WOL

I aim to further enhance my abilities through the Build program, with a specific focus on channeling my passion for policy and deep understanding of its intricacies into meaningful and practical actions that will bring about positive change in my community, province, and country.

WOL’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING & CLIMATE ACTION:

- Became a member of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) Coalition to support the revamp of their online communication, and attended their ongoing meetings and events

- Contributed to the Alberta Youth Climate Corps (YCC) campaign by participating in training sessions about meeting with Federal MPs and other outreach activities

- Making progress with ECOHH and YCC to grow their capacity to raise awareness about their respective issues and persuade decision-makers to meaningfully take action 

AINGELI

I am deeply interested in the BUILD program because it offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced civic knowledge, skills, and networks that are crucial for effective advocacy and engagement in the democratic process. Through this program, I hope to develop the expertise and confidence to advocate for change and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

AINGELI’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ENVIRONMENT & CLIMATE ACTION:

- Mapped the local political landscape to identify meaningful opportunities and efforts to increase resilience in our communities facing the challenges of climate change  

- Connected with a new local chapter of the Youth Climate Corps. (YCC) which is seeking to establish well-paying green jobs for youth that will enable the Just Transition we need

- Planning to stay involved with the YCC and help grow the local chapter to advance the nationwide-wide campaign

LEILAH

I'm interested in the BUILD program because I want the opportunity to help my community. I want to make a difference and get involved. The world and society today is in a state of disaster and if I can make a difference in any way, I will.

LEILAH’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING AND LOCAL POLITICS :

- Researched the political landscape to explore how local groups are trying to address housing affordability and participated in a local action bringing attention to the concerns with short-term rental platforms

- Developed a petition with local political leaders in support of access equal education for Indigenous students and organized with other student leaders to support its endorsement.

- Working to create the campus community links project that aims to create a network of student volunteers for local organizations

AIDEN

I want to make a difference in my community. We need to listen to people, understand their needs and work towards helping everyone. Change the way we view others and work to grow as a society. 

AIDEN’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON STIGMATIZATION & THE ENVIRONMENT:

- Researched and learned about ongoing efforts to address mental health, disability, and education reform issues to destigmatize harmful misconceptions about people’s lived experiences 

- Met with a climate justice organizer to learn more about an ongoing federal campaign and joined their digital organizing space to stay updated 

- Joining a local environmental conservancy group that aims to bring marginalized communities together to build a network that can advocate for the environment while educating participants about climate-friendly policies

MADI

I would love to learn how to channel my passion into effective forward movement. I have been seeking the right mentorship for a while now, as I know I could make positive change with the correct guidance and support. I would really like to learn how to take my volunteering experience to the next level. I have experienced significant marginalization throughout my life, and so have most (if not all) of my family & friends, so being involved in positive change for both my smaller and my larger communities are of utmost importance to me.

MADI’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & ENVIRO-ECONOMIC STEWARDSHIP:

- Attended multi-day training conferences about organizing campaigns and joined with their local constituency association to plug into ongoing canvassing drives to understand what issues people are facing in the community.

- Took part in multiple outreach and mobilization initiatives after connecting with Leadnow.ca, Dogwood BC , BC Disability Without Poverty and their campaign to address housing insecurity and climate justice.

- Getting more integrated and taking on more leadership roles with the campaigns around poverty and climate action and aiming to develop policy and research articles to support their advocacy efforts

NYA

I am interested in the BUILD program because it aligns with my passion for empowering young people to create positive change in their communities. My lack of political knowledge and jargon often distanced me from political conversations that had a direct impact on my life. I believe that by equipping young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to advocate effectively for change, we can build a more inclusive and just society. 

NYA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED POVERTY AND AFFORDABILITY:

- Explored the local stakeholder environment to understand how everyday people can get involved to tackle the growing problem of affordability in our cities

- Became a member of Horizons Ottawa to follow and endorse their efforts to increase civic participation in municipal politics around affordable housing.

- Signing up for ACORN membership and supporting their campaign regarding renoviction bylaw.

