Kat’s Departure Blog
Dear FES Community,
Today is my last day at FES, and while I could write a whole book of reflections and platitudes related to my time as Executive Director, I’ll keep my goodbye short and sweet.
Since stepping into the Executive Director role, we’ve raised $7 million for the organization and youth climate action across the country, grown our team from 2 to 10, and supported over 170 projects nationwide. Together, FES launched the first-ever pooled philanthropic fund led by and serving youth climate action through The Youth Harbour, and later, N:OW for Net-Zero. Through these programs, we’ve scaled youth-led climate projects ranging from supporting solar panel and hydroponic installations in rural communities, to policy campaigns for sustainable infrastructure and food sovereignty, to protests and mobilizations of thousands demanding real climate action, to care initiatives for Black, Indigenous, and racialized climate champions, and to training for current and emerging leaders.
And just as there are so many things that I am proud of, there are so many things I could have done better. Throughout my leadership I have been humbled, corrected, and put in my place. I have also been nurtured, uplifted, and held. It’s in the discomfort that we grow, and these mountains that we carry; we are only supposed to climb. The climb was not easy, and I am so grateful that I did not have to embark on this journey alone. Thank you to the board, the team, partners, colleagues, funders, and friends. Without you, none of this would have been possible (I don’t think I would have even been able to arrive at the basecamp to start climbing without you all).
And to the team, thank you for being awesome, joyful, and dedicated. FES is nothing without you, and there is no accomplishment that isn’t your own.
I am so thrilled to see Alyssa step in as FES’ next Executive Director. Alyssa, I’m incredibly proud of you and have unwavering faith in you as you take FES to new heights. I’m on the edge of my seat, excited to see where you lead FES under your guidance and leadership!
I am so grateful to have been a small part of such a powerful movement. I’m deeply moved by the immense support of this beautiful community. We have many challenges ahead, but my time at FES has only confirmed that we have the people power and heart to get sh*t done. Cheers to climate action! Cheers to impact! Cheers to community-led solutions! Cheers to youth leadership!
Thank you for letting me serve this wonderful FES community as its Executive Director for the past four years, and for being part of the organization for the past six.
Remember: it’s our future, our fight. Fund Youth.
With love,
Kat
Reflections on the PFC 25 Ensemble Conference
This week, I had the pleasure of spending time in Ottawa for the PFC 25 Ensemble conference. It was an inspiring gathering of leaders, partners, and friends in the Canadian philanthropic landscape, all coming together to tackle the urgent challenges of our times.
The following article was written by Alyssa Obrand, the Managing Director at FES. Read about her key learnings from the Philanthropic Foundations of Canada’s National Conference.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Philanthropic Foundations Canada “25 Ensemble” conference in Ottawa. The gathering brought together leaders, partners, and friends from across the Canadian philanthropic landscape to explore the urgent challenges of our times, and to discuss pathways forward.
The three-day event included a lot of time spent connecting, discussing, and learning. From panel sessions to networking receptions, and lunchtime learnings to room-filled plenaries, I spent my time engaging with peers and leaders in the sector, learning from each and every one of them and forming connections I hope to continue beyond the event itself.. The experience was thought-provoking, exhilarating, exhausting, and inspiring all at once, and as I reflect on the experience, I’d like to share some key insights that I’ve taken away from my discussions, whether in panel sessions, group workshops, or one-on-one lunchtime conversations.
Dismantling Exclusionary Language:
One shared realization was just how challenging it can be to work within the regulatory frameworks set by the CRA. As an individual working in the youth space, I spent a lot of my time this year working to interpret the CRA’s changing regulations to charities, trying to make sense of the legal jargon to be able to bring my findings to my team, and the youth sector. I chalked my struggles in this task solely up to my lack of experience of working through these in-depth guidelines, however, my conversations with peers at PFC revealed that many of us, with varying levels of experience and qualifications, faced the same difficulties. These conversations, over the shared laughter of misfortune, brought a sense of community, however they also revealed a more displeasing truth.
As the governing body for all Canadian charities, the CRA's regulations shape the future of the sector. However, the language they use is often cryptic, highly technical, and filled with circumlocutory vocabulary. It feels as though much of the meaning is buried "between the lines," which can make this an exclusionary space to navigate. We spent considerable time discussing how this creates barriers, especially for smaller charities that may not have the resources to decode these complex regulations. While we are grateful for organizations like McConnell, who created their NQD toolkit to help clarify some of the murky guidelines, it’s clear that more needs to be done. Simplifying this language and providing truly accessible resources is crucial to making the charitable space more inclusive and less intimidating for everyone. It's not just about compliance—it's about creating a system where more organizations can thrive without getting bogged down by bureaucracy.
