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Student holding a sign that says "SOC supports growth by building a community!"

Join Student Open Circle in Growing Stronger Together by supporting our crowdfunding campaign. Help us raise $10,000 to support students spiritually, in their personal and leadership growth, and in service ...

LAF7LR

Student Open Circles is responding to overwhelming needs during this difficult time in our world and local communities. Homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health challenges continue to rise in Hamilton ...

Conway2LR
Above: Volunteers playing Trivial Pursuit with residents at the Conway Opportunity Homes. Below: volunteers making a snack for children at the Learning And Fun afterschool club.

I cannot ...

A group of volunteers sits at a table with computer equipment

One recent immigrant high school student attended another virtual homework club during the COVID lock-down. When that went back to in-person, they could no longer attend because of work schedule ...

EndOfTerm
Above: an end of term event combining a downtown outing, community-building, games, and reflection activities about how we've learned and grown through our experiences.

I have always believed that ...

A group of students engaging in a writing activity at tables

Multiple weekly groups at each program!

Conversation Corners (Compass Community Health)

Assisting with reading, writing, speaking, listening, and providing translation at a literacy program for newcomer populations and English language ...

A student reading with a child at an afterschool program

Give a gift that changes lives. Our unique charity gifts are perfect as a special gift for loved ones. Ideal for ‘someone who has everything,’ those hard-to-buy-for friends and loved ones ...

A group of people planting trees

Since our beginning in 2001, kindness, love, and respect for diversity have guided Student Open Circles. In our world today, this is more urgent than ever; to let love feed ...

SharedStoriesEvent
Julia (2nd from left)

By Julia Gallant, student

To love and accept yourself is a powerful thing. For a long time, it seemed like an unattainable goal. A fantasy ...

Amanda

By Amanda Backal, student

“I have found that whenever someone describes Open Circle, they almost always comment on the beautifully welcoming and inviting atmosphere. As we navigate university life ...

HasimAlani
Hashim (middle back) with his weekly volunteers at the Pathways to Education program

By Hashim Alani, student

Throughout my undergrad years, the experiences I’ve had with Student Open Circles ...

A group of children and mentors smiling and laughing

New first year students have been looking us up and getting involved this summer before they even start at McMaster! In this letter, Julia, Divya, and Rose vividly describe the ...