Nourish + Flourish
A space to be, explore and evolve in community
Nourish + Flourish (N+F) is a student leadership program that builds community-based leadership through discussion, reflection, and shared learning. When you attend N+F, you join a diverse community of thoughtful and socially engaged students.
Our program philosophy is that everyone has leadership capacity within them, but that leadership can be demonstrated in different ways depending on a person’s identities, upbringing, culture, etc. A key objective of the program is to affirm students’ unique skills as leaders or expand their beliefs about what leadership could be. Attitudes and beliefs are often learned through traditional models that try to create a homogenous group, promote individualism, and favours folks who hold privileged identities. The program seeks to be intersectional and relational, shaped by where we come from and how we show up in community.
Through a series of dinner discussions, Nourish + Flourish creates space for participants to reflect and develop the following competencies:
Personal awareness and responsibility
- Reflect on their identities, values, experiences, and motivations to deepen their self-awareness and personal responsibility;
- Recognize their knowledge as a source of leadership and their capacity to practice leadership in a way that is authentic to themselves.
Social awareness鈥痑nd critical thinking
- Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and respectful communication when engaging with diverse perspectives and experiences;
- Critically analyze complex topics related to student life and consider multiple perspectives through dialogue and community-based learning;
- Apply learning from Nourish + Flourish to broader personal, academic, and community contexts to foster a sense of belonging and build their confidence in contributing to a culture of care.
Dinner programs
Events are free and open to all students. You don't have to bring anything but yourself and a willingness to be open and connect with others. All lived experiences are welcome.
These events are conversation-based, requiring a level of connection and vulnerability that we hope to cultivate from the beginning of each evening. To ensure that you and your table have the best experience, we ask you to let us know if you cannot attend the event in its entirety. We will prioritize attendance for people who can participate fully.
The event ends at 7:30 p.m., but there is an option to stay until 8 p.m. for tea and further discussion.
Upcoming Nourish+Flourish dinners
Each dinner program has a unique theme centred around the self in relationship to the world around us to foster connection, ideas, and empowerment. All dinner programs are located in the Halpern Centre for Graduate Students.
Relationship to DECISION-MAKING
November 2, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Topics discussed: self-trust, decision paralysis, values, priorities, risk, agency, power and privilege
Relationship to LANGUAGE
November 16, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Topics discussed: personal roots, group ties, shared values, worldview
End of Term Celebration
November 30, 2026, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- No registration needed
Previous events
- Relationship to SELF
- Topics discussed: Influences, self-expression, belonging, feeling seen, self-compassion, collective compassion
- Catered by
- Relationship to LAND, WATER, AND AIR
- Topics discussed: The natural world, co-existence, appreciation, ancestral rituals and practices, environmental impacts, settler colonialism
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- Relationship to TECHNOLOGY
- Topics discussed: Impact on self, community, culture, and environment, artificial intelligence
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- Relationship to SELF (Redux)
- Topics discussed: Belonging, imposter syndrome, gifts, personal stories
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- Relationship to COMMUNITY
- Topics discussed: Accountability, community building, safer spaces, learning from others
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- Relationship to PRODUCTIVITY AND REST
- Topics discussed: Shame, capitalism, student life, recovery, stress, expectations
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- Relationship to LIFE TRANSITIONS
- Topics discussed: Adulthood, responsibilities, identity exploration, instability, possibility, expectations
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- Relationship to ACADEMIA
- Topics discussed: Pursuit of research and education, exploration, inclusion, institutions, ethics, learning outside the classroom
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- Relationship to CREATIVITY AND ART
- Topics discussed: Expression, historical context, power and authority, beauty standards, making meaning
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- Relationship to OTHERS
- Topics discussed: Healthy relationships, break-ups, hook-up culture, familial and romantic relationships, friendships, supervisors/professor relationships
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- Relationship to FOOD and CULTURE
- Topics discussed: Family recipes, traditional food, social experiences, food security
- Catered by: Degrees Catering
- Relationship to EMBODIMENT
- Topics discussed: Senses, sensory experiences, mind-body connection, awareness
- Catered by: Degrees Catering
- Relationship to LEADERSHIP
- Topics discussed: role models, personal values, relationship building, leadership approaches
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- Dessert by: Wah Lai Yuen Bakery + Restaurant
- Relationship to OCCUPATION
- Topics discussed: career uncertainty, success, values and goals, influences, societal expectations
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- Relationship to SELF-COMPASSION
- Topics discussed:self-acceptance, validation, common humanity, mindfulness, self-kindness.
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- Relationship to GRATITUDE
- Topics discussed:appreciation, daily practice, personal wellbeing, values.
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- Relationship to BEING ALONE
- Relationship to MUSIC
- Topics discussed: Melodies and lyrics, soundtracks, hobbies and musical skills, mood and feelings, historical storytelling
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- Relationship to NOURISHMENT
- Topics discussed: social experiences, food and wellbeing, comfort, family influence, cooking skills
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- Relationship to MOTIVATION
- Topics discussed: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, drive, inspiration, reason, determination
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- Relationship to PERSONAL VALUES
- Topics discussed: formation and expression of core values
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- Relationship to STYLE
- Topics discussed: fashion, aesthetics, design, social signaling, identity, values expression
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- Relationship to CONFLICT
- Topics discussed: boundaries, communication, mediation, tolerance, negotiation
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- Dessert by Wah Lai Yuen Bakery + Restaurant
- Relationship to INTENTIONALITY
- Topics discussed: Goal setting, reflection, self-compassion, intent versus impact
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- Relationship to HEALING
- Topics discussed: Community support, harm reduction, recovery, self-trust
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- Relationship to CONNECTION
- Topics discussed: Community, in-person and online connections
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- Relationship to Artificial Intelligence
- Topics discussed: uses, ethics, academic integrity, safety, environmental impacts
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- Relationship to GATHERING
- Topics discussed: creating space, having purpose, building connection
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Topic Suggestions
We would love to hear your input on topics and questions you are interested in discussing during this semester's Nourish + Flourish dinners. Feel free to suggest broad or specific ideas related to any or all dinner themes.
Coffee Catch-Ups
Coffee Catch-ups are weekly gathering for drinks, snacks, and great conversation with Student Leadership Facilitators and the N + F team. It's a relaxed, come-and-go space so join us whenever you're free!
Upcoming Coffee Catch-Up dates
Join us in the Student Life Hub (in the Jamie Cassels Centre) every Wednesday from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m.
- October 28
- November 4
- November 18
- November 25
- December 2
There is no event on November 11 as the university is closed for Remembrance Day.
Contact
Sign up to get emailed about Nourish + Flourish event updates, including registration opening and coffee catch ups.
For registration questions, please email the team at nourishflourish@uvic.ca. For any other questions or further information, please email our Student Leadership Coordinator at taharris@uvic.ca.