The Role of Intermediaries:
Rising on the back of this issue, the importance of intermediaries shines. The CRA’s 2024 guidance on grant-making to Non-Qualified Donees (NQDs) was initially seen as a revolutionary change that could reshape charitable giving. At first glance, it seemed to offer the possibility of directly supporting organizations doing crucial work without requiring them to meet the rigid definition of a "qualified donee." However, in conversations throughout the week, it became clear that the situation is far more complicated. The guidance remains difficult to interpret, even with resources like McConnell’s toolkit, and many charities find it unrealistic to pivot toward direct NQD funding. Confusing guidance, rigid charitable objects, perceived risks, and internal capacity issues have all been issues which have prevented meaningful progress.
Nearly a year after these new rules, the impact has been minimal: one-third of organizations were already giving to NQDs before the change, about 15% are using intermediaries to manage these relationships, and many admit they will never be able to work directly with NQDs. This has underscored the critical role of intermediaries, such as FES, in bridging the gap. Intermediaries can help to bridge the gaps which policy cannot address, and help to shift the sector toward more inclusive and impactful funding practices.
Collaboration is Key:
Another recurring theme throughout the conference was the undeniable need for collaboration. The energy of the participants across the three-day conference was very much that of a shared readiness and willingness to work together—whether across sectors, within sectors, or even with government bodies. It was refreshing to hear so many participants speak about the importance of uniting forces to create lasting change, which one panelist referred to as forming “unlikely alliances.”
A distinct outcome of the conference was the shared desire and acknowledgement that we must break down silos and recognize that, especially in areas like climate solutions, the intersection of diverse skills and perspectives is essential. No single organization can tackle these challenges alone, but by coming together, we can build solidarity and join forces to pool resources and create solutions that are far greater than what we can do alone. The momentum for collaboration is real and it is here, but we must act upon those feelings before it can fade, if we do in fact want to create a stronger, more unified sector.
Climate and Youth Engagement:
On the subject of intersectionality, much of the discussion naturally leads us to climate action and environmental issues. One of the biggest questions that emerged during the conference for myself was: Where’s the funding for climate action?
In truly opportune timing, just before the conference began, the Clean Economy Fund released a study showing that only $106M of Canadian charitable donations in 2021 went toward climate-related efforts. Of that, a tiny fraction —estimated at under $9M—was directed toward youth-led climate initiatives, based on global statistics from the Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF).
These numbers are startling, especially when compared to the nearly $10B in overall charitable giving in Canada that same year. During the climate panel at PFC, I had the opportunity to highlight this, emphasizing the urgent need for more robust, sustained and empathetic investment in youth leadership and climate action. This looks like long-term, unrestricted and sustainable funding that allows youth to explore their creativity and to actually have the opportunities to create and deploy the solutions they dream of. If we don’t support young leaders now, we risk losing a generation of climate champions who can lead us into a more sustainable future.
Abundant and Unrestricted Giving:
Perhaps my most significant takeaway from the conference was this: if you can, give abundantly and without restrictions! Now more than ever, philanthropy must invest in the sustainability of social movements and the individuals driving them.
We’ve seen moments of momentum rise in response to social, political, and climate crises. But without real long-term, flexible funding, these efforts struggle to maintain their energy, their creativity, and their spark. Philanthropy must go beyond short-term fixes and embrace new, more flexible and empathetic funding models that allow for innovation and experimentation at the grassroots level. By doing so, we can create space for new leaders—especially young people—who will shape the future of our collective efforts.
Compassion Over Polarization:
Finally, to keep it short and sweet: we have more in common than we do different. As we navigate the political uncertainties ahead, one thing became abundantly clear during the conference: narratives of care and compassion will always overcome polarization. Regardless of our political views or the divisions that may arise, values like empathy, kindness, and a focus on collective well-being can and will unite us.
As we face challenges that test our values, it’s critical to remember that compassion can bridge divides. By centering a narrative and ethic of care, we can create a philanthropic ecosystem that fosters understanding, collaboration, and empathy, no matter where people stand on the political spectrum.
The PFC 25 Ensemble conference was a transformative experience, and I’m eager to continue these important conversations. More importantly, I look forward to working with my team and the incredible people I connected with in Ottawa to tackle these challenges head-on. There is much work to be done, but together, we can find our way through these obstacles and create a more sustainable, inclusive, and compassionate future.
Breaking Ground, Digging Deep: Building Empathy within the Face of Climate Anxiety with Break The Divide
The Youth Harbour believes in the power and innovation of young people fighting against the climate crisis. Today’s youth activists are informed, resilient, and highly motivated – but we must also recognize the growing phenomenon of climate anxiety affecting current and would-be changemakers.
Climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, is the chronic distress or fear of “environmental doom” due to the climate crisis. When three-quarters of young Canadians say that climate change negatively affects their mental health, it’s clear that the climate crisis is harming more than just the planet. While emotional responses can sometimes encourage action, fear can often lead to paralysis, apathy, and more severe impacts on mental and emotional well-being.
Break The Divide is a youth organization that understands first-hand the challenging emotions that accompany the climate crisis. Yes, burnout is a widespread issue in the climate movement – but BTD knows that the emotional impacts of climate change can also prevent youth from engaging with it. Whether it stems from a place of pessimism that things could change or overwhelmedness about what needs to be done, fearful reactions to climate change most often manifest in feelings of apathy. As fellow youth, BTD understands this apathy – but they also understand how to work through it.
