Notice Board

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA) presents a session discussing the breakthrough Chess for Life program led by University of Lethbridge professor Dr. Lance Grigg.

Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge — How might chess help those involved in the criminal justice system?

Friday afternoons in a southern Alberta classroom, youth may be learning how to keep their troubles in check. Leaning over chess boards at the ULethbridge, teens and young adults who are at-risk or have been convicted of various crimes are taught to think, think again, then think some more as they move their pawns, kings, queens and rooks across 64 black and white spaces. The founder of Chess for Life says the program helps them learn how to accomplish short-term goals, like completing community service hours, following a curfew and staying out of trouble.

In 2018, Alberta Justice approved a request to make Chess for Life an official referral program for probation officers to recommend for young offenders sentenced to community service. Since then, participants have gone on to secure full-time jobs, enrol in post-secondary education and rekindle broken relationships. The speakers will recount how that came about and argue there is a lot of opportunity to think about chess in ways that go beyond the board itself and expanding the program to correctional facilities across Alberta has been beneficial.

Presenters in order of appearance:

Dr. Lance Grigg: introduction and brief history of Chess for Life at University of Lethbridge, Joel Fortier (senior undergraduate student at U of L): Overview of Chess for Life sessions on campus and the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, Jade Oldfield (doctoral student in Neuroscience):current research project on the impact of Chess for Life on executive functions, program expansion opportunities across Alberta.

Date/Time: Thursday, April 3. The session begins at noon and concludes at 1 p.m.

Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.

Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 -11 Street S, Lethbridge

Lunch and Refreshments: Please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food options. The Atrium Dining Room is available by 11:15 a.m.

To learn more about the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs, visit the SACPA web page.