Why Planning? Why SCARP?

What is planning for?
Why should I get involved?

If you want to be part of transforming tomorrow so that communities exist for everyone and help everyone thrive, planning could be for you.

 

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Four students arm-in-arm in front of giant SCARP logo

Planners are agents of positive change in the world. We:

  • Protect and improve cities and communities
  • Listen to and believe diverse peoples about what they need to thrive
  • Bring knowledge from all over the sciences and humanities about how to solve today's biggest challenges
  • Partner with people affected by injustice to transform tomorrow and leave no one behind

We tackle some of the biggest challenges facing us today, including:

  • Climate change's effects on regions and communities
  • The housing crisis
  • Inequality and injustice
  • Repairing Indigenous injustice and relationships
  • Helping communities prevent or persevere through disasters

Planners are part of governments, grassroots movements, local community and neighbourhood groups, health authorities, transit authorities, and so much more of what makes cities, regions, and communities thrive. 

Here's more of a run-down:

Winner of the 2014 'What Is Planning?' Video Contest - by SCARP Master's student Malcolm MacLean

Planning sounds great, but why is UBC SCARP special?

Woman in lush park

In the words of SCARP student Meryem Belkadi:

"SCARP's ethics and values align with mine in terms of social justice, poverty alleviation, and equity advocacy. SCARP professors are known throughout the world for their work and advocacy. Also, as a North African Muslim woman, I was convinced that I would thrive in a place as diverse and inclusive as SCARP."

Some more student projects

SCARP student Rajpreet Sidhu's Emergency Preparedness Collaborative
SCARP student Jennifer Rae Pierce and the Urban Biodiversity Hub
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