Break The Divide focuses on helping youth through these paralysing emotions through a novel framework: from apathy to empathy to action. The underlying premise is that when youth are given the opportunity to connect with others about the climate crisis, the empathy they build enables them to work through their emotions in a safe space, and ultimately, they can build the tools they need to take action. The work was inspired by founder and executive director Abhay Singh Sachal’s trip from his hometown of Surrey, B.C., to the Canadian Arctic. Connecting with fellow youth there about their shared and varied experiences of climate change showed Abhay how the power of empathy can be used to build personal and community resilience. Abhay founded Break The Divide not to argue that empathy alone can solve the climate crisis, but to show how empathy can build systems of support that allow for united and sustained action.
BTD has focused on connecting communities around the world and encouraging these types of conversations. With over 25 chapters in 10 different countries, youth have been able to process their own emotions about climate change, learn about how it affects others, and build a global emotional support network. This year, BTD has expanded its mission with a more structured approach to their empathy-based framework. 2024 marks the inaugural Climate Emotions program, which is taking place in 14 high schools across what is currently referred to as Canada, and the Climate Skills & Community Building Fellowship, aimed at newcomer youth in Toronto.
With funding from The Youth Harbour’s Action Grant, Break The Divide created the Climate Emotions program to help high school students process the emotions that often go unaddressed in scientific climate change lessons. Learning why the climate is changing and how it will impact students in the near future is necessary, but undoubtedly scary, and students deserve the space to talk about these fears.
The Climate Emotions program includes lesson plans, discussion guides, videos, and educational materials that Break The Divide created from scratch. Teachers are given all of the resources they need to support students through the program, but they aren’t alone – BTD has trained facilitators to help run the program, answer questions, and guide discussions.
The facilitators are all youth volunteers, making the program a true peer-to-peer experience. As fellow youth, the facilitators are able to expand on the empathy-based materials and create a safe and authentic space by interacting with students. Since facilitators are still on their emotional journey with climate change, they understand what it’s like to experience that fear and pessimism – but they’re also living proof that students can work through those feelings. This is one of the true strengths of the Climate Emotions program: the empathy-based education is accompanied by a peer who can model that same empathy with genuine connections. Volunteers say that between working with BTD and interacting with students, this is the most engaging volunteer experience they’ve ever had.
This is all in addition to the class-matching aspect of the program, where participating classes are paired with another from a different part of so-called Canada. An echo of Abhay’s own experience with students in the Canadian Arctic, students are able to connect with others in an entirely different context. Listening to their differences and bonding over their similarities, the students experience empathy in action in addition to their education-based pillar. These connections are also nurtured through the chance to interact more casually with other students through Discord servers run by Break The Divide volunteers.
Break The Divide is breaking ground with its empathy-based framework, but spearheading a new approach to climate change education hasn’t been easy. The Climate Emotions program has seen resistance from administrators, concerns about how parents might respond, and challenges fitting into the high school curricula. However, BTD is learning a lot from the first run of the Climate Emotions program, and it also recognizes that while its unique approach may bring obstacles, it’s also their greatest strength.
The Climate Emotions program also exemplifies the importance and impact of youth supporting youth, from the initial funding to the eventual student-to-student connections. Funded by The Youth Harbour, developed by Break The Divide, and delivered to high school students, the Climate Emotions program is a fully lateral project created by youth, for youth.
In the future, Break The Divide will look back at this moment and this first run of the Climate Emotions program as when the organization really started to solidify its place as groundbreakers in the climate crisis space. After years of experience and preparation, BTD is finally getting to put their theory into structured practice and see how their unique “apathy to empathy to action” framework unfolds – and improve upon it as they expand even further. This is what happens when youth are given the chance and security to experiment with something entirely new – and there are no limits to how far this empathy, and these programs, can go.
The Difficult Work of Choosing Hope: How My Media Creative’s Storytelling Inspires a Movement
My Media Creative Impact Story
Climate activism comes in all forms: picketing, petitions, boycotts. Regardless of the method, one thing remains true: there is strength in unity. When passionate people come together and work toward a common cause, the potential for change is far greater than what any one person could accomplish alone. But if someone is never inspired to seek out ways to take action, none of that is possible. That’s where My Media Creative comes in.
What is My Media Creative
My Media Creative is a creative agency that shines a light on leaders, non-profits, and foundations working towards climate justice and human rights. They’re a group of activist storytellers using documentaries and filmmaking as a tool for education and mass mobilization.
There are so many people doing crucial climate justice work in what is currently referred to as Canada, but MMC understands that most of this work goes unseen – and perhaps intentionally underreported. Through the power of storytelling, MMC spreads the word about climate activism projects while eliciting emotional responses that motivate action.
MMC sees a clear link between the media we consume and the material impact on people’s lives, and dedicated their work to spark action in the climate justice movement in innovative ways. The Youth Harbour’s Action Grant supported MMC’s Climate Warriors projects, one of which consists of the Climate Warriors quiz – a personality quiz designed to guide people who are beginning their climate activism journeys. The quiz provides participants with a list of resources and inspiration based on their personality, skills, and preferences.
