Learning & Lectures

Computer Fundamentals Workshop

Get a free introduction to computers and related technology with this weekly virtual workshop. The course seeks to provide an interactive and engaging introduction that isn't intimidating!
​
Requirements:
  • Computer or laptop
  • Internet access
  • Webcam and microphone (can be through your computer)

Dates: 2 hour sessions on Mondays, September 18 - December 4, 2023
Cost: Free registration
Location: Virtual via Zoom 
Contact Information: Ian Gardner at 604-209-0365, Ian.Gardner@vch.ca 

Earthquake Preparedness:  Apartment Living

  • Scientists say that Vancouver is at a high-risk of having an earthquake. Be prepared by attending one of the many NEPP Earthquake Preparedness workshops offered throughout the city.
  • Register to attend one of these informative workshops which provide information on what you can do to keep yourself safe during and after an earthquake.
  • Workshops are available in Mandarin and some workshops are specific to apartment living or what to do with your pets during an earthquake.


Find the full list of all city earthquake workshops here.  You need a City of Vancouver account first, and you sign up for that here.

Here is some more detailed information about how to protect yourself from an earthquake, here.

Decentral

  • Our community is inspired by the ideas behind Bitcoin, Decentralization, and the Open Source movement.
  • We host meetups for forward thinking individuals to connect with like-minded people.
  • We believe Cryptocurrency will support the Open Source movement, creating financially sustainable systems for both global and local communities.


This is a shared meetup, if you are interested in hosting an event please make a request to info@decentral.network

Free Indigenous Awareness Courses

University of Alberta
​Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson online course from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. From an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. Topics for the 12 lessons include the fur trade and other exchange relationships, land claims and environmental impacts, legal systems and rights, political conflicts and alliances, Indigenous political activism, and contemporary Indigenous life, art and its expressions.
 
Commitment: 12 weeks of study, 2—3 hours/week
 
This course consists of twelve modules, each with a series of:

  • video lectures,
  • a set of course notes and course glossary,
  • and required and recommended readings
BCIT [British Columbia Institute of Technology]
 BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships offers a free Indigenous Awareness course. The course contains the following three modules:
 
Module 1: Indigenous Peoples
 
Module 2: Colonization
 
Module 3: Decolonization
 
Those who are not part of the BCIT community may get access to the Indigenous Awareness course for free by registering at the page linked at the button below.

Free Health Webinars

Choices Markets Online Webinars:
  • Free online video webinars of interest to anyone looking to build healthier lifestyles
  • Available to sign up for live events or view recordings on their YouTube channel.
Webinar Topics:
  • "Fueling An Active Lifestyle on a Plant-Based Lifestyle"
  • "Problem-Solving Your Gut: The Mental, Emotional and Physical"
  • "Breath is Your Superpower!"

Thursday Lunch Time Art Tours
​

When:       First Thursday of every month
Time:         12:30-1pm
Where:      Contemporary Art Gallery
​                  555 Nelson Street, Vancouver
Cost:          Free

First Thursday of every month:
  • Join CAG Assistant Curator Julia Lamare for a lunch time tour of the current exhibitions.
Current exhibitions:
  • Jeneen Frei Njootli: my auntie bought all her skidoos with bead money
  • Channa Horwitz: Progressions and Rhythms in Eight
  • Andi Icaza-Largaespada: (untitled) a mountain bought but not yet named.
  • No reservation required. Simply turn up.

London Drugs In-store Workshops

Attend an in-store event, workshop, clinic, or demo today!
​Sometimes they have demos on how to use the camera and such.

Peer Support Worker Training Application

  • Peer support workers are individuals with "lived experience" of mental health, psychological trauma, and/or substance use issues.
  • They provide an invaluable level of expertise in helping their peers that is not replicated by professional training.
  • Their role includes helping their peers articulate and monitor their goals for recovery, practice new skills, support them in their treatment, modeling effective coping techniques, advocate for them to obtain effective services, and develop and implement recovery plans.
  • These activities help their peers to better understand their challenges, build their confidence, and develop a strong sense of self-empowerment.

