Call for participants: Places of Worship as Third Places

Understanding the role of faith-based institutions in the City of Waterloo.

Exploring how faith communities support connection, services, and belonging in our city.

Undergraduate students from the Global Studies Department at Wilfrid Laurier University are conducting research in collaboration with the City of Waterloo. This project is part of the course Social Innovations in the City (GS/SE 364). The team is researching how places of worship function as community "third spaces" and the important roles they play in supporting connection and belonging in Waterloo.

Leaders and staff members from places of worship and faith-based organizations throughout Waterloo Region are invited to share their perspectives. If you are interested, please contact powresearch2026@gmail.com

Participation involves:

• a 45 minute interview

• sharing insights about your organization's role in the community

• discussing opportunities, challenges, and future needs

Purpose:

This study is part of the research project: "Gaining an understanding of the roles and contributions of faith-based institutions and places of worship in Waterloo and the supports they need.

The aim is to learn more about:

• services and programs offered by faith-based organizations

• the contributions places of worship make to their communities

• the opportunities and challenges these organizations experience

The guiding question is: what can or should the City of Waterloo do to ensure places of worship as third spaces are preserved, adapted, or reinvented?