Success Projects
My Media Creative has seen success on grand scales. Their most recognizable partner is Greenpeace Canada. In 2022, MMC designed video and display advertisements for Greenpeace’s campaigns calling for federal biodiversity protection and for banks to withdraw support from fossil fuel projects. As a result, over 60,000 Canadians signed Greenpeace’s petition to demand a strong Biodiversity Act.
MMC also created a video for Divest McGill, an organization calling for the university to divest from fossil fuels and other harmful investments. The video, “Paid by McGill,” parodies McGill’s alumni donorship campaign “Made by McGill” and reached over 50,000 views 24 hours after upload. It contributed to Divest McGill’s recent success: McGill announced it is divesting all direct holdings from fossil fuel firms listed in the Carbon Underground 200 by 2025.
My Media Creative has worked with its fair share of high-profile organizations but recently narrowed their approach to a specific type of storytelling: documentaries.
For your voice to be heard, you need to be seen – and organizations like Greenpeace already had plenty of eyes on them. Instead, My Media Creative is uplifing the voices of leaders who deserve to be seen, heard, and appreciated.
The Youth Harbour’s support also funded the production of My Media Creative’s Climate Warriors four-part docuseries. Each episode showcases a different youth leader working towards climate justice in Canada. MMC recently continued the project, highlighting the four recipients of The Lawson Foundation’s Youth Action and Environment Pilot Fellowship.
About the Documentaries
These documentaries bring the lens of the climate movement down to the individual. And the documentaries are personal – we see the activists in their own homes, interacting with family members, going through childhood photos, or of relatives who inspire their work. Viewers are brought into their world and feel a connection with these youth.
We also see the leaders in their element – from wading through marshes at the Bay of Fundy to walking on the land that the Six Nations of the Grand River refused to cede. In every case, seeing these leaders’ relationship with their communities helps connect us to their work, a feat that cannot be replicated in other forms of media.
My Media Creative leans into another pivotal aspect that makes their documentaries sing: the feeling of hope. Fear and anger are lucrative emotions that are faster to invoke. An image or single sentence can anger us to answer a call to action – but is it enough to sustain us? MMC could have taken this route as there is a lot to be angry about when it comes to the climate crisis, but instead, they chose the more difficult route of instilling hope.
When we watch a Climate Warriors documentary, we aren’t seeing an overwhelming mountain of dread and struggle against an unfathomable opponent. We are simply seeing… another person. Someone who is not acting out of fear, but out of love – for their family, community, environment, and the future they envision.
It shows the viewer what climate action looks like on an individual level. By showing what one person can do, the viewer can clearly see how their individual efforts can make an impact. It also shows us that climate action doesn’t have to be scary or come from a place of hatred – a place that will lead activists to burn out. Instead, it can come from a place of love and hope. And it shows us that whatever we do, we are not doing it alone.
My Media Creative’s shift to focus on independent storytelling work is also a shift on how they make an impact. It echoes the beginning of this story: climate activism comes in all forms, and so do its impacts. There’s no way to quantify the inspiration and empathy drawn from MMC’s documentaries, but if you look at yourself, you’ll understand how work like this is what brings the climate movement together – to unite ourselves and change the world.
Hope and Action in Thunder Bay with the Northwestern Climate Gathering
Northwestern Climate Gathering Impact Story
Climate Change in Thunder Bay
What we currently refer to as Canada is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the world – but as a country so physically large and geographically diverse, the impacts are not divided evenly. Every region has unique geographical, social, political, and economical contexts, which means there is no single blanket approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation. This is especially true for rural communities, and even more so for Northern Canada.
Thunder Bay* faces several challenges when it comes to addressing climate change. With a population of 110,000, it is an urban centre – but since it’s also 500 kilometres away from the nearest city, Thunder Bay is the regional hub of a very rural area. It is also part of Canada’s North, but is southern enough to have significant climatic and geographical differences from the Territories. Thunder Bay’s context makes it difficult to follow the adaptation and mitigation strategies that other cities employ; similarly, climate activism in Thunder Bay can’t necessarily use the same strategies as the movement in other regions.
So when climate activists decided it was time for a collaborative, cohesive effort against the climate crisis, the Northwestern Climate Gathering looked a bit different than similar events in the south.
What is the Northwestern Climate Gathering
The first difference is right in the name: Gathering. It tells us immediately that this is not going to be a conference that prioritizes lectures or individual skill-building – the term “Gathering” is deliberate in its intention to build community. In November 2023, 170 citizens came together under the theme of Hope and Action to create relationships, share the work they’re doing, and discuss how to approach climate action in the region. Supported by The Youth Harbour’s Assembly Grant, the Gathering created a place where everyone’s wisdom is valued and shared laterally. Local experts, Indigenous Elders, artists, and activists with all levels of experience participated in the discussions and breakout sessions throughout the weekend.
