We are excited to announce Keisha DeCoste as our new Next UP Calgary Coordinator!

Keisha (she/her) is our Program Coordinator for Next Up Calgary, located on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional land of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina, Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta (Region 3).

Keisha’s work started with young people— with a bachelor’s in child, youth and family counselling, much of her early work centered around empowering youth voices and inspiring activism in young people. Her practice has included ‘boots on the ground’ experience working directly with children, youth and families in a compassionate, supportive and capacity-building manner.

Keisha is a queer woman passionate about advocacy, feminism, anti-oppressive frameworks, building community/individual capacity, allyship, biomimicry in social movements, accessibility, as well as pedagogical leadership.

Growing up in a low-income household and within the foster care system, Keisha is a trauma survivor and knows how trauma can color our experiences. She is passionate about creating trauma-informed spaces and believes strongly that through sharing our stories we can make connections rooted in positive common interests and create lasting change.

Applications for our Spring 2020 Next UP Sustainable Leadership Cohort open next week! Click HERE to be sent more information when applications are live!

Next UP Alberta is HIRING!

Program Coordinator, Calgary

& Program Coordinator, Edmonton

Job terms: Part-Time, contracted

Hours: 15 hours a week, flexible timing

Compensation: $24/hr

Dates: January/February  - June 2020

About Us:

Next UP is a national leadership program, primarily for young people ages 18-32, who are committed to social, economic and environmental justice. The social and environmental challenges that we face are big and interconnected and there aren’t simple answers! We believe that in order for us to actualize the kind of change that needs to happen, we need to understand many aspects of how change is made - both inside and outside of systems.

We seek to find anti-racist and decolonial strategies that challenge the root causes of social, economic and environmental injustices; specifically, exploitive and unsustainable economic systems, colonization, white supremacy and privilege, imperialism and cis-hetero-patriarchy. Although we recognize that we do not all share a vision on how best to do this, we seek to build solidarity among activists.

About You:

We are seeking focused, passionate, and motivated folks to be our Calgary and Edmonton Program Coordinators. The role requires excellent organizational skills and a good knowledge of group dynamics, facilitation, and project management.  We value lived experiences and diverse forms of education. Working alongside the Executive Director and our national team, the Next UP Calgary and Edmonton Coordinators will hold relational leadership and equity at the core of their work.

Asset Experiences:

• Excellent knowledge of economic, social and environmental justice, labour issues, anti-oppression issues, and progressive social movements, and their interconnections
• Knowledge of, and willingness to work within, anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks - and commitment to ongoing learning and reflection
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with participants, volunteers, and committees
• Experience in community development and public education, in order to build the capacity of diverse individuals and communities
• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects, campaigns, and event
• Experience creating promotional and educational materials
• Self-directed and ability to take initiative in a semi-structured work environment
• Ability to fundraise and engage with donors, or a willingness to learn
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational, office coordination, and time management skills

BONUS ASSETS:

• Experience managing budgets and finances
• Knowledge of social media and/or web design including NationBuilder

The Work:

Next UP is seeking Program Coordinators who are passionate about transforming oppressive systems of power and supporting popular education models of learning. Next UP is currently doing important and essential work on our own internal systems. This includes:

• deepening our commitment and approach to decolonization and equity,
• evaluating and enhancing core programming,
• and shifting to center relationships as our core principle.

With these priorities in mind, the primary role of Program Coordinator is to coordinate and facilitate the Next UP Leadership Cohort. Our Core Cohort program is a weekly convening of young progressive leaders, passionate about changing the way the world works, and committed to being active at the center of social change. The cohort experience invites learning from experienced mentors, folks across many sectors, and from one another. We provide a structure for participants to explore their own leadership strengths and training modules that provide concrete skills in how to make and advance social, economic, and environmental change.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinating all aspects of the Next UP programming, which includes: fundraising for the program; coordinating workshops; attending program sessions; coordinating workshop guests; working with participants, funders and partners; liaising with coordinators in other provinces; coordinating advisory committee meetings; maintaining a program budget within spending parameters; telling the Next Up story; and representing Next Up at events.

LOCATION:

Coordinators work from their own space, and must live in either:

• Edmonton - Amiskwaciwâskahikan on Blackfoot, Cree, Dene, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, and Métis Nation territory; specifically, the ancestral lands of the Papaschase C
• Calgary - Mohkinstsis, the lands of Nitsatapi Confederacy where the Lyarhe Nakoda, Danit'ada and Métis Nations live alongside the settlers of Treaty 7.