Overdose Response Naloxone Training

  • The 2023 Peer Facilitated Overdose Response Naloxone Training Schedule is now available online.
  • Sessions will be held both in-person and via Zoom.
  • Trainings are facilitated by people with lived and living experience (PWLE) with substance use, sharing their expertise.
  • Staff and community members are welcome to attend for either a new training or a refresher.
  • Each session will take approximately 45 minutes, including time for questions and discussion.
  • Registration is required for in-person attendance. To register, email Bernice.Lee1@vch.ca with the date you would like to attend.
  • No registration is required for Zoom attendance, and participants can join any of the listed dates.
DATE&TIME
Apr 19 at 2:00pm Wed, May 17 at 2:00pm Wed, Jun 21 at 2:00pm Wed, Jul 19 at 2:00pm Wed, Aug 23 at 2:00pm Wed, Sep 20 at 2:00pm Wed, Oct 25 at 2:00pm Wed, Nov 22 at 2:00pm Wed, Dec 13 at 2:00pm
Location
At Robert & Lily Lee Family CHC (1669 E Broadway, Vancouver) in Room 224 (on the 2nd floor or via Zoom
Cost
Free

​UBC Learning Exchange - Drop-In Activities

The Learning Exchange:
  • Anyone is welcome to stop by to utilize the computers, engage in arts, culture, and current events, or simply unwind
Events:
  • Various events are held, such as arts, culture and current events.
Leadership:
  • The events will be led by Learning Exchange personnel, UBC students, or local residents.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Hours of operation :
Tuesday to Friday from 1-4:45 p.m.
Email :
learning.exchange@ubc.ca
Phone Number :
604-827-2777
LOCATION
612 Main St

Adventures in Short Film Writing

  • Learn Short Film Writing Fundamentals with Peer-Led Zoom Group If you have an interest in film but don't know where to start, join our 7-week workshop to learn the basics of short film writing. With the help of your peers, you'll develop your storytelling skills, character development, structure and write a draft of a short film.
  • Welcoming the Mental Health and Substance Use Community Our workshop is open to all, but we especially welcome those from the mental health and/or substance use community. We believe that storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing and growth, and we're committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all.
  • Workshop Start Dates We have multiple workshop start dates throughout the year, so you can join us whenever it works best for you. Here are the start dates for 2023:​​
    • May 24
    • July 12
    • August 30
    • October 18
    • December 6 (Q&A Sessions)
  • Peer-Led and Funded by Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF) Our workshop is led by peers who are passionate about film and storytelling. We're also proud to be funded by the Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF), which helps support community-led projects that promote mental health and wellbeing.
  • Register Now Ready to join us on this adventure in short film writing? To register, contact Ana at upagainstamountain@gmail.com. We can't wait to see you there!

​Communication & Group Facilitation, Skill Building & Training Workshop
Vancouver Coastal Health will be facilitating a Communication & Group Facilitation Workshop Series on 
Ongoing throughout the year email Bernice for the latest dates

This workshop series will take place in-person at
​1669 E Broadway, Vancouver.
  
This course requires pre-registration. If you are interested, please contact, Bernice Lee at Bernice.Lee1@vch.ca.

