Many of the student changemakers who we have the privilege of working with are quite driven, devoting countless hours to co-curricular activities, pitch competitions, and civic action in addition to their academic commitments. But their ambition can be a double-edged sword: propelling students to make an impact, while also leading to exhaustion and burnout. Moreover, many of these students are personally impacted by the systemic challenges they are seeking to address, and may also be navigating mental health concerns. This workshop will create space for educators to share and reflect on ways we have been equipped to support the wellbeing of our students. Beyond tactics and toolkits, what are our strategies and practices for enabling connection and care?
This workshop will be facilitated by Paul Heidebrecht, the inaugural director of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. For the past decade the Centre’s Grebel Peace Incubator has supported the founders of start-ups that are pursuing peace and justice, and for the past seven years it has facilitated Waterloo’s participation in Oxford’s Map the System competition. For the past three years, Paul has hosted a working group for staff and faculty colleagues who are interested in expanding perspectives on—and opportunities for—student success in curricular and co-curricular entrepreneurship programs at Waterloo.