Project Citizenship is a pioneering social change initiative of Skills Society that aims at helping people with disabilities be seen and included in our communities as full contributing citizens.
The way the project has been leading social change is through documenting inspiring stories in film, photographs and other art forms depicting people with disabilities making our communities better places. The stories themselves are powerful change agents that challenge negative stereotypes and we hope inspire people to take action to include people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. The 50 plus stories that have been documented so far have been shared internationally and we are excited that the project is about to be showcased as an important social innovation in a renowned innovation magazine.
Why the project matters
Many people with disabilities in our communities still live on the margins in isolation and are not offered the same opportunities most citizens are afforded. Inspiring stories have the power to shift attitudes, build empathy and move people to action. The project also matters because it is a unique approach to education in that people with disabilities, University of Alberta students and Skills Society staff explore together what being good citizens can mean and about how we might dissolve barriers to citizenship for people with disabilities.
How the project began
Project Citizenship was launched in 2011 with help from a partnership grant from the University of Alberta Community Service-Learning program. The initial partners included University of Alberta Community Service-Learning, SKILLS Society and Nina Haggerty center for the arts. Now a growing collective is building of individuals, businesses, art studios, academics, community builders and inspired citizens.
Check out how you can get involved by clicking the link below
Contact
Ben Weinlick, MA: Ben@skillssociety.ca – 780-496-9686
Debbie Reid, MEd: Debbie@skillssociety.ca -780-496-9686