevitably cause the overall well-being of the student to decline, and their mental health could be affected. A parent with poor mental health may struggle to provide good care for their family, which can impact the family’s overall health (Wolicki et.al., 2021). Children with no access to quality care can have an increased risk of developmental challenges, which can cause later issues in school focus and achievements (Alexander et.al., 2017). 

                                                Income affects Social Life 

                                                Having a healthy social life is an essential part of any human being’s life, people are wired to connect and interact with others (Penttila, 2019). Restaurants play a key role in socializing because social dining is one of the most common acts when meeting with friends. People who eat socially feel better and are closer to other people (Dunbar, 2017). If students do not have enough money to go out occasionally with friends, feelings of loneliness and isolation may increase. Now more than before, it has become a larger issue since restaurants in Canada have increased prices by over 10-15 percent, making it less accessible for students to enjoy time out with friends (Restaurants Canada, 2022). Asking students to ignore this part of their life because of a lack of income can be damaging because an active social life is important for positive well-being.  

                                                Supports Available  

                                                Counseling Services 

                                                Most universities offer services to help students with their mental wellness. The University of Alberta has wellness support groups, free counseling and clinical services, peer support centers, and other programs to help students better handle the struggles of school and their personal lives (Mental Health Supports for Students, n.d.). 

                                                While many universities offer free counselling services, the Queen’s University found only 35 percent of undergraduate students solicit help from those counseling services (Linden & Stuart, 2022). Students’ mental health is declining, as 70 percent reported feeling stressed, anxious, or isolated and 80 percent of students reported being concerned about finances (Centre of Innovation in Campus Mental Health, 2021).  

                                                Then, why is it that students do not seek help? Most undergraduates are so overwhelmed with their responsibilities they do not have time to seek proper help. Some students might not know they have free counseling resources available, so they do not utilize them. Others believe that stress is normal as a student, so they don’t need or shouldn’t need any help (Eisenberg et.al., 2018). Some students and faculty are wondering why mental health measures are necessary, showing that people are still not aware of the issue (Mount Royal University, 2020). 

                                                On-campus counselling centers in Alberta’s post-secondary institutions do not usually offer long-term therapy for students. If a student decides to get help beyond the initial visitation, they will be referred to an outside counseling service (Heck et. al., 2014). This becomes very challenging for the student because when trust is already built with a counselor. Having to switch therapists outside of school can be discouraging, unaffordable, and inaccessible.  

                                                Financial Aid  

                                                Universities offer financial aid for students, but how easy is this to obtain? Financial aid can include loans and grants, scholarships, [bursaries] and other aids (Service Canada, 2022). Loans help momentarily to get a degree and or graduate from a program, but these can have an effect after the student graduates. If the recent graduate does not get a well-paying job right after university, they can be in debt for years. A scholarship is money that does not have to be paid back. Why isn’t every student getting scholarships to pay for their education? Scholarships are based on a variety of things including GPA, athletic ability, program major, etc. (Service Canada, 2022). Scholarships, bursaries and grant applications require a lot of time to complete and there is no guarantee of being awarded. While financial aid is available, it is not accessible to all students, and it is conditional. Are universities really doing everything to help students financially?  

                                                Action 

                                                What can universities do to support students? Universities should have more accessible options for financial aid, options that everyone can apply for and with no strenuous process. If not, institutions and governments should implement policies to make tuition more affordable. The free counselling that schools offer often goes unnoticed and can be difficult to access, particularly for long-term needs. Counselling should be accessible long-term, as mental wellness is an ongoing process, that requires more than a momentary solution. Some universities offer more support than others, there must be more consistency so all students can have the mental health support they deserve. Students should have mental health support that is accessible, affordable, and destigmatized. Mental health and income have a strong relationship in post-secondary students; thus, institutions have a responsibility to support and develop policies and programs that alleviate financial strain.

                                                 

                                                Alejandra Hasbun (she/her), an international student from El Salvador, possesses a strong interest in the field of human behavior and mental health advocacy. In her spare time, her passion lies in travelling and exploring the world, immersing herself in new cultures, and gaining a different understanding of the world through meeting new people.  

