La Cohorte 2 de BÂTIR

Mary Cep

MARY

I joined BUILD because I wanted to understand how to take on social issues I am passionate about dismantling through the political process, which has always felt alien to me. BUILD bridges the gap between young people seeking guidance on how to equip themselves with knowledge, tools, networking skills and inner strength to tap into our limitless potential to create positive change in our local and global community. As social creatures by nature, we always achieve more success and development when we work together. With much work to do in our world, it is essential that we unpack systems that have put up barriers to truly connecting with one another and to push for access to physical, emotional, financial and social supports that collectively liberate us all.

MARY’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES:

- Joined the Youth Action Council of the Disability Justice Network of Ontario a non-profit organization

- Facilitated workshops around equity, diversity and inclusivity with a disability justice lens to local community groups & stakeholders

- Collaborating with the School Board to introduce the inclusion of disability justice workshops at schools to broaden common understanding and increase community compassion

Mark Cretu

MARK

I'm interested in the BUILD program because I want to learn the skills necessary to advocate for change in effective ways. I also think it would be great to meet other young people who are like minded and learn from them.

MARK’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON HOUSING ADVOCACY & PROVINCIAL POLITICS:

- Plugged into a city-wide advocacy group More Neighbours Toronto focusing on municipal engagement to push for greater housing affordability

- Attended canvassing training, municipal public consultations, and mobilization planning meetings

- Organizing with a mayoral candidate by coordinating public engagement to get out the vote for the Toronto fall 2022 election

Emily Faubert

EMILY

I joined BUILD because I was tired of opaque political nonsense and disillusioned with traditional protest methods. Change needs to happen now, and must centre community over cost. What I found here was the most amazing group of people, each centring lived experience and compassion. I’m leaving with tools, confidence, community, and a much better understanding of how to make change.

EMILY’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON PROVINCIAL & MUNICIPAL POLITICS:

- Canvassed and GOTV in the Ontario Provincial election to help a candidate win a longstanding seat held by the opposition

- Joined a youth-run political popular education group to produce multimedia content on Canadian politics

- Planning to join local Electoral District Association post election, and connect with a mayoral campaign in the upcoming municipal election

Linda Huynh-Nguyen

LINDA

I am interested in the build program because I want to build the confidence to participate in social and political movements, institutions and processes. I am incredibly inspired by people who can turn their ideas into actions and I would love to be able to do the same.

LINDA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON POPULAR POLITICAL EDUCATION:

- Joined the On Canada Project as a writer and editorial lead

- Researched various Canadian political topics/concepts to educate and engage GenZ & Millennial audiences

- Pursuing further education in information sciences in order to more effectively promote grass roots political education

Samm Reid

SAMM

I am interested in the BUILD program because I know it will provide me with the tools and knowledge needed to make concrete change, as well as give me the confidence to participate in actionable strategies to help improve our social climate.

SAMM’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON INCARCERATION/PRISON ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS:

- Examined existing advocacy landscape to improve mental health support for incarcerated folks in prisons

- Collaborated with non-profits, community groups, and existing campaigns to improve access to 1-on-1 mental health support

- Coordinating a pilot project to connect incarcerated and reintegrating incarcerated people with access to therapy

Hasan Sinan

HASAN

I want to learn about how I can get involved in a more sustainable, political level in the issues that we're facing. I have been involved on the ground, but I'm not sure as to how I can go and participate effectively in higher level organizing while staying true to my values and maintaining my mental health. I'm hoping through BUILD that I can gain some necessary skills, have access to resources, and connect with people who are knowledgeable in this area or are going through similar issues so we can learn from each other's experiences.

HASAN’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MIGRANT JUSTICE ADVOCACY:

- Organized a day of action to highlight the importance of #statusforall and challenges faced by those who are temporary migrant workers

- Engaged in relationship building with other organizations to strengthen ties of support between urban and rural communities

- Coordinating a community engagement drive to amplify awareness of migrant issues, build capacity for solidarity, and connect with allies

Kaneil States

KANEIL

The BUILD program seems to offer the tools and knowledge I am looking for. To help improve the current state of our country. As mentioned, “climate change and systemic racism threaten and disadvantage diverse young people, it’s critical that we be influential participants in the institutions and processes that will affect our future”. I want to be a part of the change for improvement and solutions not a part of the problem.

KANEIL’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & LOW-INCOME ADVOCACY:

- Attended Borough council meetings to learn about local issues and examined city-wide community plans to understand their local impact

- Followed Borough participatory budgeting process where public submissions for local projects are being evaluated for selection

- Reaching out to a poverty reduction advocacy group to connect with their campaign focused on supporting single parents facing economic insecurity

Melisa Tang Choy

MELISA

As someone who cannot vote in Canadian elections, I’ve always seen my role outside of the system. I joined BUILD to learn more about the current system, its gaps, and the different possibilities for change with community. The current landscape has been set up to keep many of us out, but what happens when we build together?

MELISA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON MUNICIPAL VOTING RIGHTS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENTS:

- Researched the movement for municipal voting rights for permanent residents across Canada, including the Lost Votes campaign

- Connected with local government and organizations in Halifax who are active in the newcomer/immigrant community

- Continuing to work on the issue by creating a resource hub to bring together the different campaigns that have taken place in Canada

Emma Walsh

EMMA

I’m looking for a way to get more involved in my political community and learn more about Canadian democracy. As a queer person married to an immigrant, I feel like I have a duty to take action and be more active in our political landscape especially with the current wave of extremism. I would like to take my desire to do more and learn how to take that and move into more grassroots action.

EMMA’S EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING FOCUSED ON YOUTH POVERTY & HOMELESSNESS:

- Explored the policy landscape at the municipal and provincial level around meaningfully addressing youth facing poverty and homelessness

- Connected with non-profits, advocacy groups, and elected officials to better understand how the current system operates

- Engaging with a local campaigns aiming to support low and moderate income households and families