CECE

I am eager to participate in AisB's BUILD program because it offers a unique opportunity to transform my passion for public health and social equity into actionable policy advocacy. As a pre-med student majoring in health sciences, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of the systemic barriers affecting marginalized communities, particularly concerning public health and gender inequality. However, I recognize the need to complement this academic knowledge with practical skills in civic engagement and political advocacy to drive meaningful change. I am also enthusiastic about the prospect of refining my leadership skills, expanding my civic participation, and contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society.

CECE’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON CREATIVE ADVOCACY & WORKER JUSTICE IN HEALTHCARE

• As GirlUp chapter founder and board member, proposed a focus on supporting healthcare workers, connecting with a Provincial Health Services Authority campaign and meeting with a local Member of Parliament to further their efforts
• Conceptualized a zine workshop with key speakers, which she will test with a personally organized event, and pitched it to campus medical and sociology clubs for fall programming
• Plans to assist the work of the Centre for Family Equity, focusing on eliminating family poverty

OIKE

I am interested in the BUILD program because it presents a great opportunity to immerse myself in social involvement in Canada. As a newcomer, I believe that engaging with the community is an important part of adapting to a new life, and it also helps empower those around us and improve civic knowledge. Furthermore, I have been inspired by the social engagement activities I’ve participated in since my arrival. I hope this program will strengthen my ability to organize myself within society and allow me to apply this knowledge in my future projects and career after the BUILD program.

OIKE’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCESS & DISABILITY JUSTICE:

• Participated in AccessFest, a local disability justice event, and met with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, gaining insights into disability advocacy campaigns
• Joined and volunteered with TTC Riders, attending informational workshops, canvassing at community events, and learning how to speak at city council to push for accessible and equitable public transit.
• Continuing to volunteer with a local MPP office and supported multilingual outreach by translating community centre program guides

DANIELA

I am particularly drawn to the BUILD program because of its mission to break down political barriers and expand access to essential resources. As a language minority in Quebec, I have experienced firsthand the importance of inclusive political engagement and the challenges that come with it. I aspire to advocate for more inclusive policies that reflect the diverse needs of intersectional individuals like myself. I am passionate about advancing policies related to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social justice, ensuring that political participation becomes more accessible to underrepresented communities.

DANIELA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE & MIGRANT JUSTICE

• Secured a job with the Liberal Party of Canada, using the opportunity to network with policymakers and identify potential avenues to expand policy-focused engagement
• Collaborated with immigrant and women’s organizations and mentors to design a creative workshop series as a listening campaign for newly arrived Latin American women in Montreal
• Secured a micro-grant and interest from groups serving Latin American women and families, and will lead her workshop in summer 2025, featuring activities on identity, community, language, and barriers in migration.

ALESSIA

Now, more than ever, as we collectively witness chaos unfold worldwide and the fall of democracy in the US, and Canada (as some may also say), I feel the immense need to engage in collective action. I want to engage more actively, in a way that reflects me, my values, my strengths, and my passions. All this said, I am interested in the BUILD program because I feel like it represents an opportunity for me to take the leap and embody what is previously mentioned. It is an opportunity for me to really find my voice, learn how to use it and start embodying my "role" in creating social change.

 ALESSIA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON FOOD SOVEREIGNTY & ADVOCACY MENTORSHIP

• Joined the Food Citizenship Working Group of the Montreal Food Policy Council, contributing to long-term planning and advocacy efforts focused on food systems
• Led strategic planning sessions within her workplace, including a workshop on theory of change, and an action-plan proposal to implement a policy and communications campaign for her project coordination on food sovereignty
• Interviewed to sit on the National Board of Directors for Dieticians of Canada, and plans to continue seeking mentorship and collaboration in food advocacy
  

KELSEY

Government is so important (at all levels) and influences so many aspects of my life, however, I don't think I know a lot about how each level of government functions or how laws, bills, and legislation are implemented. I also see so much propaganda and misinformation; sometimes what turns out to be true is more horrifying than the lies. I see society at a critical turning point where we need to be more intentional with the people we put in power and that the values of everyday citizens and people are represented fairly. I go out to the polls and vote, but don't know how to get more involved in politics. BUILD could help me get to the next step/level and be able to be more impactful with my actions and drive social and structural change.

KELSEY’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON FRONTLINE SUPPORT PROGRAMMING & FUNDING

• Researched systems and influencers to policymakers for the direct support service sector to get involved in practical and strategic advocacy.
• Volunteered with POSSE, a peer outreach support & services organization by and for youth, gaining more firsthand experience in frontline service work.
• Designed and sent letters of support for funding opportunities to help POSSE secure space and resources, contributing to grant research and leveraging access to government information and resources.

SAM

I am deeply passionate about youth advocacy and am committed to making a meaningful impact in the political landscape. Democracy's greatest adversary is apathy, and empowering young people to engage in advocacy is vital to combat this challenge. The BUILD program offers a unique opportunity to enhance my understanding of Canada's democratic processes and to actively participate in civic and local initiatives. By equipping myself with the necessary skills and knowledge, I aim to inspire and mobilize my peers, fostering a more engaged and informed youth community dedicated to sustaining and strengthening our democracy.