The Gathering was also an opportunity for attendees to honour their emotions and grief about the changing climate. The impacts of climate change are often more pronounced in Northern Canada than in the South, and witnessing these changes in such a short amount of time can create feelings of grief, anxiety, and solastalgia. The Gathering recognized everything that makes the Thunder Bay area unique and encouraged people to connect through these common experiences and emotions.
Outcomes of the Gathering
A major piece of the Gathering’s success is the fact that it allowed for connection between people, particularly intergenerational relationships. People of all ages and with all sorts of experiences hold wisdom, and it’s through sharing that wisdom that the community can create a comprehensive understanding of what climate action can look like in the region. Teenagers, retirees and everyone in between spoke from their experiences and presented their hopes for a stronger Thunder Bay.
A future that values all experiences doesn’t have to be far off – the Gathering proves that. It was a place for artists to share their craft, Elders to pass on traditional knowledge, and academics to discuss current and upcoming research. It gave people who have been working hard on climate change strategies an opportunity to network and create a stronger, more united movement. It emphasized that climate action includes so much more than picketing and marching, and that everyone is welcome and valued.
It’s no wonder that attendees left the Gathering with a distinct feeling of inspiration. The event energized the local movement, and has already facilitated collaborations among people doing climate work in the area. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is currently showcasing an exhibition of art created at and inspired by the 2023 Gathering, which runs until April 21st. The steering committee – which has doubled in size – is already looking to the future as they prepare for the Northwestern Climate Gathering of 2024.
The Northwestern Climate Gathering is truly a testament to the incredible climate change work being done in the Thunder Bay region. More than that, it’s a testament to the community who cares so deeply about not only the land they live on but also the people they share it with. In an area where urban meets rural and where North meets South, folks have created a shared vision for their future – and for the actions they’re taking to make it happen.
* Thunder Bay is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg and Fort William First Nation.
Protecting Water Resources for Life, Not Profit
Water Watchers Impact Story
In 2007, a pivotal kitchen table conversation unfolded in Wellington County, Ontario*. Concerned citizens gathered to discuss the looming environmental impact of Nestlé Waters Canada’s water bottling operation in their community. Already grappling with water scarcity, they were dismayed to learn that this corporation held a provincial license allowing it to extract up to 3.6 million liters of water per day from their local sources. This realization ignited a profound call to action: “We need to protect our water.”
Despite wielding the right facts and community support, these activists encountered a frustrating lack of response from provincial decision-makers. Undeterred, they pivoted their approach, recognizing the potency of collective action. Thus, Wellington Water Watchers was born, shifting its focus from mere advocacy to a robust campaign-based strategy aimed at mobilizing public support and holding representatives accountable.
Over the years, Water Watchers continued their work, yet they started noticing the threats to water were “not isolated incidents, but interconnected phenomena,” as Dani explained. They started connecting the dots between local water justice issues and the systemic issues that were making it possible for companies to exploit water with little to no input from the communities they were affecting.
“Every single person has an entry point to water”, says Dani, “we wanted the unifying lens of water to be the grounding piece of our work”.
Their campaign-based approach, supported by local and international solidarity, became instrumental in mobilizing towards water, climate, and environmental justice. Wellington Water Watchers distinguished itself by prioritizing sustainable, grassroots-led solutions aimed at challenging systemic threats to the environment.
However, securing sustainable funding for their upstream water protection work remains a persistent challenge. Despite this, they persist, driven by the conviction that true change begins at the headwaters of environmental issues.
It’s easy to quantify hard costs of materials or report the amount of trees planted in shoreline restoration projects, but the weight of Water Watchers’ work is in mobilizing and educating people, which comes from their greatest resources: their staff. That’s where The Youth Harbour made a huge difference through their grant making in directly supporting staff wages for community organizing, training, and mobilization, particularly on their environmental justice work targeting improved water access for people most vulnerable to climate impacts.
As they navigate the complexities of water-related challenges, Dani poses a question central to Water Watchers’ ethos: “What does it mean to look at upstream social solutions to the issues creating these downstream environmental issues like water access?” Water Watchers identifies the roots of many issues in systems of capitalism, colonialism, patriarchy, and white supremacy. Recognizing the need for a fundamental shift, they endeavor to redefine the human-water relationship from exploitation to kinship.
Presenting this new understanding to their supporters yielded overwhelmingly positive responses. Dani remarked, “People understand water is life and connects us all.” This recognition of water as vital to planetary survival fosters a sense of collective responsibility. While some may resist acknowledging water justice issues rooted in colonial mentalities, Water Watchers fosters engagement by emphasizing the universal connection to water.
At the core of their approach lies relationship-building and solidarity. By prioritizing connections with one another and with the Earth, they cultivate regenerative spaces. They didn’t learn this knowledge in isolation, but rather through relationships with Indigenous land and water protectors “who are really the ones on the frontlines. We can and will continue to learn more and be better allies through centering Indigenous sovereignty in our work,” said Dani. Being relational in their work rather than prescriptive allows them to create transformative connections that ripple out into water protection impacts.
