Laurier Master of Applied Politics students use remote research skills to benefit community organizations

Aug. 10, 2020

Students in Wilfrid Laurier University’s Master of Applied Politics (MAP) program are conducting research to address community and global challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of their remote research practicum, Laurier’s MAP students are working with community partners to tackle pressing issues including poverty in the context of COVID-19, age-friendly community activism, public education changes in response to the pandemic, strategies to combat Islamophobia and even the militarization of space.

When instructor Holly Gibbs put out a call seeking community partners for the spring offering of the program’s research practicum course, she was surprised by the response.

“Considering social distancing requirements due to COVID-19, there were a lot of conversations about whether we would need to create a workplace simulation instead of an authentic experience engaged in pressing research questions of partner organizations,” says Gibbs. “After hearing from community partners and advocacy organizations, we saw the ways in which their research needs were equally, if not more, persistent in the context of the pandemic.”

Working with Laurier Community and Workplace Partnerships coordinator Scott Keller, Gibbs secured five community partners that would each provide a research opportunity based on their specific needs. Gibbs pivoted her class outline and teaching approach to create a low-risk environment in which students could maximize their development and learning through remote research and reflection.

The result has been students working to develop fact sheets, organizational reports and strategic plans for partner organizations including the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, the Grand River Council on Aging, the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Community Legal Clinic, Project Ploughshares and the Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo.

“Tackling this learning environment and partnering with a workplace at a distance has been a great opportunity to learn about perseverance and adaptability,” says Tom Sitas, a Master of Applied Politics student partnered with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association.

Sitas is working with two student colleagues to evaluate and report on the Ontario public education system's distance and remote learning pandemic response.

“I recognize that what we’re doing now – writing for a public audience and not our professor – is a much different experience than our previous academic exercises,” says Sitas. “We have the potential to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of students across Ontario and that’s really fulfilling.”

In addition to research activities, regular in-course components including weekly reflections and directed discussions support students in building self-awareness while identifying and analyzing wider political, policy, organizational and social issues related to their partner organizations.

“This course provides students with a guided transition from their academic life into their early professional life and it builds their networks as they launch into new careers,” says Gibbs. “Helping create these opportunities in the remote environment has been extremely rewarding.”

Building Pathways Toward Organizational Sustainability

Master of Applied Politics student Melody Greaves (BA '19) is working to ensure the organizational stability of the Brantford-based Grand River Council on Aging (GRCOA), an organization that promotes the voices of seniors in Brant and the development of an age-friendly community.

In response to social distancing and other public health measures prompted by the pandemic, the GRCOA board of directors began discussing alternatives to traditional in-person fundraising events to ensure financial sustainability. Greaves is developing a financial sustainability plan and a virtual-fundraising toolkit that the organization can use today as well as in the future, even after physical distancing measures are lifted.

“The fact that an organization that serves such an important segment of our local community is depending on my contribution is daunting and exciting,” says Greaves. “It’s a great introduction into the professional world of community engagement.”

“Remote learning brings its own set of challenges, but we’re developing project management skills, flexibility and self-direction as we guide our way through these projects. Having these skills in my toolkit will be valuable.”

In an effort to stay virtually connected to her mentor and team at GRCOA, Greaves has sought out opportunities to engage in all aspects of the organization, attending board of director meetings and sub-committee discussions about community education. Virtual meetings have led to more opportunities to connect and contribute.

“It has been a sincere pleasure to welcome Melody in planning for the future of the Grand River Council on Aging,” says Lucy Marco, GRCOA president and Greaves’ project mentor. “The board is very much looking forward to receiving the report on her findings, as it will be the basis for the next step in our strategic planning process.”

Raising Awareness About Autonomous Weapons Systems

Andrew Nicolardi (BA ‘19) appreciates the opportunity the Master of Applied Politics program provides in bringing his knowledge and skills into a workplace before graduation.

“The community component provides a continuing connection that helps us practice the career, experience what it would be like to work at these organizations and understand how to advance in our career path,” says Nicolardi.

In his work with Project Ploughshares, a Waterloo-based peace research institute focused on international security and disarmament, Nicolardi is researching and developing a public fact sheet exploring the use of armed drones. Specifically, he is researching the types of drones used in countries with active drone programs, how the technology is advancing and the changing role of drones in offensive missions during the past two decades.

“Laurier students contribute to publications, as well as the collection of data, and help advance the work of our peace research institute,” says Branka Marijan, senior researcher at Project Ploughshares. “Andrew is a great addition to our research team and has adapted easily to remote work. He is keenly interested in the topics we research and his passion for the work shows.”

Project Ploughshares will publish the fact sheet in its monthly newsletter and feature Nicolardi’s findings in an article on the organization’s website. Another MAP student is working with Project Ploughshares to deliver a similar report focused on the state of space security. Both students will have the opportunity to present their findings to the Project Ploughshares leadership team.

“You get to use the skills you’ve built and build confidence in yourself,” says Nicolardi. “I don’t have to second-guess myself much because of the high level of research knowledge I’ve gained at Laurier. And that knowledge is invaluable.”