2024 Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions Q&A

1. Who is eligible for the program? 

People aged 60 and above who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour), members of the LGBTQ+, or individuals with disabilities are eligible for the Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions program.

2. What is the application process? 

To apply for the 2024 Vancouver Sparking Change Senior Champions program, please reach out to us before June 17, 2024, at 5 pm using one of the following methods:

We will respond within a week to schedule a brief phone or online call to assess your eligibility, discuss program details and timelines, and address any inquiries you may have. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June.

3. How many individuals can submit a single application?

You can apply individually or as a group of two. Both would lead the activities (co-champions) if applied as a pair. 

4. How many champions will you be recruiting?

We will recruit 8 champions for the 2024 program.

5. Do I need previous experience to apply? 

No, you don’t need to have any prior experience in organizing events to apply. Our program is designed specifically to train and equip seniors with the necessary knowledge and tips to lead their events in parks successfully.

6. What are the trainings? Are they mandatory? 

Successful applicants must participate in all three training sessions.

These sessions will provide essential information regarding event planning, community outreach, effective communication and accessibility. During these training sessions, you will also have the opportunity to engage with mentors who are former champions.

7. What are the dates and format of the training sessions?

First Training Session: Scheduled for the first week of July.

  • Format: Online asynchronous session lasting half a day.
  • Details: Champions will receive a pre-recorded session and reading materials to review before the second training session.

Second Training Session: Scheduled for the second week of July.

  • Format: Half-day in-person activity demonstration led by mentors (previous champions) in a park.
  • Details: Champions will engage in hands-on experience with mentors, learning effective event planning techniques.

Third Training Session: Scheduled for the third week of July.

  • Format: Full-day in-person session at the Park People office in downtown Vancouver.
  • Details: Covers essential administrative tasks to organize events.

Once you have accepted the role of champion, we will email you everything you need for the online session, including details, instructions, and materials. We will also confirm the locations, dates, and times for the second and third in-person training sessions.

If you’re interested in the program but can only attend some of the mandatory sessions, contact us for more information.

8. What resources and support will be provided during the program? 

Throughout the program, we ensure champions have everything they need:

  • Comprehensive tools: champions will receive a comprehensive program booklet and access to event management online resources
  • Financial coverage: Park People covers costs related to organizing activities.
  • Safety: Park People provides a first aid kit for peace of mind.
  • Support: 
    • Participants can connect with a mentor (previous champion) for personalized advice and support.
    • Park People staff can offer additional support, including connecting participants with local community organizations to promote their events.

9. How will I receive the honorarium? 

Each champion will receive a $600 honorarium after completing four activities. When you accept your role as a champion, you’ll receive a form to specify your preferred payment method (cheque or e-transfer) and provide your personal information.

10. How do champions gather people to join their activities?

Champions can gather participants by using various methods. They are encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances to join all four activities, welcoming people of all ages. Additionally, champions can spread the word by putting up posters in authorized spaces, sharing on social media, and creating online events on Facebook. Park People staff are here to support champions with communication and can help connect them to local community organizations to extend the event outreach.

11. Who decides on the time and location of each activity? 

To maintain participant motivation, we suggest a consistent schedule, such as every first Monday of the month from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Activities can take place either in the same park or at different locations.

12. In which cities can the activity be hosted?

The activities can be hosted in public parks and green spaces across the following 10 municipalities in Metro Vancouver: 

  • Burnaby
  • Coquitlam
  • New Westminster
  • North Vancouver
  • Port Coquitlam
  • Port Moody
  • Richmond
  • Surrey
  • Vancouver
  • West Vancouver

13. What counts as a park or green space? 

Park People defines parks and green spaces as public spaces accessible to the public. Examples are city parks (e.g. Queen Elizabeth Park), social housing landscapes and other urban green spaces that are publicly accessible. If you have questions about your park or green space, please contact us to confirm eligibility.

14. Do we need a permit to host our activities? 

No permit from the City of Vancouver is required as long as the number of registered participants for each activity remains under 25. However, if your event is expected to attract over 25 people, we will help you in obtaining the park permit for your event.

For events held in other eligible municipalities outside of Vancouver, we will work together to confirm permit conditions and assist you in obtaining one, if necessary.

15. Can champions join activities organized by the other program champions?

Yes, we encourage champions to be supportive and build connections with other champions and participants in other activities.

16. What’s the next step after each activity?

After each activity, champions are asked to fill out a short form sharing activity details and number of participants. We also appreciate receiving photos from the activities, as we often share them in our newsletter and social media.

17. What if I have more questions about the program?

If you have any questions about the program (eligibility requirements, application process, activities, etc.), please join one of our online support drop-in sessions. No registration is required.  

If you’ve never used Zoom before, follow these instructions (section: “Use the link provided”).

Additionally, you can directly email your questions to jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca.

18. Is it possible to host an in-person info session? 

If you’re part of an organization working with seniors, we can organize an in-person information session between May 13 and May 23, 2024.

Email Joy at jralamboarisoa@parkpeople.ca for more information.