Social Justice LabA CREATIVE SPACE for ACTIVISM.
PURPOSE
Now open–an interdisciplinary space for craftivism.
We welcome you to the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab, an interdisciplinary makerspace for KPU students, faculty, and staff who want to materialize calls to action. Outfitted with craftivism equipment, the Lab supports the creation of artifacts that can be brought back to the classroom as supplements to readings, group work, debates, demonstrations, gamifications, and presentations. Lab creations—including letter writing campaigns, petitions, and protest signs—are primed to support social justice advocacy out in the community.
OUR EQUIPMENT
· Tinkerine DittoPro 3D printer (with black and white filaments)
· Beamnova button maker machine (1.5 inch press)
· Placards and supplies for protest signs
· Knitting supplies for knitting circles
· Colour printer
OUR PROJECTS Past Activities
For UNSDG Week, the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab joined forces with KPU’s Climate+ Challenge to host a radical cross-stitching workshop on March 7, 2024. Led by sociologist Rebecca Yoshizawa, the craftivist workshop had participants deconstructing the notion that domestic crafts associated with women aren’t an art form by crafting a subversive “Bless This Unrest <3” bookmark. The workshop’s instructor and participants were simultaneously involved in a photo and video shoot for KDocsFF and KPU to mark UNSDG Week and its activities on campus.
The KDocsFF Social Justice Lab was awash in stickers, multi-coloured pens, washi tape, glitter, and sketch paper through which KPU sociologist Rebecca Yoshizawa inspired participants to materialize their achievements in February 6, 2024’s “play”-shop. Forming a pile in the centre of the Lab, Rebecca’s failed To-Do lists and planners were soon replaced with artful, celebratory examples of “Did-It” collages that reward rather than shame us. “Taking a nap” always belongs on a “Did-It” reflection page, and those tyrannical tick-boxes remained unchecked – though some participants filled them with spirit animals and other stickers not representing productivity.
Gong Hei Fat Choy/Happy Chinese New Year! It was a “hot+noisy” 熱鬧 afternoon of community-building on February 15, 2024, when the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab hosted an introduction to traditional Chinese mahjong that brought together KPU students, staff, and faculty to usher in the Year of the Dragon. The immersive event was led by KDocsFF Social Justice Lab director Greg Chan, who discussed the history, philosophy, and cultural significance of mahjong as the novice players learned how to navigate this ancient game of strategy. No scoring or gambling was involved, although there may have been an exchange of White Rabbit candies and lucky red envelopes.
September 2023 marked the official opening of the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab with Tara Lyons (Criminology) leading KPU’s first Radical Knitting Circle. Along with student co-authors Kayla Garvin, Sarah Schwagele, and Liam Ruel, Tara authored the study on The Experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ KPU Students: Gaps & Recommendations. In the makerspace, she guided participants through the creation of “Pride Pouches” across two sessions: an interweaving of hands-on crafting, dialogue, and activism. The pouches were filled with gift cards and Pride buttons. The radical knitters donated the completed pouches to KPU’s Pride Advocacy Group (PAG).
The KDocsFF Social Justice Lab soft-launched in July 2023 with “Bead the Rainbow,” a craftivism workshop that combined intersectional solidarity with Indigenous artistry. Facilitated by Indigenous Engagement and Subject Liaison Librarian Rachel Chong, the interactive session had participants creating fringe, earrings or pins in support of Vancouver Pride. KPU staff, students, and faculty participated in this inaugural event.
BOOK A SPOT Have a project?
Located in Cedar 3024 on the KPU Surrey campus, the KDocsFF Social Justice Lab is bookable for individuals or groups of up to ten. Introductory workshops will be available prior to bookings, but projects undertaken in the lab are self-directed. Please contact Community Outreach Director Greg Chan using the form below to book an orientation tour of the space.
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How Can You Contribute?
Your involvement as a partner goes beyond mere support — it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of driving social change through film. Join us in this transformative journey.
Why Partner with Us?
Your support fuels our mission, enabling us to bring you thought-provoking documentaries and engage wider communities in meaningful dialogues. Together, we can amplify the impact of social justice narratives.