ANGELINA

I would like to build my political advocacy skills with the BUILD cohort. I have tried my best to engage with the community through various volunteer positions in human rights organizations and community leagues, but all of these positions have only allowed me to observe people in power. I would like to grow my skill set so that I am able to work with people in powerful positions by having a more in-depth understanding of the frontlines of politics, and am able to meaningfully navigate offices of power in this country.

ANGELINA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING & HUMAN RIGHTS:

- Attended ongoing policy and general meetings of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness (ECOHH) and took part in their memorial action to raise awareness about the deadly costs of neglecting the needs of unhoused communities

- Became a member of Alberta ACORN to learn and contribute to their ongoing efforts to organize tenants and campaign for rent control in the province. 

- Seeking to support the launch of an ACORN chapter in Edmonton to advance their mandate in advocating for modest and low-income members of our community 

YOBIE

I am interested in the BUILD program because it can help me develop the skills, knowledge, experience, and networking that are needed to prepare for future career opportunities. The BUILD program can also help me to be more involved in politics, democracy, and social movements that are based on my education, experiences, and skills.

YOBIE’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES & FEDERAL POLITICS:

- Took part in events and meetings that focused on disability justice and accessibility, including efforts to improve the Canada Disability Benefit for people with disabilities.

- Got involved in a federal by-election campaign and supported a candidate by canvassing in the federal riding.

- Staying active in various campaigns through canvassing, petitioning, researching, and attending events and actions that aim to understand the issues facing marginalized communities.

TAYYABA

There are limited opportunities and programs that effectively prepare youth for political engagement. Despite my active involvement in my local community to promote youth engagement and address various social justice issues, I have found that the avenues for making a significant political impact are often restricted and exclusive. Through my research, I have identified BUILD as the ideal program to help me achieve and realize my aspirations. With the right guidance and support from BUILD, I believe I can better focus my efforts to pave the way for meaningful and enduring change.

TAYYABA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ANTI RACISM & CLIMATE ACTION:

- Teamed up with the Youth Climate Corps. (YCC) organizer to spearhead the development of a local chapter for the campaign in Mississauga 

- Connected with various diasporic groups and organizations undertaking anti-racism initiatives and participated in local stakeholder engagement efforts

- Continuing to grow the Mississauga chapter of the YCC through enhancing the employability of young job seekers in the green economy.

ISHAG

I am a refugee and a new immigrant, coming from a conflict zone due to the absence of good governance, wisdom, and civilian leadership. I believe that this program represents a golden opportunity for me to understand the Canadian democratic system and methods of decision-making in a deep way and to participate in decision-making directly or indirectly.

ISHAG’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MIGRANT & REFUGEE RIGHTS:

- Participated in a Justice for Workers (J4W) event and built connections with several groups like OPIRG, Niagara Region Anti-Racism Alliance, and the Migrant Workers Alliance

-  Became a member of the Sudanese Solidarity Collective and joined their education, and immigration advocacy working groups

- Continuing to volunteer with J4W, advocating for the rights and well-being of workers, specifically newcomers in Niagara, Ontario, to support their integration and empowerment.

WHY RISE?

It’s important to me to make a positive impact, and I believe meaningful positive impact is best done collectively. RISE gives me the opportunity to collaborate with others to collectively help and better our community.

BUILD PROGRAM BIO

As a sociology graduate student, I applied for BUILD to apply and expand my ability to bridge the gap between knowledge and action while learning about advocacy. I want to build on the skills I developed at RISE by collaborating with others to create innovative, real-world solutions through intersectional collaboration.

GALIBA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON WORKERS & ORGANIZED LABOUR:

- Attended the “Organize 4 Power” workshop series through the Edmonton District Labour Council, connected with key stakeholders and engaged in grassroots labour organizing.

- Became a Faculty Steward with her union’s Labour Relations Committee (LRC), received training from the Public Service Alliance of Canada, and joined the LRC’s network.

- As President of the student department, she is focused on rebuilding the executive team to ensure student workers are well represented within the university.