ACIC Programs
ACIC’s programs bring people together to learn, connect, and take action on global issues. Through our membership, youth, and internship programs, we create opportunities to build skills, share experiences, and strengthen connections across Atlantic Canada and internationally. Explore our program areas below to learn more and find ways to get involved.
Membership Programs
Our membership programs and micro-grants support members to strengthen their work, build connections, and engage communities across Atlantic Canada on global issues. Through funding opportunities, shared learning, and collaboration, we help members bring their ideas to life and expand their impact. Explore available programs and micro-grants below.
Symposia
Each year, ACIC holds our Symposium: a multi-day gathering full of transformative discussions, collaboration, and action. The Symposium brings together member organizations, partners, and practitioners from the international cooperation and Atlantic non-profit sectors to build capacity and learn from leaders and changemakers. We also host a Youth Voice stream at the Symposium for youth participants! The Youth Stream includes additional sessions and discussions tailored for youth in addition to attending the full Symposium. Information on the 2026 Symposium is coming soon.
Safer Spaces
ACIC’s Safer Spaces program creates opportunities for dialogue and learning around anti-racism, feminism, decolonization, and power within international cooperation. Through workshops, retreats, webinars, and more, ACIC and its members reflect on their practice and learn practical ways to make their work more equitable and inclusive.
Members' Public Engagement Fund
The Members’ Public Engagement Fund (MPEF) supports ACIC members in hosting public engagement activities through micro-grants of $1500. This long-standing program encourages members to develop creative and innovative events and plan with a gender lens. Many of these events build connections between global and local communities. Events are encouraged to take place during International Development Week, which takes place annually during the first full week of February.
Partnership Enhancement Fund
Through the Partnership Enhancement Fund (PEF), ACIC provides funding for organizations in the international cooperation sector to engage Atlantic Canadians as global citizens. Successful applicants receive a micro-grant up to $3500 to cover the travel expenses of an international partner they wish to bring to Atlantic Canada for public engagement events.
Youth Programs
Our youth and internship programs bring global citizenship and education to life through hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and community engagement. Participants explore global issues, build skills, and connect with communities across Atlantic Canada and internationally, discovering ways to take action on issues that matter to them. Explore our programs below to find an opportunity for you.
Internships (IYIP)
Jointly implemented by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation and the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) offers youth the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience through four-month internship placements with partner organizations in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Central America.
Global Citizenship Youth Conference
The annual youth gathering has taken many shapes over ACIC’s history, but it remains consistent in its goal to provide 15-17 year-olds the opportunity to think globally about social justice. Starting in 2023, ACIC has supported 2 youth storytellers — 1 videographer and 1 photographer — in sharing impact stories from their conference experiences.
Re-Imagining Development Gathering
The Re-Imagining Development Youth Gathering brings students and young professionals together for a weekend of learning, connection, and fresh perspectives on international development. Through conversations and activities with other young people, practitioners, and educators, participants explore global citizenship, share experiences, and build networks while re-imagining what development can look and feel like, locally and globally.
PhotoVoices
PhotoVoices connects young people in Atlantic Canada and internationally through photography and storytelling. Participants share perspectives on their lives, communities, and global issues, exploring themes such as identity, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. Through creative expression and cross-cultural learning, the program builds connections and deepens participants’ understanding of global citizenship.
Symposium Youth Voices
The Youth Voices stream at our annual Symposium ensures that young Atlantic Canadians (ages 19-29) have dedicated space to connect with their peers, learn about topics related to the symposium theme, and reflect on their own thoughts and experiences.