Who we are
The Institute for Community Prosperity is a hub of social innovation, systems-learning and community engagement that bridges the knowledge, wisdom and experience of community with academic learning and scholarly insight. We bring together community, students and faculty from across disciplines, sectors and backgrounds to tackle the complex social and ecological challenges of our time.
What is community prosperity?
Community prosperity is the interconnection of cultural, economic, social and ecological conditions necessary for individuals, organizations and societies to flourish.
Why We're Here
To provide transformational, experiential, and co-curricular learning expereinces for students that empower them to become the changemakers of tomorrow
To build the capacity of the changemakers of today to navigate increasing complexity and create positive change.
To create pathways of trust, reciprocity, collaboration, and learning between campus and community.
What We Do
How we work
The complex challenges society is facing are not linear and cannot be solved in isolation, but require mindsets, tools and approaches that allow us to enter into complexity, recognize patterns and dynamics and identify places for transformative change. At the Institute for Community Prosperity, we bring a systems thinking approach to all that we do.
Our place within the university is a place of privilege that comes with both opportunity and responsibility. We are guided by principles of reciprocity and inclusion, working with community as partners and co-creators in building prosperity for all.
Our home at Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, we acknowledge the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Iethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Metis.
The latest
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Changemaker in Residence - Courtney Walcott
Human Rights & Democracy is a two-year Changemaker-in-Residence initiative led through the Institute for Community Prosperity in partnership with Dignity Forum. The project responds to the need for deeper public education, dialogue, advocacy, and systems-level understanding of human rights in Alberta and Canada. It positions human rights as a foundation of community prosperity and creates a structured platform for campus-community learning, civic engagement, and action.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Map the System
Map the System is an international student research challenge that invites students from any discipline to explore complex social or environmental issues through a systems thinking lens. Unlike pitch competitions or design sprints, Map the System emphasizes a deep understanding of an issue over quick solutions. Registrations for students are now open and will close on February 12, 2027.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING HUB
Systems Leadership Sandbox + Convening in Complexity
Early bird registration is now available for Systems Leadership Sandbox and Convening in Complexity. These programs are designed to build the capacity of community professionals and practitioners to work in increasingly complex systems with greater impact.