SAM’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON CLIMATE ACTION & LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

• Applied for or considering multiple national and international opportunities, including the UN Youth Delegate program, the UN Canada Eco Clubs mentorship, and the SDG Council
• Volunteering with the Calgary Climate Hub, joining their Citizen Science program focused on small nature preservation in urban areas
• Will meet with the FES Centre for Social Innovation with an interest in their N:OW for Net-Zero project

JENNA

The BUILD program’s promises to demystify politics and equip me with the tools to make a real impact. I’ve been involved in various community initiatives, but I’m craving the next level, a space where I can collaborate with like-minded peers, engage in experiential learning, and transform ideas into tangible outcomes. BUILD offers exactly that, with its blend of online group sessions and hands-on experiences. The program’s focus on breaking down barriers to civic engagement resonates with me. I’m excited about the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Canada’s democratic systems and learn how to effectively advocate for change at all levels. In short, BUILD isn’t just a program to me, the launchpad I’ve been looking for to amplify my impact and help create the world I dream of.

JENNA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED YOUTH HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY, STORYTELLING & POLICY OUTREACH

• Launched the “Hope by Heart” project, a youth storytelling initiative focused on chronic illness, collecting personal narratives through a listening campaign to advocate for better support systems.
• Applied for community grants and strengthened partnerships with local organizations including children’s hospitals, learning about fundraising and donor engagement.
• Continuing outreach to national health organizations and policymakers, aiming to use collected stories as tools for systemic change in youth healthcare and mental health policy.

AMBER

I want to learn more about federal, provincial, and municipal politics, and I believe that BUILD is the best avenue to gain more knowledge of local governance. Municipal level government– in my case the City of Toronto– has an arguably bigger impact on my daily life than the provincial or federal government, yet I’ve never paid a lot of attention to municipal politics. I’ve never missed voting in a federal election—I see it as my public duty—but I’ve also never voted municipally. Through the BUILD program, I hope to learn how to connect with my local government and get involved in issues that matter to me.

AMBER’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON YOUTH ENGAGEMENT & LOCAL FOOD SECURITY

• Engaged with a variety of youth and food policy groups, including working with Coalition of Healthy School Food, forming an advisory group for the Zero Hunger Project, speaking on a University of Toronto conference panel (Youth Voices for a Just Transition), and attending the Food Secure Canada Youth Caucus.

• Helped to launch the Ontario chapter of the World Food Forum, participating in meetings with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, an MP and MPPs, and driving new member recruitment
• Accepting a position in Guatemala supporting Indigenous communities affected by extractive industries, focusing on youth involvement in food policy

MARISSA

I'm interested in the BUILD program because I feel powerless and a bit jaded when it comes to today's political climate. I want to feel like I can actually enact change and do something meaningful, no matter how small. I also want to learn more about the political landscape in my city. We need to take a hard look at ourselves in the mirror, and recognize the institutional racism that is enmeshed within our society, at the judicial and policy level. As a minority Anglo Quebecer, my ideal democracy would look like true freedom and equality.

MARISSA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MIGRANT JUSTICE & CLIMATE CRISIS:

• Conducted ongoing outreach to local and national migrant justice and mental health organizations, exploring opportunities for policy-based support for refugee well-being
• Became an active member of the Youth Climate Collective, joining planning meetings and collaborating on future action strategies
• Plans to personally develop and organize a creative eco-awareness action centered on community nature cleanup as an accessible entry point to climate action and local engagement.

THURAYA

I’m interested in the BUILD program because, as a political science student, I’ve gained a solid understanding of how political systems work, but I want to apply that knowledge in a practical way to create real change. The program’s focus on leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement will help me build the skills I need to take action and inspire others to get involved in their communities. I’m excited to work with like-minded peers and experienced mentors to turn my passion for social change into meaningful impact.

THURAYA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON NEWCOMER & IMMIGRATION POLICY

• Attended multiple newcomer information service sessions and community events for immigrants and refugees, assessing their accessibility and effectiveness as support services, especially for those facing racial or religious bias
• Developed a listening campaign, shadowing a settlement worker and an immigration consultant to better understand the shortcomings of Canada's refugee support system, including gaps between provincial and federal processes
• Considering graduate study options in public policy to help bridge structural gaps in the immigration system

RYAN

I am interested in joining the BUILD program because I would like to gain more knowledge about Canada’s democratic system and become better equipped to make change within my own community and beyond. I am curious about how policies and legislation are developed as well as the ways that individuals, communities, organizations, and societal groups influence this process. I would also like to have the tools to identify the most significant challenges and barriers that stand in the way of Canadians having their concerns heard and the achievement of socially and environmentally just outcomes. Ultimately, I would like to play my part in strengthening democracy in Canada by becoming more aware, strategic, and action-oriented. 

RYAN’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING JUSTICE, MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS & YOUTH POLICY ADVOCACY

• Conducted outreach to national and provincial advocacy organizations for mental health and housing support for involvement and policy education
• Volunteering with Leadnow, contributing to campaign efforts by building toolkits and backend infrastructure to support new and on-the-ground volunteers
• Will continue advocacy efforts in the next cohort of AisB’s RISE program to deepen facilitation and coordination skills