Student leaders gathered on January 28 for a leadership workshop focused on strengthening their advocacy skills and understanding how to create change in BC’s post-secondary education system. The workshop, hosted by the Northern British Columbia Graduate Students’ Society (NBCGSS), was led by Cole Reinbold, Secretary-Treasurer of the British Columbia Federation of Students (BCFS).
BCFS represents over 170,000 students across BC through 14 local student unions. The organization plays a crucial role in advocating for student interests, as the provincial government controls key aspects of post-secondary education including funding, tuition regulation, and financial aid.
During the workshop, Reinbold highlighted several ongoing BCFS campaigns:
- The Rise Up campaign pushes for increased institutional funding, tuition freezes, and expanded financial aid
- Open Textbooks Now! advocates for free educational resources to reduce textbook costs
- Get Out the Vote works to boost student participation in elections
Beyond advocacy, participants learned about BCFS services that directly benefit students, including discount programs, health and dental insurance, and the Ready Education mobile app. The workshop also provided a valuable opportunity for student leaders to network and discuss common challenges faced across BC campuses.
Attendees also learned about the upcoming Skills Development Symposium, an annual BCFS training event that helps student representatives enhance their leadership abilities.
