Claire Adams

She holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature and Political Science from the University of Glasgow, and is currently working towards her Master of Urban Studies at Simon Fraser University. Claire enjoys learning about new research and engagement methods, and is particularly experienced in using qualitative research methods. At the Centre, Claire supports the Office of Knowledge and Practice in building capacity and creating systemic change in the fields of dialogue and participatory democracy. Her previous professional experience was in communications, and she has more than eight years of public sector experience to draw from. She is an immigrant settler from Scotland grateful to be living on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her bike around the city, reading about urban planning, and spending time with her partner and her daughter.

What is your role at the Centre for Dialogue?

As part of the Office of Knowledge and Practice, I support Centre for Dialogue initiatives with in a variety of ways including process design, initial research, data analysis, facilitation and reporting and evaluation. I also help to build internal capacity through developing and supporting internal training and opportunities for knowledge exchange, such as our monthly Dialogue Stories sessions.

What does dialogue mean to you?

Dialogue is a relational activity that enables important conversations to happen. Dialogue is not debate, and does not have a winner or loser. Dialogue can be tender, vulnerable, and challenging – but is worthwhile.

What is a common assumption you'd like to de-mistify?

That quantitative data, e.g. “the numbers don’t lie”, inherently holds more meaning or value than qualitative data. Both are important, and hold different meanings and tell different stories.