                                                 

                                                Note: This is an excerpt from our December 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

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                                                References: 

                                                Alexander, C., Beckman, K., Macdonald, A., Renner, C., & Steward, M. (2017). Ready for life: A socio-economic analysis of early childhood education and care. The Conference Board of Canada. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/temp/3dba428b-805f-4792-9a06-743051b1b0b2/9231_Ready-for-Life_RPT.pdf 

                                                Amy, J., Hollins, A., & Mudd, K. (2021, June 1). 5 reasons why students with depression don’t seek help. The Horizon. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://iushorizon.com/26423/opinions/5-reasons-why-students-with-depression-dont-seek-help/ 

                                                Anchan, M. (2022, September 20). Campus food banks in Edmonton feeling the pinch of inflation as demand increases. CBC. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/food-banks-canada-data-suggests-albertans-using-food-banks-more-than-ever-before-1.6631694 

                                                Centre of Innovation in Campus Mental Health institutions. (2021, June). The impact of COVID-19 on post-secondary https://campusmentalhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CICMH_COVID-19_Impact_Infosheet_EN.pdf  

                                                Chatterjee, A., & Chatterjee, A. (2020, June). Managing through uncertain times: A study to understand the effects of conducting socio-academic life online during COVID-19. Independent Research, San Jose, California. https://psyarxiv.com/vcbrw/download?format=pdf 

                                                Dalhousie University. (2022). Canada’s Food Price Report 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/research/canada-s-food-price-report-2022.html 

                                                Dunbar, R. I. M. (2017, March 11). Breaking Bread: The Functions of Social Eating. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979515/  

                                                Eisenberg, D., Golberstein, E., & Gollust, S. (2018). Help-Seeking and Access to Mental Health Care in a University Student Population. Medical Care. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~daneis/papers/hmpapers/help-seeking%20–%20MC%202007.pdf 

                                                Firth, J., Gangwisch, J. E., Borsini, A., Wootton, R. E., & Mayer, E. A. (2020, June 29). Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing? NCBI. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322666/ Penttila, N. (2019, November 13). In Sync: How Humans are Hard-Wired for Social. . . Dana Foundation. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://dana.org/article/in-sync-how-humans-are-hard-wired-for-social-relationships/ 

                                                Heck, E., Jaworska, N., DeSomma, E., Dhoopar, A. S., MacMaster, F. P., Dewey, D., & MacQueen, G. (2014, May). A Survey of Mental Health Services at Post-Secondary Institutions in Alberta. NCBI, PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4079139/ 

                                                Linden, B., & Stuart, H. (2022, July 5). Canadian Post-Secondary Student Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Descriptive Analysis. Queen’s University. https://osf.io/4ajv6/download 

                                                Mount Royal University. (2020, August 20). Tools for Success: Models for Exemplary Student Mental Health Initiatives at Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions. https://campusmentalhealth.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tools-for-Success-Mental-Health-Toolkit.pdf  

                                                Restaurants Canada. (2022, September 15). 2022 Foodservice Facts. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://members.restaurantscanada.org/2022/09/15/2022-foodservice-facts/  

                                                Service Canada. (2022, July 27). Student aid – Canada.ca. Retrieved October 21, 2022, from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid.html  

                                                University of Alberta. (n.d.). Mental Health Supports for Students. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.ualberta.ca/current-students/wellness/mental-health/index.html  

                                                Vadeboncoeur, C. (2015, May 28). A meta-analysis of weight gain in first year university students: is freshman 15 a myth? – BMC Obesity. BioMed Central. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://bmcobes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40608-015-0051-7 

                                                Wolicki, S.B., Bitsko, R.H., Cree, R.A. et al. Mental Health of Parents and Primary Caregivers by Sex and Associated Child Health Indicators. ADV RES SCI 2, 125–139 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42844-021-00037-7 

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                                                1. Blog: Neurodiversity and Mental Wellness 

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                                                  Though neurodiversity is often confused as being a mental health and wellness concern in need of “curing”, it is an aspect that deserves celebrating.  However, neurodiverse individuals remain susceptible to comorbid mental health concerns which are deserving of attention.      

