Introducing the SoJust Activist in Residence (AiR) Program

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The School for Social Justice and Global Stewardship (SoJust) at UFV is proud to launch its Activist in Residence (AIR) program, aimed at supporting activists working toward meaningful social change. In a world beset by social inequalities and divisions, displacements and exclusions, precarity, this program provides a vital opportunity for activists to engage with the UFV community.

Time & space to address complex challenges

The AIR program provides visiting activists with the time and space to examine, research, and address some of the complex challenges faced by the local and global communities that UFV serves by supporting activists to bring their work and expertise to UFV. The AIR program provides the opportunity for an activist to engage with, learn from, and be supported by the UFV community, while members of UFV and its community at large will have the opportunity to learn from the work and vision of the AIR. This is especially the case for our students, for whom the AIR will provide experiential learning opportunities.

Program goals

The AIR program is designed to:

Provide activists the opportunity to study or explore community issues that align with the mission and mandate of the University.

Inspire imaginative and innovative approaches to addressing social problems and benefiting the broader community.

Encourage mutual learning between activists, students, and faculty, leading to new models of public engagement.

Facilitate student and faculty involvement in social and environmental justice activism.

Strengthen community partnerships and enhance engagement.

Expand internship and fieldwork opportunities for students.

Role model activism for students and foster their sense that activism is a valid and effective approach to pursuing social change.

Apply for AiR

UFV is accepting applications for 2025-2026. The start date and duration of the appointment are negotiable. The appointment is selected activist will focus on systemic and transformative change in one or more of the following areas: environmental justice, equity and rights, decolonization, migration, harm reduction, and social inequality.

The residency offers time to explore important issues, engage with the UFV community, and contribute to public workshops and consultations. The residency lasts for a defined period and includes engagement with students, faculty, and the public.

Activist in Residence Responsibilities

Personal Projects: Focus on activist work and related research.

Consultations: Hold regular office hours for students and the wider community.

Workshops & Events: Organize and participate in public events, workshops, and panels open to the community.

Collaborative Learning: Engage in classes and other fora as invited.

Application Process

To be considered, applicants must:

Be at least 18 years of age.

Not be current UFV students, sessional faculty, or staff members.

Be available to reside in the Fraser Valley during the residency

Applicants should submit the following materials:

A cover letter.

A resume.

Samples of their work (e.g., publications, artistic or campaign materials).

Contact information for three references (excluding family members).

The deadline for applications is November 22, 2024, but the search will remain open until the position is filled. Applications should be sent to Steven.Schroeder@ufv.ca.

Selection will be based on the applicant’s work in one of the focus areas, demonstrated capacity to meet program goals, and commitment to the AiR Code of Conduct (available upon request).