GUELPH, ON, - The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is excited to announce the thirty-two emerging rural leaders who have begun their leadership learning journey together
through the Rural Change Makers (RCM) program this fall in the spirit of growth, discovery, respect, reconciliation and rural community development.
“The 2023 Rural Change Makers come from all walks of life and communities throughout rural Ontario. It’s inspiring to see the passion and skill set of these young leaders who want to
continue to hone their leadership skills and play a part in shaping the future of their rural communities,” says Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications and Program Manager.
With the support of regional partners: Timmins Youth Wellness Hub (YWH-Timmins), Opiikapawiin Services LP ᐅᐱᑲᐸᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ (OSLP) and Community Futures Huron, the
program is equipping these young leaders (aged 18-35) from rural and northern Ontario to mobilize community-led action on a local priority. Over the course of the program Change
Makers will participate in a series of developmental training sessions and come together for experiential gatherings, complete self-assessments, form planning committees for local
activities and develop a Youth Summit culminating the program in the Fall of 2024.
“Rural Change Makers are the leaders of tomorrow. During the program, rural youth will develop a broad network of mentors and discover the many unique and innovative approaches to community economic development and resiliency in rural communities” says Ellen Sinclair, Executive Director, Rural Ontario Institute.
“I want to bring a big welcome to Change Makers. I am in awe of the potential they have to make change in their communities for the better. Our organization supports new or existing
small businesses and social enterprises, and we also support programs that strengthen the economic and social fabric of our communities. From our perspective we are really excited to be involved as partners and mentors in this program and we cannot wait to see the amazing efforts change makers lead in their rural communities," Heather Boa, Community Futures Huron. “One of the most impactful lessons that I have learned from my time working with youth is that meaningful and powerful work is a form of self-care. Working on a project you care about really is a form of self-care. It is one of the most vital forms of self-care. Over the journey that change makers are embarking on they are going to be nourishing and uplifting of course their community, but also themselves by doing this work. We are really excited for everyone embarking on this journey. Your voice is powerful and your actions over the coming months are going to spark meaningful and lasting change,” Catharine Lockhart – Timmins Youth Wellness Hub.
“Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) is owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations, also majority owners of Wataynikaneyap Power (Watay Power) - a transmission project currently undertaking the construction of 1800km of transmission lines to connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid. Our goal is to support and train a local workforce for Wataynikaneyap with the necessary skills to ensure young leaders and communities are ready for future governance and ownership of Wataynikaneyap,” says Laura Calmwind, OSLP Training Manager. “Our young peoples bring change and good ideas for the peoples. They are important to carry forward the knowledge, teachings, language and lead the future of our communities.” ROI would like to thank all those who applied to undertake this leadership learning journey through the 2023 Rural Change Makers Program.
Support for the 2023 Rural Change Makers program has been generously provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, RBC Foundation, the Sarnia
Lambton Economic Partnership and Community Futures Huron. Many partners are supporting program delivery and rural youth by giving gifts of time, knowledge, expertise and financial support including: Libro Credit Union and Each One Teach One (Carolina Triana and John Kiser), Community Futures Huron (Paul Nichol and Heather Boa), Perth-Huron United Way (Lisa Harper), Opiikapawiin Services LP (Laura Calmwind), SERA Community Ventures (Natasha Eck), Centre for First Nations Governance (Amsey Maracle), City of Peterborough Social Services (Julie Johnson-Smith and Julie Johnson), Good Roots Consulting (Meredith Davis), Trillium Foundation Youth Opportunities Fund Staff (Muna Mohamed and Caceila Trahan), and Tanya Rumble |Inclusive Fundraising (Tanya Hannah Rumble)