Youth leadership critical to a sustainable future
As we contend with the 'polycrisis' before us, amplifying youth leadership is one of ways we will reach a more sustainable future that works for all of us.
Hi everyone,
Greetings to you from a somewhat sunny day in Toronto!
Last week, on March 8th, we celebrated International Women’s Day. It was wonderful seeing Plan International Canada’s youth leadership program, The Power Within initiative, focused on supporting girls, young women and gender-diverse youth in building confidence, celebrated and recognized in the official International Women’s Day statement by Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, the Honourable Marci Ien.
It made me reflect on what I’ve been hearing from youth from coast to coast to coast and contemplate about what young people need to be truly successful - especially girls, young women, and gender-diverse youth.
During my career, especially the last 5 years, I’ve had the privilege to speak with thousands of youth in Canada - from Whitehorse to Winnipeg, from Hamilton to Halifax, and places in between, such as Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Charlottetown.
Young people are smart, dedicated, and keen to make a difference in their communities and globally! From climate change to gender equality to global health to refugee rights to social and environmental issues more broadly, young people in Canada are interested in making a difference and are searching for a platform to spark action on local and global issues.
Despite young people’s immense talent, expertise, and commitment, a consistent roadblock comes up repeatedly: there is so much passion and appetite to do good in the world, but there are not enough opportunities to scale that impact and build community along the way.
That's why I’m so proud to share the recently established Eureka Fellowship for Youth Changemakers in Canada, the brainchild of AstraZeneca Canada and Plan International Canada, an initiative to support youth in Canada working to make a positive impact on people, society and the planet.
In the lead-up to the One Young World Summit in Montreal this September, 13 Eureka Fellows will be selected and supported in their journeys as they tackle the biggest sustainability challenges facing Canada and our planet. Fellows will get access to dedicated youth leadership programming to support their journey as changemakers, a fully-funded scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit, and the opportunity to join a global community of youth leaders! The deadline to apply is April 23, 2024.
If you or someone you know is a youth leader aged 18-30 inspiring change in Canada and globally on either: 1) access to healthcare and health equity, 2) environmental protection and climate action, or 3) diversity, equity, and inclusion, I encourage you to apply! Please share widely!
Learn more and apply here by April 23, 2024: https://bit.ly/EurekaFellowshipForYouthChangemakersInCanada-2024
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Speaking of building community, later this month on Wednesday, March 27th, I’ll be co-convening a gathering in Toronto for policy and public affairs professionals engaged in global development, humanitarian action and international cooperation (registration filled up in less than a week, though there is a waitlist for folks interested).
The event will allow early-career, emerging, and established professionals to foster connections, exchange knowledge, and grow their personal and professional networks. We will also host a panel discussion on Feminist Foreign Policy moderated by co-organizer Almeera Khalid.
Now, I need your help.
I’m looking to give away 5 copies of the fantastic book ‘The Future of Foreign Policy is Feminist’ by Kristina Lunz at the event! If you can contribute $40 dollars (or whatever you can offer), please reach out so we can purchase copies to share!
My lovely, caring Dad is a big believer in the power of education and mentorship. So, he has kindly offered to contribute towards buying one copy for an early career or emerging professional. If you would like to join him as a contributor, please drop me a note by hitting reply to this email.
Together, we can do more! :)
Till next time!
With heart and determination,
Anjum
PS: If you want me to circulate jobs, professional development opportunities, and events in future newsletters, please get in touch with me at anjumsultana.mph@gmail.com.
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Recommended Reads & Listens
Millennial women are not okay | Ann Hui | The Globe and Mail
Bridging the Gender Gap - Intersectionality and Feminism | Sydney Piggott & Fatine Cherkaoui | Policy Center for the New South
The Future of Foreign Policy is Feminist | Kristina Lunz
Naheed Nenshi Wants To Lead Alberta’s NDP. Can he win? | David Climenhaga | The Tyee
Shining a Spotlight on the Perspectives of Second-Generation Canadians | Century Initiative
Why Women’s Rights Are Vulnerable in America | Shivangi Misra | Equality Now
Beyond a Fantasy Fearlessness: Why Young Women’s Advocacy Matters | Ziyana Kotadia, Taylor Davis, Ghannia Bokhari, and Aisha Imana | Young Diplomats of Canada
FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto is an opportunity for leadership in advancing human rights | Ige Egal | Maytree
Generations may collide in the non-profit sector, but many challenges remain | Tim Harper | The Philanthropist Journal
Unlocking Health Care: How to Free the Flow of Life-Saving Health Data in Canada | Christina Frangou | Public Policy Forum
Upcoming Events & Consultations
Toronto Policy and Public Affairs Connect | March 27, 2024 - In Toronto
The Threat to Civility and The Fight for Liberal Democracy | McGill Institute for the Study of Canada | April 8, 2024 - In Montreal
Top 25 Women of Influence Awards Luncheon | April 9, 2024 - In Toronto
Progress Summit | Broadbent Institute | April 10-12, 2024 - In Ottawa
Wonk Prom | The Dais | April 11, 2024 - In Toronto
Healthy World Conference: Dialogues on Health, Gender, & Climate Resilience | CanWaCH | May 14-15, 2024 | In-Person - Montreal
Opportunities to grow + stretch
Kate McInturff Fellowship in Gender Justice | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives | Deadline March 18, 2024
Research Assistant - Summer Fellowship | Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives | Deadline March 19, 2024
UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award | Deadline March 20, 2024
The Future is NOW! Awards for Under 18 Youth Leaders | Children’s First Canada | Deadline March 20, 2024
Board Member | IMAGINE Canada | Deadline March 21, 2024
New Delegate Application | Banff Forum | Deadline March 22, 2024
Identify ‘N Impact Awards | Toronto Youth Cabinet | Deadline March 29, 2024
The William Southam Journalism Fellowship | Massey College | Deadline March 31, 2024
Nahom Berhane Scholarship for Leadership and Inclusion | Deadline April 1, 2024
Board Member | YWCA Canada | Deadline April 1, 2024
Board Member | Startup Canada | Deadline April 2, 2024
Prime Minister’s Youth Council | Deadline April 14, 2024
25+ jobs in policy & public affairs & more
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Public Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Manager | WomanACT | Deadline March 16, 2024
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Communications Coordinator | Elections Ontario | Deadline March 18, 2024
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Manager of Community & Stakeholder Engagement | United Way Halton & Hamilton | Deadline March 19, 2024
Senior Communications Lead | Pembina Institute | Deadline March 20, 2024
Director of Community Engagement & Stakeholder Relations | The Mayoral Office of Olivia Chow | Deadline March 21, 2024
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Researcher and Policy Analyst | Social Planning Toronto | Deadline March 24, 2024
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Manager, Systems Change | Prosper Canada | Deadline March 29, 2024
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National Communications Advisor | Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society | Deadline March 31, 2024
President & CEO | Canadian Women’s Foundation | Deadline April 5, 2024
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