Volunteer Spotlight: Hana Acorn

Volunteers are vital to the success of our organization, and we are grateful for the hundreds of hours our volunteers dedicate to the work of the Canadian Pride Historical Society. This volunteer spotlight is for Hana Acorn, one of our amazing Research Coordinators. Read more about Hana’s volunteer experience below.  

How did you first learn about the CPHS? 

I took the the Social and Civic Opportunities: Pathways to Equity (SCOPE) program at MOSAIC, the NPO that supports newcomers in Metro Vancouver, since I wanted to learn about Canadian social systems. It all started when I learned through the SCOPE session that CPHS was looking for research coordinators.

How has the CPHS helped you in your professional development? 

I was a non-fiction writer in my country of origin and had written a few books on LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy. However, it is a very developing country when it comes to human rights despite my native land being an economic powerhouse. That country is also more than 20 years behind Canada when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Therefore, I realized that the knowledge I had was completely inadequate after I came to Canada and that I needed to learn more here. I am able to learn more deeply about Canadian Pride History by being involved in CPHS research work. 

What do you find the most challenging at the CPHS? 

I’ve only been in Canada for two and a half years, so I have very little idea where the municipalities I’m researching are or what kind of cities and towns they are. Thus, I always have to look at maps and something like Wikipedia to get information about the municipalities. 

What do you like the most about the CPHS? 

All work is done online, so being able to volunteer from home is convenient and connect with peers across Canada from the comfort of my own home.

What has been your favourite project at the CPHS? 

I also had some careers related to education, so it is attractive that there are abundant educational resources. I hope to translate these materials into my first language someday. 

 What are 3 words to describe the CPHS? 

Challenge, Discover, Expand