From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Caleigh Wong Veteran Research Partner Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs About Caleigh Caleigh Wong is a critical military studies scholar who has recently completed her Master’s in Political Science from McGill University where she attended as a McCall MacBain Scholar. She has testified on parliamentary studies, spoken to the Prime Minister, and been published in a number of journals on the topic of Canadian military culture and reform failure. Caleigh is the co-founder of the Asian Resilience Collective Canada, a non-profit focused on supporting Asian-Canadian civic engagement, and she currently works as a Veteran Research Partner at the Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Vicky Yee Executive Director Women's Fund Fiji About Vicky Vicky’s passion is localising social policy and integrating at grass root development including contributing to youth employment. Prior to joining ILO, Victoria worked at the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF). With her knowledge on private sector and business growth including MSME development, she brings this knowledge to the agenda of women in motion and development. Victoria holds a Bachelor in Applied Psychology and Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Master of Arts in Diplomacy & International Relations.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION María Inés Cuj Chopén General Coordinator, Administrator, and Certified Permaculturist The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) About María As IMAP’s Coordinator and Administrator, María Inés Cuj Chopén brings years of experience and passion to the topics of permaculture, biodiversity, food sovereignty, community education, reclaiming ancestral practices and institutional strengthening. With a degree in Public Accounting and Auditing and extensive coursework in social work, Ms. Cuj has a long track record of support for local organizations, including 12 years at IMAP and previously, 12 years as the Finance Director at the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging in San Lucas Tolimán. Through her leadership at IMAP, Ms. Cuj has helped the organization establish greater financial sustainability. She has also worked with youth and local farmers to help them reclaim ancestral knowledge of agricultural practices and the Maya cosmovision, including using the Cholq'ij count of days and the 13 nawales (energies of the day) to understand human beings and nature. She also represents IMAP in Guatemala’s National Network for the Defense of Food Sovereignty (REDSAG). Ms. Cuj is also passionate about sharing IMAP’s vital efforts to promote sustainability, biodiversity, and food sovereignty across borders and has participated in national and international knowledge exchanges and speaking tours, including a 2023 speaking tour in Maritimes Canada.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shelly Whitman Executive Director Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security About Shelly Dr. Shelly Whitman has dedicated her career to advocating for children's rights in conflict zones, serving as the Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security since January 2010. Under her leadership, the institute has gained international acclaim for its commitment to preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. A prominent subject matter expert, Dr. Whitman has played a crucial role in establishing key international agreements and policies for child protection. She is often invited to speak at global forums and provide media commentary on issues surrounding children, peace, and security. Her impactful work includes lobbying for Canada's signing of the Safe Schools Declaration and contributing to the development of NATO's Standard Operating Procedure on Children in Armed Conflict, along with the first Policy on Children for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Before joining the Dallaire Institute, Dr. Whitman worked on the inter-Congolese dialogue and the OAU Rwanda Genocide Report, while based at the UNICEF HQ in New York. Her academic career includes teaching International Development Studies and Political Science at various universities, where she introduced courses focused on children and armed conflict. Dr. Whitman's efforts have led to the establishment of over 20 memorandums of understanding with countries and institutions worldwide. She has co-authored pivotal documents such as the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which now has 106 endorsing nations. Her contributions to child protection have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Meritorious Service to Children and Veterans. With a steadfast commitment to inspiring change and hope for vulnerable populations, Dr. Shelly Whitman continues to lead the charge in advocating for children's rights in conflict zones globally.

