A program that aims to empower young civic innovators who have ideas to improve their community is seeking applicants for its fellowship and micro-grant program.
Now in its second year, the Ontario Community Changemaker’s program boosts emerging community leaders and looks to build a network for young civic innovators that is diverse.
The program is driven by 8 80 Cities, is currently seeking applications from Ontario residents aged 19 to 35-years-old that have unique ideas about public space, civic engagement and social inclusion.
Funded by the Balsam Foundation, Ontario Community Changemakers offers leadership development and training as well as a $5,000 micro-grant to implement their idea.
Last year, the program helped 20 applicants from across Ontario make change in their communities, including Loretta Amponsah from Brampton, Ontario.
Amponsah is a communications advocate and liaison for refugees, immigrants and newcomers.
She worked with community organizations around Toronto to be a social advocate and help newcomers transition.
Leah Walker from Hamilton was also part of the program in 2021.
They work as a community artist and educator, helping to create arts programming for their communities.
Walker explores queerness through their art practice and tries to facilitate similar explorations for others.
Their practice involves painting, ceramics, fibre arts, curating and community outreach.
This year’s program will have a ‘Studio’ that will consist of two half-day online sessions and a one-day in-person retreat in August 2022.
Applications can be submitted to the OCC program by June 19.
