Who is the program for?

Youth between the ages of 17 and 30 who want to lead a community project that meets the following Community Impact Microgrant project criteria:

• The project leader is between the ages of 17 and 30 as of the project start date

• Project must take place in Canada

• Project must include volunteer/service-learning opportunities for youth and be focused on one or more of the following areas:
  - Reconciliation
  - Building an inclusive Canada
  - Preserving the environment
  - Promoting civic and democratic engagement
  - Strengthening youth resilience
  - Potential new themes that are youth-identified

• Applicant must provide a budget of how the micro-grant funding will be used to complete the project within 6 months, including reporting and evaluation.

If you are applying on behalf of an organization or class, the applicant must meet the criteria listed above. The applicant must take an active part in project leadership, including project design, activities, orientation and project evaluation. Please note that funds will be disbursed directly to the applicant and not the organization or teacher.

What are the program outcomes?

The intended outcomes of this training program are aligned with Howl’s four core teachings; Here’s what it looks like at a high-level on this 5-day training program:

1. ReconciliACTION:
You will develop an increased understanding of colonialism in Canada, and through the lens of your project, you will identify actionable ways to participate in and support methods for community-based reconciliation as young leaders.

2. Community Building:
You will engage with peers, leaders and organizations that understand community needs. You will learn directly from local leaders who work in service of community, demonstrating what it looks like to actively build partnerships with diverse groups through fostering reciprocal relationships.

3. Personal Resilience:
You will have a chance to slow down and reflect on your own journey, identify personal values and strengths that you bring to your community. You will develop strategies for wellness and cultivate resilience of mind, body and spirit, that will enable you to show up more fully for yourself and your community.

4. Climate Action:
Through a two-eyed seeing approach, you will gain an understanding of climate change trends and see how coastal communities are adapting, taking action and discovering optimism in an uncertain future.

Program Activities

On this program, you will:

• Gain tangible budgeting and project management skills that will help you keep your project organized and on track

• Receive mentorship and coaching as you prepare to build your project team, craft your call to action, grow community support, all while working within your budget.

• Learn from local leaders who will share strategies for overcoming the challenges of bringing community projects to life;

• Get your hands dirty as you participate in ongoing projects hosted by The Deanery Project, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading education and demonstration sites for environmental sustainability, skills development, the arts, and community building.

• Travel between rural and urban coastal communities to see examples of climate adaptation, thriving culture and community resilience. Whether it’s visiting an urban farm or helping out at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, prepare to gain inspiration for your own project.

• Learn about Mi’kmaw lifeways, and understanding how every community project has the potential to contribute positively to Truth and Reconciliation;

Please note that the exact itinerary of this program is still being confirmed.