Leadership Program for Young Adults Committed to Social and Environmental Justice
Date: August 24th– 26th, 2018, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Unceded Coast Salish Territories (Vancouver)
Cost: FREE!
Registration Deadline: Friday, August 10th, 2018
Welcome!
Next UP and IndigenEYEZ are excited to announce the launch of the third annual Indigenous Youth in Action leadership program. This three-day leadership program will bring together young adults from across Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and beyond to explore how change happens in society. We’ll explore the interconnections between the earth, ourselves, our gifts and our cultures through a variety of activities. We’ll examine different tools, ideas and theories that, when channeled alongside our passions, can empower us to build a more just world. We’ll learn from a variety of changemakers that have fought for justice in our communities and across the province. Join us.
“I have a network of like-minded people I didn't have before. I have grown more comfortable with speaking and sharing and I have more confidence.”
- Next Up: First Nations & Métis Youth in Action participant
To Register: Please RSVP (at the bottom of this page) + Complete Short Application Form Sent To Your Email
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I apply? Yes! If you are:
- Passionate about addressing issues like climate change, economic inequality and other social justice issues
- Committed to being active at the centre of social and environmental change
- Looking for new tools to bring into your work
- Willing to take a risk and learn more about yourself and your leadership pathway
- Someone with leadership qualities (leadership experience is not necessarily required)
The suggested age for the program is 17-32
What do you mean by leadership?
Everyone has a different take on the word “leadership.” For us, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re charismatic or a strong public speaker. You may have those qualities — or you may not. Leadership does mean that you think about the world around you and take action, with others, to make it a better place.
What is IndigenEYEZ?
As Indigenous people, our capacity for healthy relationships is in recovery. That is why our programs focus on strengthening four essential relationships: with self, with others, with nature, and with culture.
Our holisticapproach engages the heart and the mind. We draw on the land and the awareness that nature offers to enhance our senses and intuitions.
We encourage communities to explore their own cultures and to think deeply about what traditional values mean in the contemporary world.
We organize a variety of programs for youth and adults across BC, including Leadership Essentials, held on Cortes Island, and the IndigenEYEZ Summer Youth Camp in the Similkameen Valley.
What is Next UP?
Next Up is a leadership program for 18-32 year-olds, held every year in cities across the country. We study campaigns and social change projects that build stronger, healthier communities, and develop the skills of young leaders to make change happen. We explore topics such as decolonization, racism, climate justice and many other issues that are important to Indigenous peoples and settlers.
In the past 11 years, Next Up has grown and its programs have diversified. In 2014, we launched our first Indigenous Intensive in Saskatoon. More recently, we hosted the Climate Leadership Program in towns across Alberta. We now have over 750 program graduates from across the country.
By providing space specifically for Indigenous peoples in a three-day intensive format, alongside IndigenEYEZ, we hope to create a safe, welcoming environment where people can feel comfortable stepping into their own power.
What will I learn?
Our goal is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to become a more effective leader in movements for social and environmental change, through looking inward and looking outward, and exploring bonds of solidarity across communities.
You’ll learn about how to turn your ideas into action. You’ll be challenged with new ways of thinking. We will present you with a diversity of frameworks for understanding social change and community empowerment. You’ll meet passionate guests who are leading social change within First Nations communities and other communities in Canada. Parts of our programming is rooted in cultural, land-based, creative, holistic approaches to learning.
Some of the topics we’ll explore include:
- Story & social change
- Theories of changemaking
- Media Training
- Campaigns Organizing
- Decolonization
- Reconciliation and Resurgence
The sessions will be delivered by IndigenEYEZ and Next Up facilitators, and special program guests.
What level of commitment is required from me, and when?
We expect participants to attend all three days, and ask that you take Friday, Aug. 24th to Sunday, Aug. 26th off from school or work.
How much does it cost?
It's FREE! The cost of the program is about $1,300 per participant. Our sponsors and donors have generously covered these costs. We like to say your time is your tuition, so for your part, you just have to commit time, energy, curiosity and a desire to change the world.
I live outside Vancouver. Can I still attend?
We encourage applications from people outside of Vancouver and we will do our best to help support travel costs, and find guest rooms in the homes of past graduates and other community supporters. Please indicate in your application if you will need support for travel costs and from where you are traveling. This will not impact your eligibility.
Is childcare provided?
We encourage applications from participants with children and we will provide a subsidy to parents who request it. Please indicate in your application form if you need childcare support.
Will food be provided?
We will provide lunches throughout the program, and refreshments throughout the day. You will be on your own for breakfast and dinner.
What important dates do I need to know?
- Friday, August 10th, 2018 - Final Registration Deadline. In order to register you must RSVP below AND complete a short form that is emailed to you. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not their application has been successful within 4 days receipt of your application. Please note that spaces for the program are limited. Early application submissions are encouraged.
- Friday, August 24thto Sunday, August 26th- The program will run 10 AM to 5 PM each of these days.
What is the language of learning for the program?
All sessions will take place in English, though some presenters will share some words in their own Indigenous languages.
Where does the funding come from?
Support for Indigenous Youth in Action comes from the Vancouver Foundation, the Catherine Donnelly Foundation, and countless individual donors!We are grateful for their support!
Do you have a different question?
Contact Next UP Operations Manager, Austin Neaves at [email protected]. Check us out online at www.nextup.ca and www.indigeneyez.com. Give Austin a call at 778-994-1163.
We encourage applications from people of all genders, Two-Spirit people, and people with disabilities. We acknowledge that systemic oppression and harsh realities of life may make participation difficult for some, and we will do our best to assist people who want to participate.
In order to register you must RSVP below AND complete a short application form that is emailed to you. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not their application has been successful within 4 days receipt of your application.