Organizational Members Learn more about our organizational members. To join ACIC as an organizational member, apply here. Read the benefits of joining ACIC membership here. Aga Khan Foundation Canada Newfoundland and Labrador AKFC partners with Canadians and communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to build better futures together. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, we help build strong, healthy, and inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Next Ampersand Collaborations Perluete New Brunswick Ampersand Collaborations Perluète, based in New Brunswick, is a creative incubator for social, cultural, and policy innovation. Through collaborative arts and community development programming, they work across sectors and borders, engaging professionals and emerging voices alike. With a presence on five continents, their work is rooted in non-partisan service, learning, and responsive collaboration, guided by the principle: “we go where we are called.” We are Ampersand. The ampersand (&) is a stand alone character whose purpose is to connect. It is a symbol for “and per se, and”. Unlike most letters, its single use carries a meaning all on its own; however, its purpose is lost without being used to bring things together. Such is the mission of Ampersand Collaborations Perluète. To bring together elements that are better for their union; and, to capture evocative narrative and imagery to rigorously convey these interventions. To this end, the organization’s mandate is to service non-partisan interdisciplinary collaboration that address complex social problems and interpret their impact. Next Apex Language and Career College Nova Scotia Apex Language and Career College (ALCC) is a Halifax-based institution with over 25 years of experience supporting international students and newcomers to Canada. Committed to inclusive education, ALCC helps individuals build language skills, adapt to Canadian culture, and succeed in a globalized world. Next Black Business and Professional Network NB New Brunswick BBPN Inc. is a community of black businesses and professionals in New Brunswick. BBPN aims to find, develop, provide opportunities, and guide the black talent pool to excel in New Brunswick. In pursuing a better future for black people, BBPN consciously seeks to transform various challenges and obstacles into opportunities. Next Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala Solidarity Network Nova Scotia The Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network (BTS) is a voluntary network of people in the Maritimes who began to organize in 1988 to support the efforts of Guatemalans struggling for political, social, and economic justice. Next Coady International Institute Nova Scotia Established in 1959 by St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Coady Institute is committed to accompanying generations of global leaders skilled in the application of citizen-led, asset-based, and community-driven leadership for economic and social change. In collaboration with partners in Canada and across the globe, the Institute is committed to reducing poverty and transforming societies by strengthening local economies, by building resilient communities, and by promoting social accountability and good governance. Coady Institute is committed to breaking down and transforming the North-South divide by bringing people together to exchange innovations and learn from each other. Through relevant adult education programs, effective partnerships, and applicable research, Coady Institute is equipping community leaders and their organizations with the knowledge and practical tools needed to bring about the change they want for themselves. Next Community Forests International New Brunswick Community Forests International works in Canada and Zanzibar to protect and restore forests, help communities adapt to climate change, build economic prosperity, and champion social equality. Community Forests International is committed more than ever to centring not only forests but also climate justice in their vision, mission, and actions — understanding that by acting with justice people will be the restorative force that the world needs. Next Connecting to Africa Nova Scotia Connecting to Africa aims to facilitate opportunities for Nova Scotian groups and organizations of African descent to engage in partnerships with groups and organizations in Africa. The organization aims to engage in Africa’s development means to assist in the transformation and expansion of capacities for Nova Scotians of African descent, as well as Africans on the continent. Next Cooper Institute Prince Edward Island Cooper Institute is an education and community development centre in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada. The main program areas of the Cooper Institute are livable income for all, food sovereignty, democracy, diversity and inclusion, protection of land and water, and improving lives of migrant workers in the province. Within these programs, they conduct research and popular education projects on provincial, national, and international level. Next Dalhousie University, Government and Global Relations Nova Scotia Next Dalhousie, Faculty of Agriculture International Office Nova Scotia Founded in 1905, Dalhousie's Agricultural Campus has come of age and stands at the threshold of a new era in agricultural education, training and research. The Faculty of Agriculture is a Canadian agricultural college and faculty of Dalhousie University located in Bible Hill, Nova Scotia and offers the only university level programs in agriculture in Atlantic Canada. Next Dalhousie, International Development Studies (IDS) Department Nova Scotia Dalhousie's IDS department is one of top development studies programs in Canada and train people to be active, engaged and informed citizens. Next Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security Nova Scotia The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security is an institute at Dalhousie University that works to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers in armed violence and transform the cycles of violence. General Dallaire founded the Child Soldiers Initiative in 2007 and Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provided a home to the initiative in 2010. Since those early days, the organization has evolved extensively from a training development initiative to one that has applied research and learning that guides operational concepts and, at its core, contributes to a key gap in the peace and security architecture. In 2020, the Initiative became the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security, an international repository of expertise, research and advocacy to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. Next Ecology Action Centre Nova Scotia The Ecology Action Centre is a member-based environmental charity in Nova Scotia. Since 1971, they've taken leadership on critical environmental issues from biodiversity protection to climate change to environmental justice. The Ecology Action Centre acts as watchdog, convener, mobilizer and incubator, and engages community to create systemic change in the face of urgent, complex environmental issues. Next Farmers Helping Farmers Prince Edward Island Initially called the International Family Farm Exchange Association, this