We are living through unprecedented times and in an era of global movements that are changing our societies. Struggles for racial justice, climate justice, and for decolonization demonstrate the powerful energy that exists to make our world livable for everyone. 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?
• Whose voices do we listen to, how do we respond to criticism and hold ourselves accountable?
• What does leadership look like behind the scenes, especially in practices of care?
• How can 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 is open to youth (ages 17-25) who live in Hamilton and the surrounding area. Priority will be given to participants who are Black, racialized, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer/immigrant, low income, or Disabled/Neurodiverse. We do this to prioritize offering sessions to people who typically face barriers to accessing institutions and who may come from communities facing significant challenges they want to see addressed. We also want folks to see themselves in leadership positions, so we invite facilitators who also come from these communities.

The 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. The concept for this program was first created in 2020 by City of Hamilton Councillor Nrinder Nann, before her time as councillor, and has since been adapted. The goal is to create civically engaged youth in Hamilton to build a culture of civic leadership and engagement. Since 2020 we have worked with over 40 youth in Hamilton and surrounding areas.