The Women’s Centre, located in the North East of Calgary, is a place where community, support and connection amongst women are its main priorities.
Many may have had the luxury of never needing to know of a place like this, but the truth is, that the Women’s Centre does a lot more than people might expect. The community kitchen, private phones, food bank connections, safe spaces for children and what seems to be an endless amount of resources are free to anyone who identifies as a woman.
The centre is not set up like a traditional office, it looks more like a home or community centre.
When you enter the building, there is no front desk to check in, their sign-in process is a bit different. There is no need to give an address, a form of ID, or even your real name. This trust-based intake process ensures that it is the most accessible as possible. The centre even acts as a safe address for those who require it.
Once you are inside the centre, a staff member will approach you and begin the process of helping with whatever has brought you to the centre.
Youth Run Space at the Women’s Centre of Calgary.
I write this not only to make female-identifying students aware of the resources that the Women’s Centre of Calgary offers but to inform them of the space they have created and how to seek out community if they need it.
I had the opportunity to speak with Linda Tata, the Volunteer Development Leader, who’s been working with the Centre for 11 years. We spoke about all the different ways that young women can get involved with them.
Getting involved in the community that the Women’s Centre has created is easy and not exclusive to women who are in need. This is a place to learn, unlearn and grow relationships. From career services to learn about how intersectionality affects women around us, the Women’s Centre is there to help you. They offer a safe space for young women to get together and discuss activism and action on women’s issues.
“This is a place where we can come and make our voices heard”
-Linda Tata
A mural in the Outdoor Space at the Women’s Centre.
Volunteering is maybe the most imminent need at the Centre at the moment. There are primarily roles for women, as male-identifying individuals are not permitted in the community space. If men would like to show support, there are select volunteer options as well as donations that are welcome from anyone.
The volunteering process is very simple, visit The Women’s Centre of Calgary to view all available volunteer opportunities or give them a call at (403) 264-1155.
The Women’s Centre of Calgary is always in need of donations, especially around this time of year. If you are able please consider donating the following items:
- Winter Jackets (All Ages)
- Holiday Gifts for Women
- Holiday Gifts for Children (Ages 1-18)
- Diapers
- Tampons/Pads
- Personal Hygiene Products
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