registered charity is now simply known as Farmers Helping Farmers. Working with their partners in Kenya, they have carried out several hundred development projects, worth more than $10 million Canadian, including funds contributed by CIDA. These projects are estimated to have touched the lives of at least 100,000 people and they're still going strong after more than 35 years. Next International Sustainable Community Assistance Prince Edward Island ISCA-AIDC creates opportunities for communities in need by helping them build sustainable agriculture systems. In its work, ISCA-AIDC strives to adhere to the values of right of self determination, dignity of individual, mutual respect, fairness, participatory process, project sustainability, sustainability and cooperative approaches. Next Latin American Mission Program Prince Edward Island The Latin American Mission Program began in 1967 in response to the Second Vatican Council call to share church personnel with developing countries, especially Latin America. Latin America Mission Program offers a challenging, first-hand experience on how most of the world’s population live. LAMP welcomes youth (or those young at heart) to participate in the Dominican Republic Faith & Justice Experience. Next Lunch in the Woods Consulting Nova Scotia Lunch In the Woods Consulting’s mission is to inspire and empower Canadians to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for their local and global communities. At Lunch in the Woods, they aim to inspire and empower Canadians to embrace mindfulness, engage in Truth, Reconciliation and Agenda 2030, foster global communities and be proactive global citizens. They aim to create communities filled with laughter, joy, peace, and deep connections while supporting individuals to contribute to this sense of inter connectedness. Their clients actively contribute to the SDGs and Agenda 2030, creating a world of social justice, environmental sustainability, and meaningful relationships. Next Marine Institute International Newfoundland and Labrador As a campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Fisheries and Marine Institute is Canada’s most comprehensive centre for education, training, applied research and industrial support for the ocean industries. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, they are one of the most respected centres of marine learning and applied research in the world. The Marine Institute provides more than 30 industry-driven programs ranging from technical certificates to PhDs. Next Memorial University, Internationalization Office Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial University is committed to internationalization, international co-operation, studentmobility and cultural sensitivity. They welcome international visitors and strive to collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, governments, foundations, benefactors and alumni around the world in order to enrich research and teaching, and to ensure they offer outstanding programs for faculty and students. Next Mount Allison University New Brunswick Mount Allison has been ranked Canada’s #1 undergraduate university by Maclean’s magazine more times than any other university. The University offers a flexible liberal arts and sciences education that prepares students for any career path and to enter into professional and graduate programs. Mount Allison prides itself on providing a high-quality academic experience, combined with a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in a close-knit community. The University has been ranked the top undergraduate university in Canada by Maclean’s magazine’s annual University Rankings more times than any other university. Mount Allison prides itself on providing a high-quality academic experience through degrees, programs, and certificates. A high percentage of Mount Allison’s graduating students move on to graduate programs or professional schools such as law and medicine. Next NL Eats Community Outreach Inc., Newfoundland Newfoundland and Labrador NL Eats’ mission is to help families in need throughout the St. John’s Metro Area by providing them with hampers of food and essentials. NL Eats also focused on educating community members, especially about topics related to food insecurity. NL Eats’ dedicated team of over 85 volunteers has assisted more than 1300 families thus far. Next North Star Skills for Development Nova Scotia The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. The company can be contacted to engage in short-term consulting assignments abroad, or for in-Canada mentoring of those interested in working abroad. Next Pure Gold Foundation New Brunswick Pure Gold Foundation works to empower and equip young people to develop positive values, have a growth mindset, and become well-grounded in their identity through transformative training. The organization envisions a future where young individuals confidently embrace their true potential, contributing positively to society while embracing their diverse backgrounds and identities. Next Saint Mary's University, Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office Nova Scotia Saint Mary's University's Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office provides students the opportunity to round out their education with hands-on experience and international connections by studying abroad. They are committed to ensuring an equitable opportunity in their study abroad programs and providing high-quality international learning experiences for students of all abilities and backgrounds. Next Tatamagouche Centre Nova Scotia Tatamagouche Centre is a non-profit educational, conference and retreat centre located in the village of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Tatamagouche Centre holds international recognition for its adult education and facilitation training and programming. Next University of New Brunswick - School of Leadership Studies (Renaissance College) New Brunswick Founded in 2000, Renaissance College is UNB’s School of Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies and the first initiative of its kind in Canada. It remains at the forefront of leadership education in the country. They combine innovative teaching methods, rigorous academic content and experiential learning opportunities in small classes that together create a unique educational experience. Next University of Prince Edward Island - Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture Prince Edward Island University of Prince Edward Island's Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture program explicitly connects the communication skills and leadership training of a liberal arts education to successful post- graduation employment. This degree program is defined by its focus on the transferability of the written, oral and visual communication skills, the critical thinking, and the cultural awareness acquired during a liberal arts education to the world beyond academia. Technical skills, work-integrated learning (internships, cooperatives, workplace-generated projects), and career-related mentoring are key components of its design. Next Venture2impact Nova Scotia Venture 2 Impact uses human centered design and design thinking to approach complex challenges and work with global communities to increase digital resilience and advance gender equity, education, economic