                                                  By Jordan Clark Marcichiw, ESPC Volunteer

                                                   

                                                  What is Neurodiversity? 

                                                  The term neurodiversity was coined by Judy Singer in the late 1990s as part of a self-advocacy movement aimed at increasing the inclusion and acceptance of all neurodiversities. (1)   Neurodiversity is a term which describes “differences in the brain that cause some people to think, learn, process, and behave differently” (2) and is typically associated with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Dyslexia.  Neurodiversity Movement advocates argue though neurodiverse individuals may experience challenges which may cause varying levels of difficulties or (dis)ability, they also have strengths, live meaningful lives, and are deserving of equitable opportunities and rights. (3)    

                                                  Neurodiversity and Mental Wellness 

                                                  Unfortunately, neurodiversity can be misunderstood as a mental health or wellness condition in need of changing and “fixing.”  This is not the case.  The terms mental health and wellness refers to “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life.” (4)  Though difficulties associated with neurodiversity can be reduced through building off existing strengths and equitable supports, it is not a state that can change or be “cured.”  Nor should it be changed or cured, as advocated by the Neurodiversity Movement. (3) This is not to say, however, that neurodiverse people cannot experience mental health or wellness issues.  Much like the general population, neurodiverse people can experience fluctuations in their mental wellness as they respond to day-to-day stressors.  Similarly, neurodiverse people can experience accompanying mental health disorders.  In fact, people with ADHD, dyspraxia, or ASD are more likely than the general population to also be diagnosed with anxiety or depression. (5)   Reasons for this may include genetic factors (5) but could also result from social marginalization and having to pretend to be “normal.” (6)   For example, recent studies have found connections between autistic masking (pretending and hiding neurodiverse behaviours to appear “normal”) and higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as exhaustion, a loss of identity, burnout, and suicidal thoughts. (6)   

                                                  How Can We Support the Mental Wellness of Neurodiverse People? 

                                                  • Embrace and include neurodiversity.  Ensure you and spaces such as your social circle or workplace are respectful and inclusive towards neurodiverse individuals.  Be accepting and ask them what support looks like to them, understanding that neurodiversity may look different for everyone.         
                                                  • Provide equitable options and support.  Treating neurodiverse people equitably allows them to receive the support they require.  Initiatives such as sensory friendly shopping hours are a great example. 
                                                  • Advocate.  Advocate for more training and funding for mental health practitioners skilled in supporting neurodivergent individuals.   

                                                  Jordan Clark Marcichiw (she/her) is a social worker who is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocating for systems change for the betterment of all individuals. Her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, skiing, playing slopitch, reading, and adventuring with her pup. 

                                                    

                                                  References 

                                                  1.  Baumer, N. (November 23, 2021).  What is neurodiversity?  Harvard Health Publishing.  Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645  
                                                  2. Palumbo, J.  (December 31, 2022).  How to build an inclusive recruitment process that supports neurodiversity in the workplace.  Forbes.  Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2022/12/31/how-to-build-an-inclusive-recruitment-process-that-supports-neurodiversity-in-the-workplace/?sh=7eb0159a3a04  
                                                  3. Bailin, A.  (June 6, 2019).  Clearing up some misconceptions about neurodiversity.  Scientific American.  Retrieved from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/clearing-up-some-misconceptions-about-neurodiversity/  
                                                  4. World Health Organization (June 17, 2022).  Mental health: strengthening our response.  Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response  
                                                  5. Kirby, A.  (August 26, 2021).  Is there a link between neurodiversity and mental health?  Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/pathways-progress/202108/is-there-link-between-neurodiversity-and-mental-health  
                                                  6. Stanborough, R.J. (November 19, 2021).  Autism masking: to blend or not to blend.  Healthline.  Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/autism-masking  

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                                                            1. CM: Transportation and Our Mental Health 

                                                              [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                                              By Luis Alejandro Murcia Jiménez 

                                                               

                                                              Mental health awareness has grown substantially throughout the last few decades, and it has become a major topic of investigation in different fields. One such field is transportation. A reality most people face is the need to travel from their homes to different places such as work, schools, and leisure activities. The ‘how’ we get there is influential on our state of mind both during and after our commute.  

