Tag: Social Policy and Advocacy
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The Silencing of America’s Global Voice: A Critical Analysis
Standing with Ukraine, Standing for Democracy Every week in Kamloops, we gather to stand with Ukraine. Recently, we’ve noticed more people honking in support, a simple gesture that carries profound meaning. When we stand with Ukraine, we aren’t just supporting a distant nation under attack; we’re actively standing for Canadian values, for democracy itself, and…
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The Unraveling of Trust: When Silence Becomes Complicity
I found it interesting how Chat GPT created an image when I finished writing my recent article on the Canada-US relationship. Someone needs to remind AI that Alaska is still part of the US, but the idea that Canada needs to seek better connections with other nations to build new relationships when President Trump is…
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Tariffs: A Tax on Trade and a Cost to Relationships
The recent decision by the U.S. President to impose tariffs on neighbouring countries signals a shift toward economic protectionism, one that history has shown often backfires. Tariffs, while designed to protect domestic industries, frequently lead to retaliatory measures, higher consumer prices, and economic instability. More importantly, they can strain long-standing relationships between nations, turning allies…
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“Bridging Hearts, Building Hope: BC’s Stand with Ukraine”
This event took place on August 24, 2024. You’re invited to an extraordinary event that will touch your heart and ignite your spirit of solidarity! Join us for the launch of “BC Stands with Ukraine: Volume 1” – a powerful testament to the strength of community and the impact of collective action. The book is…
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From Lived Experience to Innovative Solutions: Celebrating Trevor Starchuk’s Award-Winning Addiction Recovery Housing Model
By Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov As a social work educator, it is always inspiring to witness individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing pressing social issues through innovative community-based solutions. Trevor Starchuk, now a dedicated social work student at Thompson Rivers University, exemplifies this passion through his groundbreaking housing model designed to support…
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When We Fail to Value Women, Dictators Rise: 100 Reasons to Honour Women’s Vital Work This International Women’s Day
Women Rise, Humanity Rises: International Women’s Day is a vital reminder of the immense contributions women make to our world and the ongoing struggle for true gender equity. It’s a day to celebrate progress made, honour courageous pioneers, and recommit to the unfinished work of building a world where every girl and woman can thrive…
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Combating Corruption on Anti-Corruption Day: Insights from Singapore’s Transformation
Corruption sadly continues to plague too many nations, deterring prosperity and erosion public trust. When I arrived in Lisbon, Portugal its Prime Minister resigned over questionable lithium mining contracts. Many corrupt leaders unfortunately stay in power until they die or people find ways to stop them from abusing their power. Events like International Anti-Corruption Day,…
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Art Matters – Keep the TRU BFA Alive and Thriving
The future of arts education at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has been thrown into uncertainty after the university announced plans to phase out its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program. The decision, revealed in April 2023, came as a shock to faculty, students, and the wider Kamloops artistic community. Within days, a petition was launched…
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Uniting Against Hate: A Call for Inclusion and Safety at University Campuses
Statement Condemning the Hate-Motivated Attack at the University of Waterloo July 21, 2023 The recent violent attack at the University of Waterloo on June 27, 2023, where Geovanny Villalba-Aleman stabbed the professor and two students during an in-session Philosophy 202/Gender and Social Justice 222 class, is an abhorrent act of hatred and violence. This hate-motivated…
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Addressing Social Policy Concerns in 2021: SOCW 3000 Course Reflections
Dr. Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov Today I finally submitted grades for approval, just a few hours before the deadline. I am very proud of students, who despite multiple challenges were working extremely hard to complete their social policy papers and addressing concerns with affordability, accessibility, adequacy and other social policy “A”s to improve services for diverse…
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Open Letter: TRU Investigation
Dear Dr. Fairbairn TRU President, Honourable Anne Kang Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, Members of BC Legislative Assembly, TRU Senate and Board of Governors: I am writing this letter to call for action responding to the many members of the TRU community who expressed their serious concerns regarding the TRU investigation process. Over…
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TRU Investigation Week 2: TRU administration silences TRU communities and Happy Holidays actions.
Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov Thank you, everyone, for your responses and support after I compiled the first week’s media coverage about the TRU investigation: TRU Investigation: What do we know, and what actions are needed? . After checking the outrage from TRU communities, I was hopeful that the TRU administration would make the most appropriate, acceptable, adequate decision…