HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR COHORT 4 OF THE HAMILTON CIVIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, RUNNING FROM JULY – NOVEMBER 2023
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.

The Hamilton Civic Leadership Program started in 2020 with the goal of creating 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. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter. Participants in high school receive volunteer hours.

Registration period for Cohort 4 is open from June 19-July 10, 2023.
Program sessions will be hosted at the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion.

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 4 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 102

Session 7: Unionism/Know Your Rights in the Workplace

Session 8: Tactics and Strategies for Change (part 1)

Session 9: Tactics and Strategies for Change (part 2)

Session 10: Self-Directed Project & Media Training

COHORT 3 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 102

Session 7: Unionism

Session 8: Tactics and Strategies for Change part 1

Session 9: Tactics and Strategies for Change part 2

Session 10: Self-Directed Project & Media Training

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 were faciliated by a diverse set of leaders including Councillor Nann, Councillor Wilson, MPP Jill Andrews, Sandy Hudson, Christopher Wilson, and Shanice Regis.

Cohort 1 Highlights

Session one, titled "Democracy and Civic Participation" was facilitated by Brittany Andrew-Amofah who is a a consultant and Policy Analyst at Broadbent Institute. This event was held on January 20. 2020 at 6PM
Session two, titled "government Affairs: Municipal" in partnership with model city hall was facilitated by Ruby Hye and Cassidy Berkinson, founders of Model City Hall Hamilton, in addition to councillor Maureen Wilson and councillor Nrinder Nann. This session was held on February 8, 2020 at 6PM
Session three, titled "government Affairs: Provincial" was facilitated by Lyndon George, Constituency Assistant to MP Andrea Horwath. This session was held on March 11, 2020 at Queen's Park in Toronto
Session Five, titled "Unionism 1010" was facilitated by Christopher Wilson and Shanice Regis from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. This session was held on May 14, 2020 at 4PM via Zoom Webinar
Session three, titled "government Affairs: Provincial" was facilitated by Lyndon George, Constituency Assistant to MP Andrea Horwath. This session was held on March 11, 2020 at Queen's Park in Toronto
Session Five, titled "Unionism 1010" was facilitated by Christopher Wilson and Shanice Regis from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. This session was held on May 14, 2020 at 4PM via Zoom Webinar

Get in Touch. Get Involved.

We welcome feedback, comments, and questions.
Please email, call, or use the form below to connect with our team.

info@hcci.ca

Hamilton Center for Civic Inclusion 

423 King Street East
Hamilton ON, L8N 1C5

(905) 297 4694

info@hcci.ca

423 King Street East, Hamilton ON, L8N 1C5

(905) 297-4694