HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
We are currently accepting applications for Cohort 2 of the Hamilton Civic Leadership Program
We are living through unprecedented times and in an era of global movements that are changing our societies. From Black Lives Matter to the climate justice movement, there is energy and encouragement to work to make our world liveable and just. Meaningfully participating in change is complex and requires asking the right questions.
- What does it mean to understand systems change, to organize collectively, and to build civic leadership in our communities?
- What does it mean to advocate for change locally, while being a participant in the global movement for justice?
- How can Black, racialized, and Indigenous youth in Hamilton be empowered to make change where they Are at, through engaging with systems that exist and building community power?
The Hamilton Civic Leadership Program offers engaging and participatory sessions designed to deepen critical understanding of democracy, civic engagement, civic inclusion, and community organizing skills that can be used to develop leadership skills and promote civic inclusion and engagement among all youth. Special attention is given to Black, Indigenous, Trans, and Non-Binary youth in Hamilton and surrounding areas. The concept for this program was first created by City of Hamilton Councillor Nrinder Nann, before her time as councillor, and has since been adapted.
This is a two-year program, and is funded by the Canadian Heritage Department. The program is run by the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion. The first cohort of the program ran from January 2020 until July 2020. The second cohort of the program is running from August 2020 until March 2021. There will also be a research component facilitated in partnership with the Department of Social Work at McMaster University. We will work with program participants to figure out their qualitative barriers to civic engagement in Hamilton. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter. Participants in high school also receive volunteer hours.
Deadline for registration for Cohort 2 is September 30th 2020.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, program sessions are currently being hosted online.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Short Term
Participants will develop new perspectives on political institutions. They will learn about different forms of leadership, systems, and principles. Participants will also develop new competencies through values based conversations about belonging, inclusion, and community engagement.
Medium Term
Participants will understand government affairs at the municipal, provincial and federal level. They will also understand the parameters of civic duties, concepts around civic inclusion, and civic engagement. They will think critically about the plethora of tools used to make change.
Long Term
Participants will have an increased participation in the political process (such as voting, running for office, doing advocacy work, or community organizing).
COHORT 2 STRUCTURE
Session 1: Introduction to Civic Leadership
Session 2: Government Affairs: Municipal
Session 3: Government Affairs: Provincial
Session 4: Government Affairs: Federal
Session 5: Community Organizing 101
Session 6: Community Organizing 201
Session 7: Electoral Organizing
Session 8: Unionism
Session 9: Tactics and Strategies for Change part 1
Session 10: Tactics and Strategies for Change part 2
Session 11: Celebration & Reflection
Cohort 2 sessions will be faciliated by a diverse set of leaders including Councillor Nann, Councillor Wilson, MPP Jill Andrews, Sandy Hudson, Christopher Wilson, Shanice Regis and more.
Cohort 1 Highlights
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
We welcome feedback, comments, and questions.
Please email, call, or use the form below to connect with our team.
Hamilton Center for Civic Inclusion
423 King Street East
Hamilton ON, L8N 1C5
(905) 297 4694