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. 

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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.

 

What we do

 

Emoji for grow

Grow

An atlas to systems thinking serves as a toolbox from which students can select from a range of tools, theories, tips, and matrices.

 

 

Emoji for experiment

Experiment

We experiment with new ideas and approaches through creative collaborations, social labs and pilot initiatives that push boundaries and provoke new ways of thinking and doing.

 

 

Emoji for convening

Convene

We design, convene and facilitate participatory processes for transformative change.

 


 

 

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.

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The Latest


 

Event 9:00 - 11:00 AM

Dec. 3

 

StartWork Community Celebration

 

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Event 2:30 - 6:00 PM

Nov. 26

 

Literacy Lab Showcase

 

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Event 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Nov. 18

 

Map The System MRU Info Session

 Learn how to get involved.

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Event 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Nov. 17

 

Map The System MRU Info Session

Learn how to get involved.

Learn More →


Event 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Oct. 30

 

ArtistSpeak*: Mental Health

 

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Event 6:00 - 8:00 AM

Oct. 28

 

Picture This

Reimagine Calgary through Image Theatre.

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Publication

Sept.

 

Annual Report 2024/25

 

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Publication

June

 

The 55 Minutes

 A systems thinking atlas

Learn More →



Looking to find out about new programs and resources, environmental scans, community research and upcoming events? Stay in touch via our LinkedIn, Instagram, and the Community Prosperity Bulletin.