Raising Awareness About Fast Fashion
“Being part of this grant project has significantly contributed to my personal development, particularly by strengthening my leadership skills. “
Hammad was a recipient of the Centre for Community Engaged Learning’s Chapman and Innovation Grants in the 2022-23 school year.
Project Description
Hammad’s project focuses on creating an informational educational resource on the fast fashion/textiles industry. It covers pertinent social justice elements such as labor conditions, textiles waste, and resource exploitation with a particular emphasis on their disproportionate impact on historically marginalized communities. The goal is to create a large panel discussion on the prevalence of fast fashion in Vancouver, and to engage students towards cultivating a deeper understanding of this industry and how to address the issue it presents.
Community Partner Description
Threading Change is a youth-led, justice-oriented global organization created to address the systemic injustices and inequities that persist in the global fashion industry today.
– Threading Change
Lessons Learned
Hammad shares his core learnings from completing a community-engaged project with Threading Change:
“This project has taught me that staying committed is crucial towards the success of a project, especially when facing road-bumps or encountering unfamiliar situations. Accessing resources from CCEL, partner organizations, and the community, and being proactive in seeking help within the team, have been essential for me towards staying committed and ensuring project success.”
“Being part of this grant project has significantly contributed to my personal development, particularly by strengthening my leadership skills. Leading a team of student volunteers has provided a valuable opportunity for me to create a positive and collaborative work environment through effective resource provisioning, clear communication, and by offering ongoing support. This hands-on leadership role has not only contributed to the continued success of the grant project, but has also played a crucial role in my personal learning journey.”
Advice for Future Applicants
For students considering applying for a CCEL Grant, Hammad offers some valuable advice:
“My advice for students considering a CCEL Grant application is to be authentic and passionate in your approach. Let your values, goals, and your personal connection to the challenge or social issue at large guide your project goals and ideas. This passion and authenticity will enhance your application and enable you to demonstrate a deep interest in the project, both during and after its completion.”
Information about CCEL Grants
If you are a student interested in leading your own UBC CCEL project, you can learn more about the application process here. Year round advising for grant projects and applications are available via Zoom or in-person at our office on the UBC Vancouver office from Monday to Friday. For more information about year round advising, please email us at community.learning@ubc.ca to book an appointment.