HOURS & REMUNERATION:

This is a part-time contracted position, with the possibility to extend. The Coordinator positions will be 15 hours/week; days worked based on candidate availability.  Remuneration for this position starts at a rate of $24/hour.

How to Apply:

By email to [email protected], including:

1. Subject Line: Application – Calgary Coordinator OR Edmonton Coordinator
2. A letter or video that tells us about yourself, your interest in working with Next UP, and answers the question: What kind of leadership do progressive movements need in this moment?
3. Your resume
4. Three (3) references
5. Please label your attachments: firstname_lastnameNU(Cal or Ed)

We value the unique experiences and insights from people from marginalized communities, and encourage applications from LGBTTQ+ people, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, low-income earners, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. If you wish to identify as a member of one or more of these groups, please indicate this in your application.

We encourage you to explore the Next UP Statement of Purpose and learn more about our leadership team on our websites: www.nextup.ca & www.geniusgenerations.org. If you have questions that aren’t answered by visiting our website, then send your questions by email to [email protected].

The deadline for applications is Saturday, December 28th, 2019 at 12:00pm MST

Next UP is a project of the Global Youth Education Network Society (genius), a national charity.

Next UP thanks all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

You can download the PDF for these job postings here.

This is a critical time. The normalization of neoliberalism, systemic oppressions and colonization, stalling of climate justice, and the rise in fascist attitudes are serious and complex problems of our time. I see Next UP grads across the country organizing, working in agencies and systems, and holding space for justice. I just can’t imagine this moment in time without the strength of folks just like you, working to create a better world for everyone. We also have work to do.

We need your support! Become a monthly donor!

Next UP is currently doing important and essential work on our own internal systems. This includes:

• deepening our commitment and approach to decolonization and equity,
• being critical of our role in perpetuating systems of harm,
• evaluating and enhancing core programming,
• and shifting to centre relationships as our core principle.

Frankly, this kind of content and container work can be a hard sell to large funders. We are currently relying on donations to sustain the work on these changes that we believe are absolutely necessary as we prepare to invest in the next generation of young justice leaders.

Please show your support for our evolution by becoming a monthly donor - for whatever amount feels right to you. If you are already a monthly donor, please consider increasing your donation. I would like to increase each city’s monthly donors by 10 supporters before the end of the year. With over 900 grads across the country, I know it’s possible! Next UP can’t do this work without your support.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW

Thank you for your support, ideas, and encouragement as we build up our capacity and make plans for the future. Together, we can make the world a more just and equitable place.

The Global Youth Education Network Society (genius) was formed in 2004 in Vancouver. The mission of genius is to build capacity in the progressive social change sector, including, but not limited to, youth organizations. The social and environmental challenges that we face are big and interconnected. There aren’t simple answers to many of the issues that we work on, so we believe that in order for us to actualize the kind of change that needs to happen, we need to understand many aspects of how change is made - both inside and outside of systems.

Our flagship program, Next UP, is a national leadership program for young people committed to environmental, economic, and social justice. We offer programs of varying lengths and focus on seven cities across Canada: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg & Ottawa. 

We seek to foster diverse strategies that challenge the root causes of social, economic and environmental injustices; specifically, exploitive and unsustainable economic systems, colonization, white supremacy and privilege, imperialism and cis-hetero-patriarchy. Although we recognize that we do not all share a vision on how best to do this, we seek to build solidarity among activists.  

We are seeking passionate and knowledgeable Board Members who can strengthen our work in organizational change and financial sustainability. It is time for us to rethink our systems and meaningfully address the root causes of inequity in the non-profit sector and our own organizing work. 

We appreciate lived experiences and diverse forms of education. We value the unique experiences and insights from people from marginalized communities, and encourage applications from LGBTTQ+ people, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, low-income earners, young people, the unemployed, and people with disabilities. If you wish to identify as a member of one or more of these groups, please indicate this in your application.

Although you don’t have to have been on a Board before, we are seeking new members with the following experience and interests:

• A background in fundraising, financial management, non-profit management, organizational change, grassroots organizing, popular education, or with related issues
• Knowledge of economic, social and environmental justice, labour issues, anti-oppression issues and movements, and their interconnections
• Knowledge of, and willingness to work within, anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks - and commitment to ongoing learning/un-learning and reflection
• Deep curiosity for transformative processes and the human spirit

Board Member Responsibilities:

• Provide active support for fundraising and development activities;
• Participate actively in meetings and committees;
• Attend events and activities as a representative;
• Be knowledgeable and informed about the mission, vision and strategic direction of genius;
• Support the work of genius by providing encouragement and support for the work of the staff and volunteers.

