Who we are
The Institute for Community Prosperity is a hub of social innovation, systems-learning and community engagement that bridges the knowledge, wisdom and experience of community with academic learning and scholarly insight. We bring together community, students and faculty from across disciplines, sectors and backgrounds to tackle the complex social and ecological challenges of our time.
What is community prosperity?
Community prosperity is the interconnection of cultural, economic, social and ecological conditions necessary for individuals, organizations and societies to flourish.
Our home at Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, we acknowledge the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Iethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Metis.
What we do
Activate
We activate student learning through co-curricular opportunities that are experiential, engaged with community, and rooted in systems-learning.
Grow
We grow the capacity of changemakers by offering professional development in systems change and social innovation.
Experiment
We experiment with new ideas and approaches through creative collaborations, social labs and pilot initiatives that push boundaries and provoke new ways of thinking and doing.
Convene
We design, convene and facilitate participatory processes for transformative change.
How we work
The complex challenges society is facing are not linear and cannot be solved in isolation, but require mindsets, tools and approaches that allow us to enter into complexity, recognize patterns and dynamics and identify places for transformative change. At the Institute for Community Prosperity, we bring a systems thinking approach to all that we do.
Our place within the university is a place of privilege that comes with both opportunity and responsibility. We are guided by principles of reciprocity and inclusion, working with community as partners and co-creators in building prosperity for all.
The latest
REPORT
Doing Things Differently: StartWork & the Case for Outcomes Procurement
StartWork is an innovative partnership that applies an outcomes procurement approach to support refugees in gaining employment and financial independence. To document what happened and why, we conducted eighteen in-depth interviews with participants and stakeholders from across the partnership. Their voices and experiences are woven throughout this case study.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Student Changemaker Certificate
A cohort-based learning experience for MRU students to engage in and apply systems-thinking approaches to a complex, systemic issue while deepening their capacity to make meaningful change. Applications are open August 1-September 13, 2026.
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SYSTEM ANALYSIS
Map the System Canada System Maps & Analysis
The final analyses and systems maps for the 14 Map the System Canadian finalists are now published. Covering a variety of topics—from diagnostic delays in healthcare to mental health challenges for students to the rising use of AI in post-secondary education—these reports dive deep into the critical social and environmental issues of our time.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Convening in Complexity
Convening in Complexity is a facilitator training program designed to help participants build practical skills in designing, hosting and facilitating impactful conversations that bring people together, inspire collective action, and address increasingly complex issues in community.
STUDENTS - WE'RE HIRING
Environmental Scan Project Assistant
The Project Assistant will support the development and publication of the 2026 Environmental Scan, with a focus on research and community engagement. This role engages with a wide range of contemporary and emerging issues including economics, politics, civil society, climate change and technology.
REPORT
Artist as Changemaker 2025-26 Report
Now in its 7th year and 4th iteration, the program is an initiative to illuminate, elevate, and expand the capacity of socially engaged artists to create pathways to social change.
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REPORT
Ensuring All Children are Reading by Grade 3: Teachers Perspectives on System Change
This research report dives into the urgent and complex issue of childhood literacy, focusing on the systemic changes needed to ensure all children are reading by grade 3.
REPORT
Literacy Lab Final Report
After two years, with 400 participants and 50+ organizational partners, the Early Childhood Literacy Lab has wrapped.
Contact
General inquiries
icp@mtroyal.ca
Trico Changemakers Studio EB 3013
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone
(403) 440-5568
Contact to book a space at the Studio
tricostudio@mtroyal.ca
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