Kristen Baker, Administrative Assistant                                         

I am the new Administrative Assistant for the CSL team. I previously worked as an Early Learning Educator for the past 20 years and am now ready to try something new that challenges me even further. I'm excited to learn all I can about Community Service-Learning and I'm looking forward to meeting as many wonderful individuals as possible. Thank you to the CSL community for giving me such a warm welcome and supporting me as I begin my journey with CSL and the University of Alberta. 

Jenna Bell, CSL Student Intern Fall 2020

My internship with CSL is coming to an end, sadly. This semester has been strange — to say the least. I never had the opportunity to meet any of my co-workers in person, visit the office, or host any in-person events. I am a bit bummed that I missed out on these aspects that usually are a part of an internship with CSL in normal years. However, considering the circumstances I feel like my internship experience was as full and enriching as it could have possibly been. My supervisor, Jill, was an absolute joy to work with. She really made me feel valued and gave me a lot of creative freedom, which I appreciated. I harnessed new skills and improved pre-existing ones. I got to chat with many CSL students, partners and instructors who have truly inspired me. And finally I really enjoyed getting to know the entire CSL team. They are a special group of people who deeply care about what they do. 

As I am about to finish the last semester of my BSc in Environmental Science, I'm unsure about what is next. I am hoping to work in Environmental Education, and am looking for work in this field. In the meantime, I am going to enjoy some much needed downtime! 

 Nicosia Miller, CSL Student Award Recipient 2020

I am immensely grateful to be this year's recipient of the CSL Student Award! I am a fourth-year student in the Honours program studying Latin American Studies and Spanish. Deciding to complete my CSL certificate has enriched my academic experience with much practical, relevant and engaging work, preparing me for the workforce and helping me to be a more socially responsible and conscious individual. It has been a pleasure working with CSL, and I would highly recommend that every student complete a CSL course before graduating. This opportunity will leave you with more knowledge about yourself and the world, expose you to the good you can do, and provide you with the skills and platform to make a positive impact in your community and in society.           

 Razak Oduro, CSL Evaluation Coordinator

I am a Ph.D candidate at the Department of Human Ecology in the Faculty of ALES. My research interest lies in anti-poverty initiatives, policy and collaboration. Currently, my Ph.D dissertation examines social movement organizing against poverty in Edmonton focusing on the work of EndPovertyEdmonton. As I leave CSL, I look forward to completing my dissertation in the coming year. My time with CSL has been an awesome experience. The genuine love shown by CSL staff is amazing and an unforgettable one. David, CSL Director has been extremely helpful to me, provided leadership and mentored me in so many ways. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served CSL :)

This past term has been a whirlwind - we are only 1/2 through and we still have so much left! Because we started late, we are ending late. We are on week 7 and still have 6 more weeks to go!

If you haven't had a chance to check out, or listen to, what we have been to, check out our website at hum101onair.ca. There is so much to see, do, read, and listen to. You cannot listen to past classes there, but you can also listen to past classes on the go through Spotify and Apple Music - search "hum101 on air".

Not only are we broadcasting Humanities 101 classes each week over the air through CJSR 88.5FM (Fridays evenings, 6-7PM), but we also have developed a tonne of resources for those participating in the class. Every guest who has shared their knowledge with us, and there have been many amazing guests, has left us with questions and curiosities; we explore these and share what we find and learn online.

This week we start the first of two classes on music and storytelling. We have guests Kris Harper, from nêhiyawak and Ag47, and Leila Sidi, a local luthier from TunaTone Instruments. Join us this Friday as they share music and story with us!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported us by donating radios! All the radios have been handed out and, because of these radios, there are many more folks who are able to participate in the class. Above and beyond Humanities 101, these radios make connection possible, which is so important in these times of intense isolation. 

Converse and Cook focuses on creating social spaces where individuals are empowered to explore their connection to food and their community by creating meals and dining together. Through these communal cooking spaces, our goal is to bring the social and practical elements of food to bring people together. Our programming includes cooking socials, food literacy workshops and curating community-focused cookbooks. 

Our CSL 200 and marketing students this term have been working hard to build our digital media presence, which we hope to utilize in the coming months as our programming transitions from being 100% in-person to online.

 CSL 100 student Fenya Fitzpatrick is working on a research project with Better Environments this term. Better Environments was created for the purpose of cleaning up our environment to maintain and enhance the well-being of our city and surroundings. Founded following the COVID-19 outbreak, this organization is a collaborative effort to keep our community clean and free of harmful debris. Fenya hopes to connect with students to learn more about their opinions towards environmental issues. Interested students can fill out a survey HERE.

CSL 100 students have also been working with the Multicultural Health Brokers (MCHB) Grocery Run Program. Grocery Run was developed to respond to the immediate need for nutritious and culturally relevant food. COVID-19 is expected to leave families in Edmonton vulnerable to food insecurity for months to come. If you are able to help Grocery Run meet their goals - DONATE TODAY! *(Please indicate in the message section that the donated funds are for the MCHB Grocery Run Program).

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE)

PIE acknowledges the valuable contributions and learning opportunities community partners offer for CSL students. PIE provides space for individuals from CSL partner organizations to be guest students in courses offered through the Faculty of Extension. Application deadline for Winter 2021 term is DECEMBER 4, 2020. Learn more!

WINTER BREAK

CSL offices will be closed for the winter break from DECEMBER 25, 2020 to JANUARY 1, 2021. We hope everyone enjoys a relaxing and joyous break!

CSL COURSES 

CSL offices will open on JANUARY 4, 2021. However, due to the current COVID-19 situation, courses for the Winter 2021 term have been delayed and will begin on JANUARY 11, 2021. Check out our great line-up of CSL courses for the upcoming term HERE.