​C: (604) 862-0317
P: (604) 675-3980 ext. 20351
110 – 1669 E Broadway

Peer Programs and Work Opportunities at VCH

  • Introduction to VCH Peer Programs and Work Opportunities
    • Webinar for learning about Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) opportunities
    • Explore participation and team membership
    • Q & A session after the presentation
  • VCH Peer Programs Overview
    • Consumer Involvement & Initiatives
    • Peer Support Program
    • Consumer Initiative Fund
    • Peer Led Workshops
    • Harm Reduction Peer Based Program
    • VCH SMART Recovery
  • Event Details
    • Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
    • Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
    • Venue: Zoom​

Learn A New Language

  • Mango Languages
    • Offered by the Vancouver Public Library
    • Free sign-up or use as a 'guest'
    • Over 70 self-paced languages and dialects
    • Delivered by native speakers 
    • Access more information here!
  • Duolingo
    • Over 30 languages available
    • Backed by science and helps you stay motivated
    • Offer a mobile app and a desktop version
    • More info!
  • The Open University

Coping with Uncertainty

  • Stress Management Series
    • Address news-induced stress
    • Explore coping strategies and helpful tools
  • Course Content and Resources
    • Virtual 4-session series
    • Focus on stress, worry, anxiety, and thinking traps
    • Workbook provided
Free online course facilitated by the VCH Peer Led Workshops Program through Recovery College YVR
Upcoming Sessions on Zoom:
  • September 7-28, 2023
  • October 4-25, 2023
  • November 7- 28, 2023

Speakers Series by Vancouver Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club

Looking to enhance your public speaking skills or starting from scratch? Our club has got you covered with something for everyone:
  • Experience warmth, fun, and personal growth within our community.
  • Get a chance to win a door prize with your ticket.
  • Enjoy light refreshments while having an entertaining and engaging evening.
  • Expand your network by meeting new entrepreneurs.
Join our club now and start your journey towards becoming a confident public speaker!

Truth and Reconciliation

Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
Calls to Action
File Size: 305 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Hope Matters Podcast

Event:
  • Reading from the book "Hope Matters" by Lee Maracle and her daughters Columpa Bobb and Tania Carter
Book Description:
  • Journey of Indigenous people from colonial beginnings to reconciliation.
  • Written collaboratively by the three women, the poems blend their voices together into a shared song of hope and reconciliation.
Additional Information:
  • Traditional welcome and song shared by Xwechtaal Dennis Joseph.
  • Maracle states that the book “is also about the journey of myself and my two daughters”.
  • Bobb and Carter wrote poetry with their mother during their youth and eventually decided to write a book together.

Louvre: New Virtual Collections

The Collections database consists of entries for more than 480,000 works in the Musée du Louvre and Musée National Eugène-Delacroix.
  • The database is updated on a daily basis.
  • It is the result of continuous research and documentation efforts carried out by teams of experts from both museums.
  • The database includes entries for more than 480,000 works.

Podcast: The Power of Disability

  • Highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities
    • Host Al Etmanski features guests with disabilities who have been influential in arts, activism, science, and more.
  • The series is a continuation of the work shared in the book, The Power of Disability: 10 Lessons for Surviving, Thriving, and Changing the World.
    • The book reveals that people with disabilities are the invisible force that has shaped history.

In the first episode, Al interviews Victoria Maxwell, the Bipolar Princess.

Podcast: Below the Radar

Below the Radar: Podcast
  • Amplifying ideas that fly below the radar.
  • Explores various topics including:
    • Environmental and social justice
    • Arts and culture
    • Community-building
    • Urban issues
    • Features guests
Production
  • Produced by SFU's Vancity Office of Community Engagement
  • Part of the Knowledge Democracy Project @ 312 Main
  • Encourages meaningful exchange of ideas and information across communities.
​

Vancouver Wildlife Live Cameras

The Pacific Great Blue Herons have returned to the colony at the Park Board office at 2099 Beach Avenue.
  • High-definition Heron Cam available to view the nests of one of North America’s largest urban great blue heron colonies from March to the end of the summer breeding season.
  • Camera can be controlled for one minute at a time to zoom into specific nests.
The Hancock Wildlife Foundation has live cams next to eagle nests in Delta, Harrison Hills, White Rock, Surrey, and French Creek. The Foundation teaches about wildlife and conservation, with a focus on bald eagles. By offering live streams of the eagles, they seek to engage the public while fostering appreciation and understanding. 