Water Watchers’ impact extends beyond quantifiable metrics, rooted in their commitment to mobilizing and educating communities. They prioritize relationship-building and collaborative efforts, recognizing conflict as a natural part of progress. Dani explained that, “the educational [component] isn’t about saying ‘this is how bad it is’ because we all know. It’s about giving people the skills and frameworks to think about and analyze a water issue, then mobilize people to respond to it effectively”.
The training creates ripples in this way, that eventually turn into waves of people empowered with a different kind of knowledge that they hope will bring about the change we seek in the environmental movement. Sometimes, that wave can lead to unexpected places as the ripple effect eventually takes a life of its own beyond that first drop created by the training. The impact of those ripples and waves can’t be measured.
Looking ahead, Water Watchers remains steadfast in their mission, forging partnerships and initiatives that center around their foundational belief in the transformative power of water.
From challenging winter salt pollution to revamping their Nestlé campaign with a focus on solidarity and justice, Water Watchers continues to champion water protection with an unwavering commitment to relationality and collective action
For anyone who reads this story, Dani offers the following questions to reflect on:
What does your personal relationship with water look like? How do you relate to water? What issues or threats exist in the watershed you call home? What might upstream solutions to those threats be and how can you see yourself supporting the work toward change?
* The office of the Water Watchers sits on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee Peoples, however, their work extends to other parts of Turtle Island and beyond.
Fostering Safe Spaces for Marginalized Communities
Rising from our Roots Impact Story
Atreyu Lewis, the founder of Rising from our Roots, shares insights into their grassroots organization’s mission. Operating in Toronto* and Montreal*, the entirely volunteer-run group aims to support marginalized youth, especially those who are BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, or disabled.
Their event, The Climate Roots Fair, bridges art, climate justice, and community solidarity. Atreyu explains that Rising from our Roots focuses on providing resources and safe spaces for marginalized youth. They conduct training on harm reduction and anti-oppression and host community solidarity events in both cities.
Atreyu said that what inspired The Climate Roots Fair idea was attending other events and thinking, “it would be cool to merge art and social justice together, and invite youth to celebrate together, listen to music and find new outlets for consuming products that are more sustainable.”
The Climate Roots Fair seeks to address representation and accessibility gaps for underrepresented artists and vendors. Atreyu was inspired by conversations with friends experiencing discrimination in mainstream markets. They envisioned an inclusive event merging art, social justice, and climate action.
Atreyu thought it would be awesome if there was an “event that intersected underrepresented youth artists and small businesses in a welcoming space for them”, while also merging the discussion and intersectionality with climate action.
Occurring on March 9, 2024, at Toronto’s Centre for Social Innovation, the fair included panel discussions with climate activists and a market featuring local artists and sustainable businesses. The aim was twofold: to engage youth in climate discussions and promote underrepresented artists and vendors.
The fair showcased BIPOC Queer Trans artists and vendors offering sustainable fashion alternatives. Atreyu hoped for an attendance of 50 to 100 people, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity for all attendees. Vendors were paid an honorarium to ensure equitable participation.
Atreyu mentioned that, “the end goal is for people to reclaim and root themselves in their identities.”
Attendees engaged with educators on topics like slow fashion, grassroots art, and climate resiliency strategies. Independent artists created and shared art, fostering community engagement and discussion.
When organizing the event, Rising from our Roots faced challenges in marketing and outreach. Limited resources required strategic venue choices and reliance on social media and grassroots networks for promotion. Securing grants, like those from The Youth Harbour, helped cover event costs and expand reach.
They are also active members part of the Youth Harbour’s Climate ShareSpace program at the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI):
“Being a member at the CSI workplace is a great opportunity to be able to co-work with other like-minded youth and meet other members who live in the city and are doing work on social justice advocacy, climate justice and public policy. It’s an accessible environment where I can both do grassroots work and run events for youth who are looking for a safe third space in the city,” Atreyu shared.
The overarching goal of the fair, and all Rising from our Roots events, is to create inclusive spaces where marginalized community members, especially youth, feel heard and empowered. Atreyu stresses the importance of reclaiming identities and fostering community care through non-hierarchical, anti-oppressive knowledge.
Looking ahead, Rising from our Roots seeks to expand its volunteer base and increase outreach for future initiatives. Those interested in participating or volunteering can connect through their Instagram page or recruitment form.
The Climate Roots Fair stands as a testament to Rising from our Roots’ commitment to intersectionality, community engagement, and climate justice. Through events like these, they strive to amplify marginalized voices and enact meaningful change at the local level.
* The land on which Rising from our Roots operates is the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples. In Toronto, this includes the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Montreal is situated on the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) Nation, including the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg.
The Green Career Centre’s Journey to Equity in the Green Economy
The Green Career Centre Impact Story
Lauren Castelino, an environmentalist, entrepreneur, researcher, and activist, shares her journey founding the Green Career Centre* in 2018.
