Distant not Disengaged

A weekly online series of interactive and constructive conversations

We know you know: the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting everything—our institutions, our economy, our way of life.

Our new physically distant reality has presented us all with massive challenges and further threats to social cohesion. As in all crises, the cracks in our systems have been laid bare—in some ways, inequity has never been so clearly visible. Disruptions can either deepen these cracks or be catalysts for improving equity and empathy going forward. We recognize this is a critical moment for us to come together to see and hear each other. 

Distant, Not Disengaged was created as an experimental and innovative online event series to illuminate the urgent issues and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This event series has ended. It was hosted in partnership with CityHive and SFU Public Square.

This report details the impact of the SFU Community Engagement Initiative's generous funding for Distant, Not Disengaged.

Past Events


OCTOBER 15 | 12:00-1:15PM

Whose Voice? Reimagining Public Engagement


SEPTEMBER 24

COVID-19 and the Future of Democracy

Key Takeaways


AUGUST 13

Missed Connections: Social Cohesion and COVID-19

Key Takeaways


AUGUST 6

Recipe for Change: Food Systems, Food Justice & COVID-19


JULY 30

Advice From Students: Post-Secondary in the Age of COVID-19

Key Takeaways


JULY 23

A Tale of Two Crises: COVID-19 and the Overdose Emergency

Key Takeaways


JULY 16

Navigating Race-Based Data: Intersections of Health Through COVID-19


JULY 9

Anti-Asian Racism During the Pandemic


JULY 2

Breaking News: Canadian Media Fails to Represent

Graphic Recording

Blog Post


MAY 28

About That Career Plan... Millennials, Gen Zs and the Future of Work


MAY 21

How is Grandma Really Doing? Caring for Elders in our Community


MAY 14

The Arts Matter! COVID-19 Reality, Response & Recovery

Graphic Recording


MAY 7

Disrupted: How COVID-19 Will Shape Climate Action

Calls to Action


APRIL 30

Where Did All the Buses Go? An Ask Me Anything on Transit

Transit Questions from Participants


APRIL 23

Leading Locally: Grassroot Responses to COVID-19


APRIL 16

The Age of Worry: COVID-19's Impact on Youth

Slides and Key Takeaway Notes