Women's studies students are participating in a one-of-a-kind initiative to create social change and put their classroom theory to work. Women's Studies 309: Topics in Feminist Community Service Learning, bridges the classroom and Women's Resource Centre by giving students the opportunity to apply their research, knowledge and skills to a rotating series of contemporary topics.

Kelsey Lavoie completed the course in the spring of 2007. Since graduating, she has translated her experience at the WRC into a career. The class she took was taught by feminist writer Joanna Kadi and focused on anti-racist feminism.

"For example, I personally can't say whether or not it is oppressive when women wear hijabs," says Lavoie. "The hijab could be a manifestation of patriarchy or it could be the result of women's pride in their culture and their desire to preserve aspects of their culture in response to assimilation attempts by other cultures."

The outcome of Lavoie's research was the creation of a workshop on cultural diversity, which she delivered to WRC peers and volunteers.

"The goal of the workshop was to raise awareness of what occurs when we make assumptions about the cultural experiences of other people," she says.

Now employed at the Calgary Women's Immigrant Association, Lavoie is putting her knowledge and experience to work as a program facilitator for young women who are new immigrants or ethnic minorities.

"My experience with the WRC has enabled me to understand the complexity of their situations as young females who may not self-identify as only Canadian," she says. 

Course topics rotate each semester; future topics will include women and leadership, and the women's movement and the arts.

Stephanie Garrett, director of the Women's Resource Centre, says this project gives the centre a strong theoretical foundation and adds academic legitimacy to their work.

Regina Cochrane, women's studies program coordinator, agrees the initiative is a positive partnership. "Collaborating with the WRC strengthens the resources and facilities we can offer to our students to enhance their learning."