If we can toot our own horn for a second: our Community-led Programs are pretty stinking cool.
Too often, we hear about financial barriers getting in the way of the things that make a community vibrant. Game groups can’t grow because they’re squeezed into someone’s apartment. Dance groups can only practice outdoors in the summer because renting studio space is too expensive. People who want to try something new but decide not to because an $180 class just isn’t in the budget.
We think community-building shouldn’t have to be that expensive.
That’s why we’ve developed our Community-Led Programs. The idea is simple: community members bring the passion, knowledge, and energy, and we provide the space. Our Community-Led Programs are free to attend and free to run. Volunteer program leaders donate their time and expertise, while Fernwood provides accessible program space so that organizers don’t have to worry about covering the cost of rent just to bring their ideas to life.
Building Space for Community
A big part of making these partnerships possible is having dedicated, flexible spaces where community members can gather.
This year, The Nest has become an important part of that picture. Our new Family Programs space has created additional dedicated program space, helping us make room for more community-led activities while continuing to support our own programs. Learn more about the Nest.
Meet the Community Leaders – Dulce of the Mexican Folk Collective
For me, folkloric dance is a way to express who we are. It’s not just dancing; every dance has a meaning, and behind it, there is a community, a history, and a tradition.
Para mí, la danza folklórica es una manera de contar quiénes somos. No es solamente bailar; cada baile tiene un significado y detrás de él hay una comunidad, una historia y una tradición.
That’s what Dulce Marques shared about her connection with dance and why she leads the Mexican Folk Collective. Dulce, originally from Puebla, Mexico, started dancing Mexican Folkloric Dance when she was 7 years old. These days she leads Latin Folk Dance (Tuesdays at 5:45pm in the Nest). 
Latin Folk Dance is one example of what can happen when a passionate community member has the space to share what they love.
The group’s mission is to preserve traditions and share Mexican culture with pride and respect. They have been meeting weekly for just under a year, and in that time have welcomed children and adults to connect to Mexican traditions and culture.
Stories like Dulce’s are exactly why we believe that providing space is about more than having a room available. It’s about creating a foundation where community members can bring their ideas, share their skills, and build something together.
And we’re excited to keep growing that foundation.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet your neighbours, share a skill, or simply spend some time with people who share your interests, there’s a place for you here.
Community doesn’t build itself. It grows when people have the space, support, and opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
If you would like to see Community-Led Programs continue and grow, please consider donating.
Community-Led Programs this fall:
- Latin Folk Dance, Tuesdays 5:45pm in the Nest
- Carporales & Tinkus Dance, Tuesdays 7:30pm in the Nest
- Mending Night, Wednesdays bi-weekly 7:30pm in the Nest
- Queer Boxing, Thursdays 7:30pm in the Gym
- Yoga, Fridays 10am – 11am in the MPR
- Seniors’ Social Drop-in Fridays 12:30pm in the Studio
- Dungeons and Dragons Games Night, Fridays 6pm in the MPR
