ALMUSTAFA

I am interested in BUILD a program because I have studied political science and I was an activist in my home country. I worked back home, advocating for democracy and social change, but I have never lived in a democratic state. As a newcomer to Canada, everything seems new to me. This program will help me increase my knowledge about the Canadian political system, how the government works, and understand how advocacy work differs in a democratic state. I believe the program will not only enhance my knowledge but also develop my soft skills, providing me with a strong foundation to engage more effectively within the Canadian context.

ALMUSTAFA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE RIGHTS:

- Sought to reform Canadian Council of Refugees’ (CCR) youth core team network to have greater involvement on policy advocacy efforts

- Contributed to Amnesty International’s campaign to end the existing immigrant detention program by researching alternatives, writing policy makers, and organizing events to inform the public on more humane solutions

- Remaining active with CCR’s youth network, and collaborating with local diasporic community groups advocating to remove restrictive financial barriers on refugee family reunification programs

CAMERON

I am interested to learn and experience how young people can catalyze radical change in our current systems. I am passionate about centring youth voices, and specifically BIPOC youth voices, within political spaces and policy and I hope that BUILD will be an opportunity to strategize how to better achieve this. I also hope to learn about how I can translate my experience with grassroots advocacy and work with non-profits into the political sphere and influence policy while continuing to centre community-led solutions, restorative justice, and climate action in all my work.

CAMERON’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON CLIMATE ACTION & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY:

- Joined a canvassing drive at community events across Winnipeg, and connected with stakeholder groups to promote the need for climate action in the lead up to the Manitoba provincial election

- Supported Consider Climate MB with to make climate a top priority with the newly elected provincial govt. and to ensure environmental impact is part of decision making considerations

- Creating accessible workshops and training opportunities for Manitobans to engage with climate action provincially and educating policymakers about climate concerns in Manitoba

SHAHRIAR

My interest in the BUILD program stems from my belief that young adults have a vital role to play in politics, beyond casting their ballots. We face urgent challenges such as climate change, human rights, and systemic racism, which impact us more than older generations. I want to participate more actively in the political arena, to learn how to lead and govern effectively, and to advocate for the underrepresented voices of our youth.

SHAHRIAR’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ORGANIZED LABOUR & AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

- Participated on various committees of a CUPE local representing 1400 workers to address workplace conditions and safety issues.

- Campaigned for a Job Steward role within the union to organize colleagues around workplace demands and contract enforcement

- Plugging into a local tenant union group to attend their tenants’ rights workshop series and learn how to contribute to their ongoing issue-based campaigns

ANNA

As much as I feel this responsibility and urge to act, I feel paralyzed by the uncertainty of not knowing where to begin. I am interested in the BUILD program because I hope it will help me to see past my own insecurities to the bigger picture. I hope that it will give me the tools to find the confidence to pursue a politically active life.

ANNA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MUNICIPAL & ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

- Sought out and attended events that focused on the positive role municipalities can play in navigating the climate crisis to connect with stakeholders and local officials

- Contributed to Climate Reality’s citizen-led research project on evaluating municipal climate action plans across BC and Canada  

- Joining the Women Transforming Cities membership program to continue learning about changemaking skills in a municipal setting around various community organizing and issue based topics

URIM

I was enthusiastic about participating in the BUILD program as it offers a valuable opportunity to develop skills essential for engaging meaningfully with both local, provincial and federal government officials, focusing on the critical issues of housing affordability and access. My inspiration is deeply rooted in a commitment to address challenges that profoundly impact our communities. Having dedicated my time to volunteering with diverse organizations in the past, I believe social challenges demand a more institutional approach for lasting change.

URIM’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON A YOUTH CLIMATE CORPS & AFFORDABLE HOUSING:

- Attended chapter meetings and became a member of ACORN and supported turnout for a city council budget consultation on affordable housing priorities

- Canvassing with the Climate Emergency Unit and delegated the federal youth Minister to establish a Youth Climate Corps to create meaningful green jobs to support a Just Transition 

- Organizing with new campaign Communities for a Climate Corps through their Community Action and Direct Action & Institutions and Lobbying working groups

DAKOTA

Hailing from a small, rural town, I have often been the youngest person in decision-making spaces and have felt isolated and unsure of how to navigate the change-making process alone. I had wished I had someone else who understands the critical nature of the climate crisis, or how intersectionality impacts political and social movements because I wholeheartedly believe that there is strength in understanding and numbers. Through participation in the BUILD Program, I hope to find that community and solidarity with other young people who advocate for change in their own ways.

