Vanier Social Science Festival 2019: Resilience

October 18, 2019

Chaotic politics, climate change and an unclear economic future — no wonder so many students struggle with anxiety, insecurity and frustration. No matter what’s happening in the world, students still need tools to deal with these their problems, but they could use a little more good news too! That’s why the 2019 Vanier College Social Science Festival, taking place from October 21 to 25, will explore the power of resilience and the importance of a positive outlook for creating meaningful change in ourselves, our communities, and throughout the world.

“Let’s empower our students by giving them practical advice and motivational stories that will bring joy and positivity to their lives,” say Kelly MacDonald, Vanier history teacher and principal organizer of the festival.

Anthropology teacher, Mark Prentice, started the Social Science Festival in 2000. Every year, the festival highlights the work of researchers, activists, community workers and others from Vanier, from the local Montreal community and from elsewhere. Speakers have been selected for their expertise and for the work that they do in relation to the social sciences. However, they’ve also been chosen because of their own great personal journeys – each guest has an inspiring story that will connect with students on an intellectual and emotional level.

The following are some of the topics of this year’s festival:

  • negotiating the narrow definition of masculinity;
  • building connection through music;
  • insights and life experiences shared by Indigenous communities;
  • resilience and empathy;
  • the story of women who built Gibson guitars in secret;
  • the power of laughter;
  • Feminism and religious identity in sport;
  • lies, frauds and manipulation, and how we react to them;
  • living life in the face of death;
  • collaborative approaches to food security;
  • what makes societies happy;
  • the Kairos Blanket Exercise.

All events are free of charge and open to the Vanier community and to the public. Most events take place in the Vanier College Auditorium (A-103).