“I started the Green Career Centre six years ago after I graduated from high school. I wanted to combine my interests of the environment, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment to create something that others could get involved in tackling the issues that I was passionate about solving. We were quite different back then; we had a different name and focus, but we quickly evolved over time.” Lauren explained.
Funded by her university’s research and experiential education offices, Lauren conducted webinars, focus groups, and interviews to gather insights. Her efforts culminated in a policy brief presented to policymakers at Natural Resources Canada, advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented youth in employment programs.
“I was so happy to see that my recommendation on lifting the cap on the number of hours that international students were restricted to working was eventually temporarily lifted for two years. I felt like my advocacy efforts paid off, and due to overwhelming demand for more equity-seeking youth wanting to land a green job, the Green Career Centre was born.” Lauren shared.
The Green Career Centre stands out for several reasons, including its emphasis on consultation with the communities it serves. Through focus groups and consultations, particularly with BIPOC, women, and newcomers, the organization ensures its initiatives are responsive and representative. Their team composition reflects this commitment, with 89% BIPOC and 78% women representation.
“Everything that we do and develop is done in direct consultation with the communities that we represent and serve. Whenever there’s an issue that we want to tackle, we always start by hosting focus groups and consultations with impacted communities, specifically equity seeking communities—young Black, Indigenous and People of Colour, women and newcomers.”
Action-oriented and centralized in its approach, the Green Career Centre prioritizes events and resources that are accessible and impactful. Their Youth Green Jobs Network job board, research publications, and workshops have garnered significant engagement, with over 1500 attendees at events and workshops.
An annual Green Career Fair, supported by The Youth Harbour Action Grant, has been a major achievement, attracting over 550 participants. The organization’s resources, such as the Wage Subsidy Matching Tool and Green Equity Guide for Employers, aim to promote inclusivity and equity in the sustainability sector.
“Thanks to [The Youth Harbour’s] flexibility and accessibility as a youth-led organization, they supported our development of various green job resources as well as several research projects, including one that focuses on the federal government’s Sustainable Jobs Plan.
They are also active members part of the Youth Harbour’s Climate ShareSpace program at the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI):
“We are very grateful to Climate ShareSpace for allowing our team to have the opportunity to convene in-person to actively work on our mission of preparing underrepresented youth for green careers. CSI’s space has allowed our team to access vital services that our members cannot access at home such as high-speed internet; the environment is very social with a variety of community events such as the salad club that we’ve happily participated in.”
Through its innovative approach and community-centered ethos, the Green Career Centre continues to empower marginalized youth and advance equity in the green economy.
*The Green Career Centre is based in Tkaronto which is covered under Treaty 13, and they acknowledge that this is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa and the Haudenosaunee and Wendat peoples.
Edmontonians Envision a More Livable, Movable, and Human City (Copy)
Paths for People Impact Story
If you live in Edmonton*, you likely know about Paths for People, a non-profit grassroots organization advocating for multimodal transportation systems in the city. With a membership of about 1,500 people across Edmonton, Paths for People engages in direct advocacy with the municipal government as well as creating educational programs to help Edmontonians envision their streets differently. Their goal is to strive for a livable city that isn’t driven by car-centered infrastructure, but rather infrastructure focused on shared-use paths, safer crosswalks and sidewalks, better bike lanes, and walkable pathways all across the city and suburbs.
Paths for People came to fruition around the mid 2010s where they strived to install a bike grid in downtown Edmonton and to create clear bike lane separation. Recognizing the broader need to enhance city-wide safety and livability, the organization has broadened its scope to encompass a holistic approach to urban infrastructure. This evolution mirrors their inclusive organizational structure, which values diverse perspectives and expertise.
Stephen, who serves as the volunteer chair of the Paths for People Board, highlighted the organization’s distinctive structure. He noted, “We navigate the delicate balance between grassroots activism and engaging in public policy advocacy. Our approach involves presenting diverse perspectives, including those of engineers, public health experts, and community engagement specialists, to influence city planning decisions regarding public transportation.”
Central to their mission is the drive to instigate a paradigm shift in urban planning towards prioritizing multimodal transportation. The initial idea of a downtown bike grid was an “exceptional basis in infrastructure planning where the city agreed to ‘try something new,’ Stephen shared.
One significant hurdle lies in public perception. Habituated to car-centric urban landscapes, Edmontonians must be persuaded to embrace alternative modes of transportation, particularly in harsh winter conditions. Overcoming this resistance demands nuanced outreach strategies, leveraging existing communities like avid cyclists to amplify advocacy efforts and promote safer streets.
The other major challenge, as many not-for-profit organizations face, is funding their programs and projects. Access to The Youth Harbour Action Grant was fundamental in mobilizing the advocacy needed to implement a municipal budget specifically towards active transportation systems. With the grant, Paths for People was able to influence the City Council’s decision to approve $100 million in the capital budget specifically for active transportation. This has sparked the development of projects and construction of kilometers of infrastructure.