                                                              The Private Vehicle 

                                                              It is no secret that North America is heavily dependent on personal vehicles to move around. There is a clear lack of efficient, affordable, and inclusive ways to move about in most cities in North America without a car. Reasons for this vary from place to place but generally, they include endless urban sprawl, poor city planning catered for vehicular mobility only, and strict zoning laws that prevent multipurpose neighbourhoods. The reality is that without a vehicle, it is hard to participate in society. Everything is too far apart and/or too dangerous to travel to without being inside a vehicle. 

                                                              Car dependency has shaped millions of Canadians’ lifestyles since the car became a common fixture of households. In 2016, 12.6 million Canadians commuted to work by car with a one-way average trip of 24 minutes. Of that total, close to a million commutes to work took 60 minutes or more, a number that increased by 5% since 2011 (Government of Canada, 2019). Such long commutes, aside from being undesirable for financial reasons, affect our mental well-being in negative ways. 

                                                              Long commutes, both for vehicles and public transit, may cause feelings of isolation for people, an issue that may develop over time into depression (Smith, 2017). This is not surprising when we consider that most people commute alone. There have been preliminary findings linking longer daily commutes with higher chances of screening positive for depression (Wang et al., 2019). Prolonged commutes lead to many repetitive trips with little to no change in the visual environment, creating mental fatigue (Ma et al., 2018). Commutes become so routine in our brains that people will drive on autopilot without conscious effort, potentially endangering themselves and others on the road (SafetyDriven, 2021). 

                                                              In addition to depression and mental fatigue, long commutes, both in a personal vehicle and on public transit, can be a huge contributor to long-term stress. Chronic stress can affect someone’s behaviour, and overall well-being. A British study found that the longer a commute is, the higher levels of anxiety are to be expected (Sedghi & Arnett, 2014). Similar findings were found here in Canada where 36% of people that had commutes of 45 minutes or longer reported feeling anxious or extremely stressed. A significant difference from those with short commutes of 15 minutes and under where only 23% reported the same levels of stress (Turcotte, 2015). Some people are more affected by stress; and drivers under the right conditions, may be triggered by the driving behaviour of others on the road and experience road rage (Bierma, 2021). Road rage is an issue that, according to different surveys, affects one in three Canadians at least once a month and 82% of people have admitted to an act of road rage in the past year (ThinkInsure, 2021). 

                                                              With long commutes comes extensive planning on when to leave to avoid traffic. To arrive on time to work or school people tend to leave earlier than they would like, and to do so need to either go to bed earlier or sacrifice sleep. Time is lost commuting that could instead be spent with family or dedicated to personal health and well-being. Reducing time spent with families has a negative impact on home relationships as a study found that if a spouse’s commute is longer than 45 minutes, the rate of divorce increases by 40% (Sandow, 2013). Long commutes take time from peoples’ lives that could be used doing something that could be improving well-being, directly affecting work-life balance. 

                                                              Public Transit 

                                                              Public transit tends to be a mode of transportation that is stigmatized, and as a GM advertisement put it, only “creeps and weirdos” use (Chavan, 2003). It is considered by those with personal vehicles to be the very last resort to move around a city. Common perceptions are that buses and trains (or LRTs) are dirty, unsafe, and impractical. In Edmonton, some trips can take over twice the amount of time by public transit than by car (Sterling Homes Edmonton, 2021). This is assuming that the service is on time and/or a connection is not missed, causing an even longer wait to catch the next bus or train. As a result, public transit is left to those who cannot afford a vehicle to move efficiently. Removing the stigma from transit may not be easy, but it is possible. There are many transport systems in Europe and Asia that are highly valued and frequently used. Using ideas like improving sustainability or stopping climate change to get people to use public transit does not work (Bromley, 2010). The key to getting people on public transit is by making it “clean, safe, reliably punctual and cheaper than driving” (Bromley, 2010).  

