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⭐January Newsletter 2025⭐ |
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Dear Friends of Solid State,
A belated Happy New Year to everyone in our extended community! In this newsletter, you’ll see how Solid State cohorts and staff have started the year with major events, networking trips, and important research that builds into our vision of starting a solidarity economy in Surrey. |
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STEM House Launches with an Engineering Workshop for Surrey Youth |
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STEM House is one of Solid State’s new cohorts from the September 2024 intake. Lead by Arshia Uppal, Gaurab Acharya, and Jappun Dhillon, STEM House’s mission is to fill a critical need for accessible, high-quality education in technology and engineering for marginalized and racialized youth in Surrey.
On Saturday, February 9th from 10AM-4PM, they’ll be hosting their first workshop where participants (ages 12-16) will create mini computer-powered race cars, learning valuable skills in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Lunch and snacks will be provided and there is a $30 entry fee. If their Future F1 Engineers Workshop sounds like a great opportunity for youth in your network, please spread the word and the registration link below. |
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“Meet the Cleaners Taking Control of Their Work” |
| The Cleaning Co-op (TCC) was featured in the Tyee! Paulina Cruz, Lulu Hernández and Hayley Postlethwaite told the story and inspiration behind their work to Tyee reporter Isaac Phan Nay. Click to read the article below! |
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GenConnect Presents Threads of Time: Bridging Generations Through Culture |
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On January 10, 2025, the North Delta Arts Theater was filled with energy, culture, and connection as Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey Through Generations brought together youth and seniors to celebrate the evolution of Punjabi culture. This event, led by Manpreet Dhesi (Director of Internal & Public Affairs) and Simranjit Gill (Director of Senior Engagement), aimed to foster understanding and unity through art, performance, and conversation. |
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“This showcase wasn’t just about presenting culture—it was about learning, growing, and connecting with our community. We had so much to learn from each other, and the event truly reflected the power of coming together across generations…
As we look forward to future events, we are excited to expand Threads of Time district-wide and continue fostering these vital connections. We would love to have more support as we bring more communities together and continue celebrating the richness of our culture. “ - Manpreet Dhesi and Simranjit Gill |
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Let Her Talk’s Events for Racialized Femme Continue to Build Community in Surrey |
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 | The Let Her Talk team ended 2024 with their 3rd annual Holiday Karaoke Party! Everyone spent time together decorating cookies, having conversations and singing their favourite songs, all while being cozied up in their festive pjs!
The team is excited to host their 2nd Vision Boarding workshop on January 29th. Follow them on instagram @ lethertalk.ca to stay up to date with future events. February will bring a Sound Bath and their annual Galentine’s Dinner. |
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Save the Date for REVERIE’s Community Pop-up |
| On Sunday, February 2nd, REVERIE will be hosting their first community pop-up. Stop by The Black Arts Centre for an opportunity to buy limited edition screen printed shirts with custom numbers, refreshments, local thrift vendors and more!
REVERIE is an experimental fashion design co-op with a focus on local and sustainable production based in Surrey, BC.
Sunday, February 2, 2025 4:00PM Black Arts Centre #104-10305 City Pkwy Surrey, BC |
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What’s New at Solid State? |
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Solid State staff returned from our annual headquarters closure which occurs every year for the last two weeks of December. Everyone’s excited to be back at HQ eating beloved SSCI meals prepared by our cooking team. Pictured here is Solid State staff and members of Chicken Coop (a new gaming development co-op) enjoying an Afghani style pasta prepared by long time chef and Solid State Auntie, Suraya Hakimi. |
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Solid State’s Community Resources Manager Represents at Cannexus25 Conference |
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Shivneel (Shivy) Reddy works at Solid State to support individuals by collecting wellness resources and working one-on-one with members to solve problems. He studies counselling and is an active member of several Solid State cohorts including The South Asian Healing Network and Surrey Rainbow Project. This month, he’s on route to CERIC’s Cannexus25, Canada’s bilingual Career Development Conference.
”Cannexus brings together those across the career and workforce development ecosystem to explore research, policy and practice. The conference will examine the impact of career development on education, the economy and social justice.”
We’re excited to see what connections and resources Shivy will bring back to our Surrey HQ and know he has so much of his own knowledge to share at the conference! |
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News from the Solid State Affordable Housing Society |
| Solid State’s Affordable Housing Society continues to make progress in researching more stable housing solutions not only for our main office but for our community. With strategic funding opportunities and collaborations taking shape, the team is making strides toward creating inclusive and accessible housing. Solid State Affordable Housing Society is now officially incorporated and has started working with Purppl, an organization that works with non-profits to build capacity as they grow.
At the same time, the research team is refining an extensive housing report to ensure it provides compelling evidence for funding requests and municipal approvals. These advancements align with our vision of creating sustainable, community-focused housing solutions. An upcoming strategy session will focus on housing options explored in recent months, refining work plans, and adapting to an evolving funding landscape. |
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Mario Cimet to Speak at CO-OP Connect 2025 hosted by BC CO-OP Association |
| Register for this keynote by Solid State Co-op Developer and Social Finance Lead, Mario Cimet. This event is hosted by our friends at BC CO-OP Association.
February 13, 2025 12:00PM
Virtual Event |
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"Surrey-veillance": Surveying South Asian Youth Perspectives on Community Services & Surveillance in Surrey, BC |
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South Asian Healing Network collaboratively designed this survey with Masters students in the Child, Youth, Family & Community Studies program at the University of Victoria and supervising faculty.
The survey is meant to provide insight on the involvement of community organizations in South Asian youth lives, and the perspectives of South Asian youth on enforcement, surveillance, and stereotypes in Surrey.
This survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete and each respondent who completes the survey will receive a gift card.
If you are a South Asian Youth (ages 15-29) living in Surrey, please click the link!
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Improving Healthcare for Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) Communities: Afiya’s Survey |
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Are you a Black, African, or Caribbean resident in the Lower Mainland?
Afiya want to hear from you! Join their study on healthcare delivery for the BAC community and share your experiences.
Click the Survey button or fill out this form to be contacted about participating in a 1 on 1 interview or focus group.
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