Time commitment:

On average, the genius board meets 6-8 times per year. Directors can attend in person or join by video conference. Board members are also encouraged to serve on working groups and committees, which involve additional meetings and working on deliverables independently or with others. Approximate time commitment is 5-10 hours per month.

Terms

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must commit to a 24 month term, renewable for additional terms
• Must live in a city where genius programs have been offered: Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver.

How to Apply:

By email to [email protected], including:

1.     Subject Line: Application – Board of Directors
2.     A letter or video that tells us about yourself, your interest in working with us, and answers the question: What role do you believe young people have in social change?
3.     Your resume
4.     Three (3) references
5.     Please label your attachments: firstname_lastnameBOD.docx and email to [email protected]

Applications accepted until all positions are filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  Please note that members of the Board serve on a volunteer basis and without remuneration (payment).

You can download the PDF of this call out here.

I am thrilled to welcome Paisley Nahanee to our staff team as Right Relations Director, in partnership with IndigenEYEZ.

Paisley Eva Nahanee is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation village of Eslha7an. She was raised by a family of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Matriachs that for generations have been pioneers of feminism, social justice, and racial equity. They inspired her and taught her to how to advocate for these things at an early age. Her approach to social change is always based in indigeneity and cultural teachings. It’s about sharing knowledge and stories to grow as a society. She practices calling in organizations, instead of calling out to include Indigenous people and ideologies in a post-colonial, post-capitalist society. You can read her full bio HERE.

It is time to rethink our systems and meaningfully address the root causes of inequity in the non-profit sector and our own organizing work.

Our mandate is to build capacity in the progressive movement to address issues of oppression and colonization, and, in doing that, we cannot neglect to confront our own ways of perpetuating systems of harm. Affirmed by the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action, there is a responsibility on social justice organizations to lead transformative change in reconciliation. We must listen first, understand organizational truths, and centre reciprocal relationships. There is a need for us to do some deep relationship-building in a way that weaves equity and recognizes Indigenous sovereignty through all aspects of our work.

As part of our continued priority to deepen and strengthen our equity and anti-oppression work within Next UP, I’m excited to learn with and from Paisley about decolonized spaces, as we build potential best practices together. Over the next few months, she will also lead other progressive youth to challenge how we talk about colonization and equity in the non-profit sector.

Welcome, Paisley!

This project is funded as part of the Vancouver Foundation’s LEVEL – Youth Granting.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to bring the Next UP cohorts together, and now it's time to re-connect. There’s a lot happening in the community right now and it’s becoming more and more vital for us to support one another, in whatever ways we can. We also want to share what’s happening with Next UP this year and hear your feedback.

You are invited to a casual information and feedback session this Saturday at Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-op from 1pm-4pm (905 20th St West). Selena (Next UP Executive Director) will be here to share what’s happening with Next UP and to hear what you need/want from our Next UP community in Saskatoon. All feedback is welcome and helpful! Whether we have 5 or 50 of us, it will be good to have you there.

If you can’t make it this weekend but would like to connect to discuss Next UP, or if you can offer support for the work ahead, please email Selena at [email protected] and she’ll be in touch.

Hope to connect soon,

Manuela Valle Castro, Next UP Saskatchewan Coordinator

It has been one year since I started as Executive Director with genius, and I would like to share with you my reflections on this past year, as well as inform you of what’s next and the ways in which we will need your support for the work ahead.

Reflecting Back

This past year has been one of transition and learning in so many ways. As an alumna of Next UP myself, it is an enormous privilege for me to be learning this new role within a community that I already care deeply about. I’ve felt supported in transitioning to work again with a toddler in tow - my daughter, Eloise, often joining a meeting, presentation, or video call. I’m listening and learning about what it means for me to be an ally and how to work in solidarity to challenge oppressive systems of power. I’ve also been busy connecting with countless grads, partners, and supporters who have shared with me their experiences of Next UP over the years. I’ve been surprised at just how different each of our programs are, and yet, I’m most struck by the deep sense of community.

