Honouring the Community Behind International Community Development

On May 22, the Faculty of Social Work’s Global Engagement team welcomed Journey Guides, Elders, community partners, faculty members and supporters of international and community-engaged learning to downtown Calgary for its Community Partners Appreciation Luncheon.

The gathering celebrated the relationships that have become central to the International Community Development (ICD) specialization and recognized the community members whose knowledge, lived experience and generosity continue to enrich student learning.

Community partners contribute to student learning in many different ways, including guest speaking in classes, being Journey Guides, mentors and practicum supporters who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and professional expertise into the classroom. Their involvement helps students connect theory with practice while developing the humility, critical reflection and cultural responsiveness essential to social work.

Through these partnerships, students learn not only about communities, but with communities. The result is a learning experience that is grounded in real-world practice and strengthened by diverse perspectives, shared experiences and reciprocal relationships.

“We are deeply grateful to our Elders, Journey Guides, community partners and organizations for the generous ways they continue to support our students and our program,” said Dr. Aamir Jamal, director of Global Engagement and lead of the International Community Development specialization. “Your stories, wisdom, field experience and guidance help make our students’ learning journeys more meaningful, grounded and transformative.” 

Beyond celebrating these contributions, the luncheon offered an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen relationships and reflect on the collaborative community that has grown around the International and Community Development specialization.

Dr. Liza Lorenzetti described the ICD specialization as an “intergenerational community” that brings together students, faculty and community partners in shared learning. She noted that community partners contribute in countless ways and that the luncheon celebrated those collective contributions while reinforcing the relationships that continue to sustain the program.

Community partners also shared their appreciation for the gathering, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to reconnect and build community. As one participant reflected, “We very much appreciate a space where we can gather in gratitude, and we leave not only nourished but also inspired and energized.”

The luncheon underscored a defining strength of the ICD specialization: learning is built through relationships. By sharing their knowledge, lived experience and guidance, community partners continue to shape the next generation of social workers while strengthening the faculty’s connections with the communities it serves.