LinkedIn Learning - Access for Free

LinkedIn Learning offers online courses taught by professionals
  • Courses are available in business, creative, and tech fields
  • Access to these courses require payment
  • Tip: those with a Vancouver Public Library card can access the courses for free.

More Online Learning for Free

Love learning or have a specific skill or knowledge area you would like to develop? There are several websites that offer free online courses.
 
FutureLearn

Courses vary in length. Most are six to ten weeks long but they also have some shorter two and three week courses. Most are delivered by universities.  Free course membership gets you access to the course for its duration + 14 days, regardless of when you join.

Sample courses:

Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/food-and-mood

Thrive at Home: Better understand work-life balance, mental health and motivation so that you can thrive at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Using FutureLearn
 

Coursera

Free courses from universities and companies. Learn at your own pace, 100% online. Duration of courses vary enormously, from a couple of weeks to 6 months or more.

Sample courses/ specializations:

Memoir and Personal Essay: Write About Yourself Specialization

The Science of Well-Being

Check out Coursera; view the topics drop-down menu under ‘Explore’


 
Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.  Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. 
 
Sample courses:
 Pixar in a Box: The Art of Storytelling
 
Other learning:
Interviews with Entrepreneurs
Personal Finance

Check out Khan Academy - view the drop-down menu under 'Courses'.

Creative Mornings Vancouver

Creative Mornings
  • Started in New York
  • Now runs in cities around the world
  • Ongoing, accessible event for creative communities
  • Includes breakfast and a short talk
  • Occurs one Friday morning a month
  • Free of charge and open to anyone


'We bring together people who are driven by passion and purpose, confident that they will inspire one another, and inspire change in neighborhoods and cities around the world.'

Location:  SFU Woodward's -
​                  Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
                  149 West Hastings Street
Dates:      Vary, but it's a monthly series
Time:        8:30am - 10am
                (be there by 8:45 or you forfeit your ticket)
Cost:         Free

Due to popularity in Vancouver causing tickets to immediately sell out, they use a waitlist as a registration system and they randomly award tickets using a lottery system.  Lucky ticket winners are informed by email.

Computer Lessons / Drop in Internet Access in Kitsilano
Computer Access
Public access computers are available at these two Kitsilano locations.  Some other neighbourhood houses offer similar computer access and tutorials  - check the one near you!
  • Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
    2305 West 7th Avenue (at Vine)
    9 am – 7 pm Monday to Friday

  • Kits House Seniors Resource Centre
    2425 Vine Street (at West 8th Ave)
    10 am – 3 pm Tuesday to Friday
    ​*closed for lunch from 12 to 1 pm.

       NOTE: no printer availability at either site

One-on-One Computer Tutorials
Book an appointment to spend an hour with a volunteer computer tutor and learn the basics for operating your computer, laptop, or tablet!
Learn skills for using email, accessing the internet, social media, common software programs, and more!
FREE with a current KNH membership or by donation.
Tutorial appointment days & times vary depending on volunteer availability.
To book an appointment call Kits House Front Desk at 604-736-3588

EDX.org - Free On-line Classes

EdX offers free online courses and classes [free to audit... certificates do cost]. Find the latest MOOC from the world's best universities including MIT, Harvard, Berkeley, UT and others.

Lecture Series from UBC Green College

  • Graduate Residential College Green College is a graduate residential college at the University of British Columbia. It is a unique academic community where interdisciplinary conversations and ideas thrive
  • Community Every year, about 80 graduate students, 15 postdoctoral scholars, and visiting scholars call the College home and create a unique, vibrant academic community.
  • Activities
  • Attending free public lectures
  • Involvement in resident life
  • Enjoying warm hospitality
  • Networking College members develop a global network that reaches beyond the College's spectacular view of ocean and mountains.
  • Founding Philosophy The founding philosophy of "Ideas and Friendship" is constant at the College.