The feeling that we belong is central to the human experience, and social cooperation is essential to tackling collective problems like climate change and inequity. Yet here we are in the 21st century, living in an increasingly individualistic and unequal society at arguably one of the loneliest times in human history. Some researchers are calling this the collapse of social cohesion and community relations. Studies confirm the negative impacts that social media, smartphones, and rampant individualism can have on both mental and physical health.  

Provinces and school boards are banning smart phones. Lawsuits are playing out against social media companies. But what constructive tools and processes do we have that can re-build community and overcome these negative influences? 

Across Canada, many community-based organizations are working magic with at-risk youth and equity-denied communities. We are thrilled to bring just a few of these organizations together to share their experiences re-building community and social cohesion. What happens when we leverage the power of parks and public spaces to break down barriers to connection and community building? What happens when we use proven community-engagement tools and consultation processes to get at-risk youth and equity-denied minorities growing and shaping the greenspaces around them? 

Watch this recording to discover how growing where you are planted can help overcome the mental health challenges we face.

Meet the Panelists:

Verónica Gutiérrez is the Director of Growth and Development at the non-profit Hope Blooms. Hope Blooms works with the high-needs community of North End Halifax, engaging youth to become change agents. As an immigrant, Verónica’s focus is on helping people feel included, supporting them in their path of becoming changemakers, finding resources for equity, and creating safe spaces with leaders in their community who represent them.

As the Executive Director of Park People, Erika Nikolai leads Canada’s only national organization dedicated to activating the power of city parks to build strong communities and resilient cities. Park People is a national movement that supports thousands of park leaders through funding, research, and professional services. Promoting the idea that city parks are ideal spaces for learning how to share space, collaborate with others and foster a sense of connection with each other and the natural world.

Naolo Charles is the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Environmental Initiative (BEI), an organization dedicated to advancing the recognition of Black communities and their ancestral role as stewards of nature and community builders. Since 2019, BEI has engaged Black and other equity-denied communities in environmental action through education, environmental stewardship, leadership development, and community building.