As a South Asian 20-something, I feel unrepresented in the political landscape and I've been curious to see how I can get involved to create that space. As the future becomes more uncertain, I feel it's more important now than ever for youth (including me) to have a voice in it and I want to learn the tools to make it happen. An ideal democracy for me would be having the option to choose candidates with platforms that make meaningful change in my life and the future.

ZAHRA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE HOUSING & TENANT ORGANIZING

• Researched climate and housing organizations and local policy makers, learning her municipal landscape and crafting a calendar of events to attend
• Attended educational forums by Toronto climate, tenant, and civic education organizations like Uptown Climate Future, Toronto Climate Action Network, Shake Up The Establishment, and a library workshop on environmental writing
• Trained on how to table, doorknock, and assist with deputation writing & will continue working with Empowered Tenants on tenant surveys

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.