                                                              Research suggests that lengthy commuting by public transit shares similar drawbacks with regards to mental well-being to those with lengthy commutes by car (Sedghi & Arnett, 2014). In some cases, those taking public transit occasionally report poorer mental well-being Költő et al, 2021). However, when researchers accounted for other variables that may contribute to differences in mental well-being (i.e.: gender, wealth, area of residence, etc.), they found that differences in mental well-being disappeared. This suggests that the mode of transportation itself may not be the root cause, but rather the circumstances that many people who take public transit tend to experience. If we look at who uses public transit most often, we can see that it is largely minority groups and the lowest income earners (Hosford & Winters, 2022).  

                                                              If the environment we navigate daily feels unsafe, regardless of whether it is objectively safe or not, it can have very negative consequences on our well-being including chronic anxiety and stress. (Brosschot et al, 2016). This is known as ‘perceived safety’. A local example is the current perception of the LRT system in Edmonton as being fundamentally unsafe, especially after a few high-profile violent incidents in early and mid-2022 (Edmonton Journal Editorial Board, 2022). To change the negative perspective on perceived safety research has found that a good physical design of public transit is needed (Deniz, 2018). 

                                                              Active Transportation 

                                                              Besides private vehicles or public transit, there is the option to walk or cycle around the city, referred to as active transportation. It’s clear that walking and cycling won’t take you as fast nor as far as a vehicle in current car centric cities. However, it doesn’t need to be as fast or for long distances for it to be a practical mode of transportation. Cities, including Edmonton, are going through a transition to improve connectivity and reduce travel times with plans such as the “15-Minute City” (Sohi, 2021). Plans like this can help make commutes to different places more feasible by bike or by foot.    

                                                              The length of a commute by active transport, just like by private vehicle or public transit, may negatively affect our mental well-being. However, a lot of the negative impacts reported by active transport users can be sourced back to motorised vehicles, rather than active transport itself. Most of the bicycle infrastructure in North America is not considered as “friendly” to cyclists as those of European countries (Copenhagenize index, 2019). For example, many of Edmonton’s current bike lanes share space directly next to vehicles with no protection for cyclists at all – something that has been proven to lower the perceived safety of riders and potential riders (McNeil, 2015). However, with Edmonton’s newly proposed “bike network” this lack of protection will change, and the increase in quality of the infrastructure will attract more users (Boothby, 2022).  

                                                              Noise produced by motor vehicles also affects those who use active transportation. Research suggests that car traffic noise has a meaningful negative impact on our mental and physical well-being (Finne & Holm Petersen, 2014). Noise mainly affects those using active transport methods because they do not have any sound buffer, unlike the drivers within motor vehicles. As most sidewalks and bike lanes are directly next to, or quite close to traffic it is hard to avoid the noise pollution. This matter has been investigated by some European countries, where they have started to restrict personal vehicle access to the city core to reduce the noise in the busiest parts of a city (Peters, 2019). 

                                                              Even with the drawbacks produced by cars towards active transportation, it is a mode of commuting that provides great benefits. Some studies have found that those who cycle to work have significantly lower levels of stress while at work (Hurford, 2021; Brutus, 2017). Other studies suggest that short, active commutes result in happier commuters; and happy commuters are more relaxed, calm, and productive (Ma & Ye, 2019). These benefits could explain why when someone changes their commute from car to active transport their psychological well-being increases (Martin et al, 2014). It not just a benefit for adults commuting to work, but also benefits the mental well-being for children (Kleszczewska et al, 2020). 

