kNOw Poverty: The Poverty Studies Summer Institute
The Poverty Studies Summer Institute is a unique study opportunity that brings together practitioners, students and community members into an intimate learning community to explore the causes and impacts of poverty and best practices in how to reduce and end it. The program consists of a variety of workshops and courses that provide both the knowledge and skill base to work effectively in the practice of poverty reduction. Courses may be eligible for credit for Ambrose University degree programs.
Summer Institute 2026 - creating hope together
Hope is the greatest resource. Hope can strengthen us to endure almost anything, while the lack of hope is the greatest poverty of all. Join us for the 2026 Summer Institute as we explore ways to create hope in various dimensions of our community life.
The 2026 Summer Institute offers a variety of workshops and academic courses throughout the month of May. Residence accommodation is available if required. To receive updates about the Summer Institute please email us at povertyinstitute@ambrose.edu.
Registration coming soon.
WORKSHOPS
Poverty 101
This workshop will provide an overview of the origins and understanding of poverty in western society from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. This will include a review of the sources of vulnerability that contribute to poverty and the psycho-social impacts of poverty on vulnerable populations and the broader society. Basic policy and practice approaches to poverty prevention and reduction will be introduced.
May 4th - 1:00 – 4:15
Facilitator: Derek Cook, Ambrose University
Cost: In Person - $50.00 (early bird); $70 (regular); $35 (online)
The ART of Hope
Based on the book The ART of Hope: Healing the Wounded City, this half-day workshop will explore an alternative approach to understanding and addressing poverty. In contrast to the experience of scarcity, vulnerability and fear that characterizes poverty, the principles of Abundance, Resilience and Trust (ART) will be presented as a path toward human flourishing.
May 5th 9:00 – 12:00
Facilitator: Derek Cook, Ambrose University
Cost: In Person - $65.00 (early bird); $85 (regular); $45 (online)
Hope for Our Community: Building Social Belonging
Details coming soon.
May 6th 9:00 – 4:00
Cost: In Person - $90.00 (early bird); $140 (regular); $60 (online)
Hope for Our Neighbourhoods: Affordable Living = Housing + Transportation + Food
City policy and planning typically siloes housing policy and transportation policy and has very little to do with Food policy. But when it comes to budgeting for the average household, and more so for those on limited incomes, these three largest household expenditures are intimately connected. Using a policy and budget simulation, this interactive workshop will engage participants in exploration of how transportation policy can make life more affordable, housing more accessible and make sure there is food on the table.
May 7th 9:00 – 12:00
Facilitator: Noel Keough, University of Calgary
Cost: In Person - $50.00 (early bird); $70 (regular); $35 (online)
Hope for Our Economy: Social Enterprise as a Model for Community and Organizational Sustainability
Details coming soon.
May 8th 9:00 – 4:00
Facilitator: Robin Wisener, Employment and Social Development Canada
Cost: In Person - $90.00 (early bird); $140 (regular); $60 (online)
Hope for Our Environment: Building Inclusive Resilience
This workshop will focus on the impacts of climate change on vulnerable households and communities and explore strategies for improving their resilience. Participants will explore issues related to energy poverty, risk mitigation and insurance against climate related disasters and weather events.
May 12th 9:00 – 12:00
Facilitators: Brittany Tran and Morgan Rice, City of Calgary
Cost: In Person - $50.00 (early bird); $70 (regular); $35 (online)
Hope for Reconciliation: Debwewin “My Truth” Indigenous Cultural Competency and Safety Training
Warren Lewis shares his lived experience of growing up on a First Nations reserve and his knowledge of the relationship between Canada and First Nations Peoples. Participants will learn to connect the dots between the numerous injustices endured throughout the years and the current state of First Nations Peoples. Participants will learn how intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and the various types of poverty all contribute to the social determinants of health for First Nations Peoples. The 10 ways forward will suggest some practical ways that government and businesses can give First Nations Peoples a hand up in creating a better situation for the peoples and their communities. This will be a participatory workshop where participants will be asked to provide their thoughts on the various topic areas throughout.
May 13th 9:00 – 4:00
Facilitator: Warren Lewis, Indigenous Training Collective
Cost: In Person - $90.00 (early bird); $140 (regular); $60 (online)
Academic Courses
Academic courses can be taken for university credit or for personal interest (audit). If you are interested in joining one of our academic courses, please contact enrolment@ambrose.edu for more information.
BHS350 – Poverty in Western Society
This course will provide an overview of the origins and understanding of poverty in western society from both a theoretical and theological standpoint. This will include a review of the sources of vulnerability that contribute to poverty and the psycho-social impacts of poverty on vulnerable populations and the broader society. Strategic approaches to poverty reduction will be explored along with the respective roles of the church, state and civil society in preventing, alleviating and reducing poverty.
May 4th – 15th 9:00 – 4:15
Instructor: Derek Cook, Ambrose University
Cost: In Person - $755 (audit fee)
For More Information Contact: PovertyInstitute@ambrose.edu
The Canadian Poverty Institute gratefully acknowledges the Tamarack Institute for their generous support of the 2026 Summer Institute program.