Community Engagement Edmonton
The Mustard Seed's community engagement programs foster learning opportunities for the general public. These programs increase awareness and understanding of issues surrounding poverty, homelessness, and social justice. They also encourage the public to respond in meaningful ways.
Did you know?
- 2,421 people were homeless in Edmonton in 2010*
- The number of ‘working poor' is increasing. With the rate of minimum wage in Alberta at $9.40/hour, people working full-time cannot afford to meet their basic needs.
- Loneliness, isolation and a lack of meaningful support systems are significant issues for people living in poverty.
Get involved
School Programming
Teachers are invited to bring their class for a tour of the Mustard Seed or to host a guest from The Mustard Seed to share about the work we do. At this time we will not be able to offer the “Tour and Sandwich Making” or “Tour and Project” opportunity we have offered in past. Please contact us for other ideas of how to get involved!
Social Issues Walk
The social issues walk is a three-hour tour of the Boyle, McCauley and downtown neighbourhoods. The walk introduces the public to the realities of the inner-city and explores some of the reasons why people are poor. It also presents an overview of various inner city social services agencies.
Student/Practicum Placements
Threaded throughout The Mustard Seed's programs are opportunities for students from a variety of disciplines to develop empathy and awareness of issues surrounding poverty and marginalization.
Street Retreats
This immersion-learning opportunity is for groups of 10-20 people to spend a weekend in the inner city learning more about issues of poverty and social justice. Click here for the Street Retreat Brochure.
Demo Crew
DemoCrew is a local missions program that aims to DEMOnstrate Go'ds heart for the poor and DEMOlish stereotypes about the inner city. Youth and church groups of 10-20 people join The Mustard Seed for six days and five nights for DemoCrew, which is held throughout the year. Sleeping, eating and working in the inner city, youth experience a time of team and faith building while serving the community and learning about issues surrounding poverty and homelessness. For more information go to www.democrew.ca or contact The Mustard Seed's Church Engagement Coordinator at 587-335-3273.
*According to the 2010 Homeless Count by Homeward Trust (www.homewardtrust.ca)