Yet, there remains a need to dispel misconceptions about the scope of such initiatives. Projects like ‘Missing Links,’ which identifies and address gaps in pedestrian infrastructure, underscore the broader societal benefits of prioritizing active transportation. Unlike what some Edmontonians think, this isn’t a fund “just for bikes.”
Connecting sidewalks between neighborhood sections improves pedestrian mobility, particularly in snowy conditions when unpaved paths are blocked. Inadequate infrastructure limits residents’ ability to engage with their community, despite cars taking precedence in development.
Looking ahead, Paths for People remains committed to its mission of fostering a safer, healthier, and more inclusive urban environment. By prioritizing strategic planning, fostering community engagement, and advocating for sustainable funding, they aim to ensure their work continues to shape Edmonton’s transportation landscape for years to come.
“A lot of nonprofits can end up feeling like chickens running around with their heads cut off and end up stumbling because long-term planning can be difficult,” Stephen shared. “The [Youth Harbour] funding supported stability for the organization so we could recruit new leaders for tomorrow.”
*Edmonton is situated on Treaty Six Territory and within the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, traditional territories of numerous First Nations, including the Nêhiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux (Stoney), and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot).
Connecting Youth Climate Leaders with an Intergenerational Network of Climate Educators
Rooted and Rising Impact Story
How frequently do you encounter a space where you’re actively invited and challenged to envision the future you desire?
The Rooted and Rising Lab is a program that intends to create a space for intergenerational community networks to do just that. It’s a hub where students from diverse backgrounds, spanning artists to activists, converge to radically reimagine climate education and the trajectory of our world.
The genesis of this initiative can be traced back to the Conscious Minds Camp & Co-op, a youth-led summer camp in the Greater Toronto Area* co-founded by Kristen and Roxy. Here, youth are encouraged to explore themes like decolonization, climate change, holistic living, and human rights.
In response to a surge of young climate leaders yearning for supportive learning spaces, Roxy redirected her focus in 2019 towards creating the Rooted and Rising Lab. Teaming up with Bella and Kristen, alongside eight other dedicated individuals, they embarked on designing a program rooted in both academic and non-academic education, with community and relationship-building at its core. By embracing diverse perspectives and experts in climate justice work, they crafted an intergenerational learning space led by participants.
They decided they would provide youth with guidance from educators and elders, creating an intergenerational learning space. However, the space would be led by the participants to ask questions and discuss solutions with their peers facing similar challenges and dilemmas in their journey to leading climate solutions.
The pilot program, launched in Fall 2020, brought together 22 participants aged 13-30 over 10 weeks of virtual sessions. Through introspective learning and practical project-based approaches, participants delved into topics like leadership, solidarity, and decolonized learning, culminating in the creation of seven impactful projects funded with the help of The Youth Harbour Action Grant.
The Youth Harbour grant additionally supported Rooted and Rising’s honorariums for teachers and other activity costs during the program, such as the Toronto city tour to teach about regenerative agriculture.
However, sustaining the program poses challenges, particularly in securing consistent funding and carving out sufficient time for in-depth exploration.
Bella, who helps facilitate and coordinate the program, noted that “they need more time to explore and dig deeper; to have longer dialogue on certain topics.” They’re discussing how to make this possible, whether it be through more intensive programs or more sessions. They also want to have more land projects.
Participant feedback echoes the sentiment of the Lab being a safe haven for self-reflection and growth, with many expressing newfound understanding of their leadership roles and ancestral connections. Kristen notes the emergence of wisdom and expertise within the cohort, underscoring the program’s ability to cultivate a supportive community.
“Participants had the space to return to being the full version of themselves; that they felt welcomed to arrive that way,” Kristen shared. Roxy expressed that, as an organizer of the program, “it was lovely to see how supportive people were with each other during the program.”
It was also pointed out that this year’s cohort were really invested in their projects, some of them creating projects coming from relationality to others within and outside the project. For example, one student’s project connected her work with an organization for reproductive healthcare for trans and gender non-conforming folks. “This affirms the idea of complementing what youth are already doing with the knowledge and guidance provided through Rooted and Rising,” said Bella.
The program intends to plant the seed, then let it grow freely. “Setting up participants with the networks and knowledge to do new things that can’t be anticipated from the Rooted and Rising program. The level of connection and self discovery indicated to me that there were some important seeds planted for future endeavors in climate and social justice pursuits,” Bella shared.
Looking ahead, the Lab envisions expanding its reach through initiatives like a DIY course and a teacher training program, while also exploring avenues to stay connected with alumni. With a wave of support from various quarters, the Lab remains poised to inspire the next generation of changemakers, nurturing seeds of change that will blossom with time and care.
* The Rooted and Rising lab is based in Tkaronto, governed by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Treaty 13 Territory.
New York Climate Week Blog 3: Climate Finance, Philanthropy, and A Lot of Jargon
As I delved into the complexities of climate finance and philanthropy, I was struck by the pressing questions surrounding how movements, corporations, and foundations perceive and engage with climate finance.
https://www.theyouthharbour.org/new-york-climate-week-blog-3-climate-finance-philanthropy-and-a-lot-of-jargon/