DAKOTA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MUNICIPAL POLITICS & CLIMATE ACTION:

- Attended a budget workshop hosted by a coalition of community groups to better understand how to influence change on issues by participating with the municipal budget process

- Closely followed city council budget cuts and engaged with groups advocating to reverse spending cutbacks to invest in public transportation infrastructure and services

- Starting to work with ACORN as a community organizer to mobilize around affordability issues like grocery food prices, fair banking practices, and tenant housing rights while growing the local chapter’s base of support

IMANDRA

WHY RISE?

To learn more about the community I live in and identify the masses who are in need of help and encouragement to overcome barriers preventing their development to be the best version of themselves.

BUILD PROGRAM BIO

As a woman of colour, a new immigrant and a youth I feel that my thoughts, opinions and experiences should matter now more than ever, which is why I would love to join the Build program for the 2023 fall cohort through which I can build my skill set to advocate for change, where needed.

IMANDRA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON FOOD SECURITY & AFFORDABILITY:

- Mapped nonprofits and advocacy groups in the region who are focused on food security and connected with a community organizer in the field

- Joined a local group More Neighbours Toronto (MNTO) that focuses on affordability issues at a municipal level and participated in a community consultation with the city on the annual budget

- Continuing to get more involved with housing and public transportation issues locally by engaging with groups who are focused on reducing financial barriers to shelter and mobility needs of Torontonians 

DUKE

Despite our active involvement in social and political movements, we are often excluded from the decision-making tables where our future is being shaped.

BUILD offers a unique opportunity to bridge this gap by providing the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to advocate for meaningful change within Canada's political institutions. I am particularly drawn to the program's focus on demystifying politics and breaking down barriers to access. This aligns with my belief that informed and engaged youth can be powerful agents of change.

DUKE’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS:

- Took part in events with Housing Month in Alberta and calls to action for National Housing Day 

- Met with then joined a housing advocacy group to support their communication strategy to advance people focused housing policies at the municipal and provincial level

- Getting more active with the Edmonton Coalition on Housing & Homelessness’ (ECOHH) Policy and Communication committee and working to share stakeholder recommendations with city council around extreme weather sheltering

ASIMWE

By immersing myself in this program, I am eager to gain a comprehensive understanding of Canada's democratic system's intricacies and dynamics, thus equipping myself to engage more effectively and meaningfully with the mechanisms that shape our nation. I am wholeheartedly committed to embracing the BUILD Program as a transformative opportunity to further refine my advocacy skills and amplify my efforts in creating a positive and enduring impact on society.

ASIMWE’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON PROVINCIAL POLITICS & HOUSING:

- Attended an Edmonton Housing Coalition event to learn about the local and global connections underpinning the housing crisis and how to get involved with community solutions 

- Participated in a provincial Electoral District Association AGM and various town hall events to meet with representatives and hear about their priorities around housing and healthcare

- Connecting with ACCEC (African Canadian Civic Engagement Council) for the interagency stakeholder Black History town hall event focusing on the Edmonton Housing crisis to share perspectives from the front lines

SHUN

I am interested in the BUILD program because I want to understand how people organize themselves in Canada. As an engaged newcomer, I would like to learn about the differences in democracy here compared to where I come from. Since BUILD is a nationwide program, I am eager to explore various issues and meet friends from different parts of Canada.

SHUN’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MUNICIPAL ISSUES AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

- Supported a candidate in a city council by-election through door-to-door canvassing to connect with potential voters about municipal issues

- Organized with TTC Riders, a union for public transit riders, to expand investment into the system through phone banking and attending various meetings & events

- Beginning to work from an MPP constituency office who is focused on local issues like tenant housing and access to primary healthcare for diasporic communities

DAYNA

I think one of the biggest hurdles to being engaged in social issues broadly is the ability to understand our system, which I've seen in both my personal and professional experiences. I would like to join the build program to gain a deeper understanding of our institutions so that I can share that knowledge and ideally engage directly with politics in the future. 

DAYNA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON WOMEN, CLIMATE & MUNICIPAL ISSUES:

- Applied to join the social change committee of a local women’s centre that’s in the planning stages of launching an advocacy push in the new year

- Attended a public information session on the newly adopted housing strategy by city council to connect with stakeholders and focus on accountability

- Participating in an onboarding process with a municipal climate hub network to link up with their grassroots climate action campaigns

COLLIN

I have a strong academic background in politics but I lack the applicable skills needed to make a difference on a larger scale. I want to supplement my theoretical background with various hard and soft skills to foster change. I also believe this program will be a great opportunity to network with people working within the political realm as well as like-minded youth.

COLLIN’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ORGANIZED LABOUR & CONTRACT BARGAINING:

- Got involved with a bargaining campaign at work by joining an outreach committee and started attending membership meetings

- Attended contract negotiation sessions and took part in bargaining debriefs to evaluate members’ workplace priorities and mobilized support for a strike vote

- Joining the bargaining team to gain formal experience with organized labour and begin developing a stronger connection between bargaining mobilization with rank and file participation