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" I am inspired by the political power of grassroots community efforts, especially when existing policies fail to meet people鈥檚 needs. My work within this field seeks to engage with community to uplift local policy solutions grounded in lived experience and promote progressive social change through strategic knowledge translation and advocacy. "
Andi Bloom
Public Policy master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field
I am a second year graduate student at the School of Public Policy from New Jersey USA. I am inspired by the political power of grassroots community efforts, especially when existing policies fail to meet people鈥檚 needs. My work within this field seeks to engage with community to uplift local policy solutions grounded in lived experience and promote progressive social change through strategic knowledge translation and advocacy.
Why did you choose to come to 911吃瓜?
I chose 911吃瓜 because of the department鈥檚 balance between practical and theoretical learning which gave me the ability to do both a professional co-op and a research project. I was also excited to move cities and be on the Vancouver campus in a fun and new environment for me!
How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?
My research addresses policy gaps for survivors of domestic violence seeking long-term housing following stays in second-stage transitional shelters and what the experience of non-profit service providers are like in navigating this complex landscape.
What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?
Social housing, Feminist conceptions of security
How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?
I was privileged to spend my co-op semester with the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc) as a Communications and Engagement student working to improve equitable healthcare access in rural BC. My work here spanned facilitating a Community of Practice on rural Planetary Health, coordinating a National Rural Health Week campaign, and the development of a Truth and Reconciliation synthesis report, undoubtedly expanding my policy work to incorporate rural perspectives with relational care at its heart.
Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research
I am incredibly grateful to be a SSHRC Canada Graduate Research Scholarship recipient. This funding allows me to pursue my Capstone research and make a tangible impact in addressing the housing crisis for survivors of domestic violence in Vancouver.
Contact Andi:andi_bloom@sfu.ca