Eloise on her way to the next intensive

Next UP has long been supported and held up in solidarity by the labour movement and progressive community, developing the program from the ground up. We would not be where we are today without the foundation you have all laid - your generosity of time, your sharing of expertise, critical funding, and on-the-ground support. With over 800 grads, the impact of your work is being seen throughout progressive movements! The past 13 years have also brought opportunities for growth and learning – Next UP programs have evolved, community needs have changed, and we are emboldened more and more by the network of grads and allies who are activating this work in new ways. 

We want to build on the already incredible work being done by grads and Next UP staff across Canada. This past year, our work included:

• Ten focused intensives across Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Saskatchewan;
• Connecting events in Vancouver, Saskatoon, and Ottawa to bring together Next UP alumna and other progressive youth;
• A condensed cohort in Edmonton;
• A gathering hub for social change leaders through our “Social Justice Sunday School” partnership in Saskatoon; 
• A game-jam and game-design program in Saskatoon that brought together Indigenous and racialized youth to explore their shared experiences of racism (with Inspirit Foundation and Neeched Up Games);
• Hired a Right Relations Director, to help lead us in decolonizing our own systems, and convene a dialogue series around colonial harm in organizing (in partnership with IndigenEYEZ).

Indigenous Youth in Action with Kim Haxton

So, What’s Next at Next UP?

As our communities face increased challenges, I see a vital role for young people in maintaining justice initiatives at both community and systems levels.I’ve heard from our network a need for Next UP to review our processes and refresh our curriculum to address the most pressing issues of this moment in time. This certainly isn’t a period of rest – it may even be the most challenging (and exciting!) work we’ve done yet! The work ahead includes:

• Finalizing our equity audit, to be shared in full;
• Deepening our commitment and approach to decolonization and equity with our Right Relations Director;
• Taking time this Fall to evaluate and enhance core programming, solidify funding relationships, and build capacity within Next UP;
• Preparing for the next generation of activists, with the goal of reanimating a cohort series in early 2020.

I can’t imagine doing any of this without the support of our network - YOU. Each conversation, email, and phone-call I’ve had this past year is influencing the work being done now. Your voice and feedback are so important to this process. In each region, we will be bringing grads and partners together to talk through some of these changes and to listen to what you and your communities need from Next UP.  Until then, we will keep you updated on events and progress via our Facebook page and emails like this one.  If you would like to reflect on your experience of Next UP and/or offer support in your city, please fill out this form HERE – and we’ll be in touch in September.

We’re Stronger, Together

Next UP was created with the belief that a better world is not just possible but is imperative; we must continue to support young leaders if we are to find solutions to our collective challenges. I believe in this mission, now, more than ever. The normalization of neoliberalism, systemic oppression and colonization, stalling of climate justice, and the rise in fascist attitudes are all serious and complex problems that are weaving their way into the fabric of our communities. We have an incredible opportunity this year to strengthen our response and model that justice work must also be JUST.

I’m grateful to have had such an incredible team and Board of Directors who really believe in social change and in our work together. I want to also thank all of you for the ways you have supported and contributed to Next UP over the past 13 years, including welcoming me through this year of transition. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and we’re excited for the work to come that will make the future even more resilient and Just. 

With gratitude,

Selena

Executive Director,

genius//Next UP//Organize BC

Today we celebrate Indigenous resilience and strength, creativity and innovation, diversity and relations. We must also think critically about the injustices Indigenous peoples experience every day. Direct erasure of Indigenous identities is continued today through exploitative and unsustainable economics, systemic white supremacist policies, normalized and unchecked racism, and settler-centred reconciliation. 

We commit to disrupt and dismantle colonial systems by persistently challenging our place on these lands and standing in solidarity with the rights for Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty. As we try and understand the truth that needs to come before reconciliation, here are some possible resources below.

Post any other resources you might want to share in the comments!

- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca

- Land Acknowledgement App: https://www.whose.land/en/

- Red Women Rising: http://dewc.ca/resources/redwomenrising

- 5 Actions you Can Take: http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/activist-toolkit-blog/2019/06/five-actions-take-national-indigenous-peoples-day?fbclid=IwAR2OlqBf43IbtIo5RPA8vgyjclIM8T1aOA2xGnLJ-COQ1opVaZZBfdbOdgE

- Indigenous Ally Toolkit: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/86d28ccd43d4be0cfc11c71a1/files/102bf040-e221-4953-a9ef-9f0c5efc3458/Ally_email.pdf

#NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay