Youth Policy-Makers Hub

Global problems like gender inequality and climate change affect people of all ages everywhere. These complex problems require holistic inter-generational approaches, diverse mindsets, multi-disciplinary methods and multi-sectoral dialogue. OCIC recognizes the wealth of knowledge, experience and leadership that youth leaders bring to the international cooperation sector in Ontario and beyond. We want to help enable the active participation of youth at local, national and international policy-making tables to inform decisions that concern their lives, future and the planet.

OCIC’s Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) seeks to engage diverse youth from across Ontario in international cooperation policy processes in support of Gender Equality, Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) action areas, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In doing so, we also hope to increase the awareness and interest of Ontarians, especially youth, in international cooperation and key global issues, and to offer opportunities for meaningful participation in advocacy and policy-making processes, meetings and delegations.

Selected members are expected to actively contribute to and participate in the YPH for 2-5 hours per week, in the following:

• monthly virtual engagements and brainstorming sessions  (starting August 12, 2023)
• monthly ‘Policy Matters’ learning series (starting September, 2023)
• in-person Retreat in Toronto (November 2023)
• opportunities to participate in engagement and advocacy activities, including developing knowledge products such as blog posts, handbooks and reports (starting November 2023)
• access to relevant regional, national and international gatherings and conferences 
• opportunities to engage with OCIC members and partners at collaborative events
• networking opportunities with policy makers and leaders

OCIC’s Youth Policy-Makers Hub (YPH) is a dynamic space for youth from across Ontario to meaningfully engage, build capacity, and make an impact on policy-making and advocacy efforts towards achieving gender equality and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Applications from youth representing historically marginalized communities and those who are mis- or under-represented in policy and advocacy spaces will have priority focus, as well as those located outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Are you:

• Living in Ontario and between the ages of 18-35 (by August 1, 2023)?
• Passionate about gender equality, social and environmental justice issues?
• Keen on utilizing your experience and ideas and deepening your capacity to contribute to advocacy and policy processes occurring at sub-national, national, and international levels?

As an equity seeking organization, OCIC encourages applications from individuals who represent the full diversity of communities in Canada, including complexities of intersecting identities such as ability, age, class, gender, race and sexual orientation.

Apply today!

How to Apply:

Please note that applications will be reviewed by Selection Committees composed of staff, Youth Policy Makers Hub alumni and members of the Council, and all applicants can expect to hear back from OCIC by August 7, 2023.

Click here to apply!