Next Up is a leadership program for young people committed to environmental and social justice. We offer programs of varying lengths and focus on seven cities across Canada: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg & Ottawa.
Today, we face a combination of interconnected global challenges – ecological, economic and social – not seen by previous generations. This moment in time needs bold, smart and determined leadership. We believe that a new generation of progressive leaders is needed and should be supported.
There are many takes on the concept of “leadership”. For us, leadership doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re a big talker, or that you’re the popular person, or the funniest person, or the person who speaks in public a lot. You may have those qualities, or you may not. It does mean that you think about the world around you and you take action to make it a better place.
Next Up’s goal is to equip you with the skills and tools needed to become an effective leader in movements for social and environmental change.
In Next Up, you will:
- Connect with like-minded peers in your community.
- Learn from local leaders working across issues and sectors – from public policy to grassroots activism.
- Learn about key issues in and solutions for social and environmental justice – like poverty, climate change and worker’s rights.
- Practice skills – like media relations, issue framing, organizing and facilitation.
Check out our 2016 Alumni Report to hear from Next Up grads about what they learned and value most about the program.
For more information on Next Up, visit Who We Are and to stay up to date on the application process, click here.