The RISE program aims to mobilize our less engaged peers in democracy by providing them an opportunity to co-create community projects and contribute in strengthening our civic and democratic fabric by engaging on topics that interest them. RISE Ambassadors across Canada are currently developing community projects on the theme of social inclusion and we are looking for RISE Organizers aged 18-30 to help activate these projects!
Ottawa: The Ottawa Hub will be working with existing newcomer organizations in order to create opportunities for refugee and newcomer youth to build meaningful connections within their community through days of service. Refugee youth, newcomer youth, and youth mentors will participate in these service days to create lasting relationships, networks, and skills. They will also host a final celebration which will include gifts, fun, networking, and relationship-building for all of the youth who participated.
Toronto: The Toronto Hub will be running a video campaign that gives space to racialized youth from across the city to share their stories of being impacted by the criminal justice system. These videos will be shared on social media, through community partners already working in this space in Toronto, and at a video launch event in late November.
Edmonton: As an organizing group of People of Colour, the Edmonton Hub wants to focus on raising people with multiple intersections of identity. Naturally, Edmonton RISE Ambassadors aim to elevate and celebrate Women of Colour with Stay WOC Fest. The festival will give Women of Colour the representation they desire and the broader community needs.
Montreal: The Montreal Hub hopes to challenge the dominant narrative and understanding of what it means to be Canadian/Quebecer as a way to make space for more marginalized identities. They will be working on a photography-based art project that centers racialized and indigenous youth. Through the process, they will be doing outreach work in multiple Montreal neighborhoods to collect testimonies on what it means to be a Montrealer as well as to provide civic and democratic capacity development opportunities to youth. The final art project will be revealed during the final launch party and vernissage event that will include art, music, testimonies, networking and resources for racialized and indigenous youth.
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