                                                              Better Urban Planning for Active Transportation Necessary 

                                                              With good urban planning and city design commuting can be a pleasant experience. Unfortunately, cities will continue to build car dependent suburbs and commuting by car will remain prevalent for the foreseeable future. If cities want to address the negative impacts commuting can have on mental health, they will need to shift their focus away from car-centric development by increasing city density and creating multi use neighborhoods thereby, reducing the length and number of trips needed. As well, improving the efficiency and perceived safety for both public and active transport through more thoughtful design, incentivising more people to take advantage of the benefits it can provide. 

                                                               

                                                              Note: This is an excerpt from our December 2022 Community Matters, you can read the full publication here

                                                              Did You Enjoy this Article? Please provide feedback here: Microsoft Forms 

                                                               

                                                              Luis Murcia’s goal and passion is the pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of society. In 2013, he came to the University of Alberta from El Salvador and graduated with a BA in psychology and a minor in philosophy. He is striving to develop into a person that can help others become their best self. 

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                                                              1. Blog: Kwanzaa: Celebrating the 7 principles 

                                                                [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”||3px|||” border_color_bottom=”#a6c942″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_post_title][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COLOUR-BLOCKS_spaced-300×51.png” title_text=”COLOUR BLOCKS_spaced” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” max_height=”75px” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”10px|0px|20px|0px|false|false” global_module=”96648″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”30px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”content” _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#2b303a” custom_padding=”||32px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9kYXRlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiYmVmb3JlIjoiIiwiYWZ0ZXIiOiIiLCJkYXRlX2Zvcm1hdCI6ImRlZmF1bHQiLCJjdXN0b21fZGF0ZV9mb3JtYXQiOiIifX0=@[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                                                Kawanza is a weeklong festival created from the Watts Riot 1965 which empowers African communities through unity and awareness. 

                                                                By Tony Cao Tran, ESPC Volunteer

                                                                “We stress culture because it gives identity, purpose, and direction. It tells us who we are, what we must do, and how we can do it” (Karenga, 1967). 

                                                                How was Kwanzaa created? 

                                                                After an altercation in the Watt’s neighborhood in Los Angeles on August 11, 1965. What happened between an African American driver and a Caucasian police officer with the California National Guards spurred a shutdown and curfew time by police (History Com, 2017).  

                                                                Kwanzaa is a time of remembrance for the Watts Riot. And the celebration of African cultures; including dance, music, decorations and African artwork (Jones et al., 2022). 

                                                                Today Kwanzaa events also bring Canadians interested in learning about Kawanza, together to learn during this festival week. 

                                                                When is it Celebrated? 

                                                                Kwanzaa spread into Canada from United States and was first recognized during 1993 (Time and Date, 2022).  The Kwanzaa festival invites people from all diverse backgrounds between December 25th and January 1st to celebrate.   

                                                                As of now there are no in-person gatherings for Kawanza events in Edmonton, Alberta, but there are events for anyone to join virtually.  The 7-day event titled Political Literacy Kwanzaa Series: Analyzing NAARC’s Reparations Program is available on Eventbrite December 26th at 10:00 am MST (Eventbrite Canada, 2022).  

                                                                What would you see if you went? 

                                                                Kwanzaa events bring people together in harmony with topics around African thinkers, writing, poetry, African drumming and sharing meals. In the dining room the table has a red or green tablecloth and in the center a mat made of traditional woven materials called the mkeka. 

                                                                The kinara will be the centerpiece of the mat which holds the candles. The black candle, meaning the people, goes in the middle. The three red candles explain the continuing struggle, placed on the left side of the kinara, and the green candles meaning the future go on the right side of the kinara; all seven candles are called Mishumaa Saba standing for the seven candles and principles. 

                                                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Trivia-Portrait-Kwanzaa-Poster-in-Cream-Green-Red-Organic-Illustration-Style-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Trivia Portrait Kwanzaa Poster in Cream Green Red Organic Illustration Style” align=”center” width=”44%” sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]

                                                                Baskets and bowls of fruit and vegetables surround the centerpiece and there are ears of corn which stand for the African concept of social parenthood (dummies, 2016). The karamu, or Kwanzaa feast caps off the week of celebrating on New Year’s Eve (dummies, 2016). 

                                                                What are the Seven Principles? 

                                                                These seven pillars can be used for daily life; in terms of building virtues which can be used towards how we relate to each other. Each day starting from December 26 to January 1st one candle is lit. Each day stands for a core value expressed by Unity, Self Determination, Work-Responsibility, Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith (InterExchange, 2020).  

                                                                The Pan African Flag 

                                                                [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://edmontonsocialplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled-design-16.png” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”Untitled design (16)” align=”center” width=”41%” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_text_color=”#2b303a” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008ac1″ header_2_font_size=”24px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

                                                                At Kawanza gatherings, the Pan-African Flag is also common; with three solid lines across; red meaning the struggle, black is the people and green is the future (National Musuem of African American History and Culture, 2022). 

                                                                The solid colors start with red means blood relating to the challenges where the fight of group was involved, Black is for the people, and green is the flourishing forestry or the lands of Africa (Byard, 2022). 

                                                                The Pan-African flag and its distinctive colors are often seen during the African Heritage Month and Emancipation Day celebration, flying outside of provincial, municipal town halls, schools, police stations, and during proclamation ceremonies (Byard, 2022).  

                                                                What is this all for? 

                                                                The first Kawanza principle means Unity, by practicing and learning about and with, will build connections among one another.  In that way, interacting with more community is how individuals are going to grow a deeper understanding of each other. Recognizing that we are all valued people.  

                                                                The Watts Riot during 1965 shows how a lack of connection and understanding for each other created a riot. Today, advocates in the name of Dr. Karenga inspire many; about a place of love and equal understanding of each other in community; through cultural events like Kwanzaa.  

                                                                To learn more, click on link below: What is Kawanza and How is it celebrated; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKLvaql9Xvg&t=209s (about 3 and a half minutes) 

                                                                 

                                                                Bio: I am currently, employed within the recycling industry; I am pursuing studies in recruitment; but want to spend my time volunteering with fellow social advocates which I felt ESPC was an adequate fit. On my spare time; I spend with my family, dogs and writing. 

                                                                 

                                                                Reference Page 

                                                                Byard, M. (2022, August 4). The red, black, and green flag and Pan-Africanism’s historic connection to Nova Scotia. Halifax Examiner. https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/black-nova-scotia/the-red-black-and-green-flag-and-pan-africanisms-historic-connection-to-nova-scotia/ 

                                                                Dummies. (2016, March 26) How to Decorate the Kwanzaa Table. https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/crafts/gifts-holidays/how-to-decorate-the-kwanzaa-table-194803/ 

                                                                For the Cause STI Awareness Charity, Inc. (n.d.). Political Literacy Kwanzaa Series: Analyzing NAARC’s Reparations Program. Eventbrite. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/political-literacy-kwanzaa-series-analyzing-naarcs-reparations-program-tickets-480820746797?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch&keep_tld=1 

                                                                Inside Edition. (2019, Dec 2019). What Is Kwanzaa and How Is It Celebrated? [YouTube]. What Is Kwanzaa and How Is It Celebrated? 

                                                                History.com Editors. (2017, September 28). Watts Rebellion. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/1960s/watts-riots#section_3  

                                                                InterExchange. (2020, July 20). The History, Principles, and Symbols of Kwanzaa. https://www.interexchange.org/articles/career-training-usa/history-principles-and-symbols-of-kwanzaa/  

                                                                Jones, E., Chamberlin, M., & Datil, A. (2021, December 23). Yes, Kwanzaa originated in the United States. Verify. https://www.verifythis.com/article/news/verify/holiday-verify/kwanzaa-originated-in-the-united-states/536-e67ba6a2-a33f-4c62-ac9f-bed6ff2a710a  

                                                                National Museum of African American History and Culture.  (n.d.). The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Smithsonian. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/seven-principles-kwanzaa 

                                                                Time and date (2022, December 26). Calendar from https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/kwanzaa 

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