opportunity, and well-being for all. Next WUSC (World University Service of Canada) Nova Scotia WUSC is a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. We bring together a diverse network of students, volunteers, schools, governments, and businesses who share this vision. Together, we foster youth-centered solutions for improved education, economic, and empowerment opportunities to overcome inequality and exclusion in over 15 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Next Wisdom2Action Consulting Limited Nova Scotia Wisdom2Action (W2A) is a social enterprise and consulting firm specializing in community engagement, creative facilitation, research and evaluation, knowledge mobilization and equity, diversity and inclusion. Wisdom2Action incorporated as a business with a social enterprise commitment in 2019, building on their legacy as a national knowledge mobilization network, founded in 2013, supporting youth serving organizations across Canada. Next Youth Art Connection Nova Scotia YAC supports and trains youth from marginalized backgrounds to use their artistic skills to develop personal economic development skills (business, careers, personal money management), diversifies the local economy (supporting youth from diverse backgrounds including immigrants and refugees to participate in the work force), as well as social end community engagement through focused social impact projects, or integrating artistic skillsets into larger projects or organizations focused on development. While YAC focusses on meeting youth ‘where they are at’; locally, their goal, as the name states, is to CONNECT them to provincial, national and international opportunities. Next

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Joseph Fitkowski Project Alumnus International Youth Internship Program About Joseph Joseph Fitkowski is an alumnus of the 2024 International Youth Internship Program, and served in Nairobi, Kenya with Colleges and Institutes Canada. A graduate of Dalhousie University's Master of Arts in Political Science (2023) and Western University's Master of Arts in History (2020) programs, he has always been interested and fascinated by how governments, institutions, and individuals create and propagate narratives, and how policy, especially those in illiberal regimes or those facing democratic backsliding, is framed in historical contexts. He has recently relocated to St. John's, and is excited to return to the East Coast.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Max-Prosper Fortuna Deputy Director le Centre Haitien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence) About Max-Prosper Max-Prosper Fortuna is an Economist-Statistician and communicator, graduate of the Center for Planning Techniques and Applied Economics (CTPEA). Graduate of the Coady International Institute at St Francis Xavier University in Canada, in Action Research and Community Development. He has led several studies throughout Haiti, including the “National Youth Survey – Haiti 2015” with the Haitian Center for Leadership and Excellence. Max-Prosper Fortuna is also a trainer, researcher and entrepreneur. He has several years of experience in technology management and journalism. He is a young multilingual leader committed to community building. He is the Deputy Director at CLE after having been in charge of Programs, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning since January 2016, Research and Development Manager, Curriculum and Facilitation Coordinator.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Bright Kwame Fiaga Founder and President International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (ICIEE) About Bright Bright Kwame FIAGA is the Founder and President of the International Council for Immigration, Entrepreneurship and Employment (CIIEE International), and President of the National Commission of Inquiry and Investigation of the Consumers League of Togo (LCT). Winner of the Pan-African Young Exceptional African Award, Bright is a dedicated entrepreneur and an active member of both Togolese and African civil society. He is deeply involved in advocacy and awareness-raising efforts with the African Consumer Organization (OAC), and is an alumnus of the Africa Youth and Governance Convergence (AYGC) in both 2019 and 2023. Bright believes that civil society is the best space for preparing the next generation of citizens to live impactful lives. Since 2018, he has served as the Peace and Security Officer of the AfriKa Youth Movement (AYM), Togo hub. With over twelve years of experience in entrepreneurship and business management, Bright provides professional advice and entrepreneurial training to youth and women in his community. Recognized for his commitment, in 2018 he was selected by the U.S. Embassy in Togo to participate in the country’s first high-level international conference on social enterprises. Bright is especially passionate about the issue of irregular migration. “The sea has made too many mothers cry in Africa and elsewhere,” he says. Since 2017, he has actively worked to discourage risky and illegal migration, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of irregular immigration and the benefits of safe, informed, and responsible pathways. In December 2023, he founded CIIEE International, through which he continues to champion youth entrepreneurship and legal migration strategies. In July 2024, he received an international honorary distinction for his work in Nairobi, Kenya.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Ashley Rerrie Program Officer Equality Fund About Ashley Ashley Rerrie (she/her) is a Program Officer at the Equality Fund. With a decade of experience with grants management and international development work focused on gender equality and social justice, Ashley is passionate about building relationships for transformative change. She has been a part of Equality Fund’s Global Programs team for four years. Ashley is a Cooperation Canada Emerging Leader and participates in the broader sector policy and advocacy work around issues like localization, direction and control, and the Grants & Contributions Transformation Initiative. She lives in Aylesford, Nova Scotia, with her dog Mango.

Re-Imagining Development Gathering ACIC’s Re-imagining Development, invites post-secondary students and young professionals in fields of global solidarity/international development to participate in a gathering of the unlearning, co-learning, and re-imagining of ‘international development’. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program In a time where global solitary is more important than ever, join us in exploring alternatives to development that center global AND local solidarity, decolonization, restorative justice, and more. This gathering will serve as an opportunity to learn important skills and knowledge related to practice in global solidarity sectors. To foster a learning environment at the gathering a mix of mediums will be used, including: restorative panels, virtual speakers (to bring in subject matter experts from outside the region), small and large group discussions/workshops, site visits to places of interest related to gathering topics, etc.). Why get involved: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in fields of global solidarity Learn about alternative frameworks to development that foster communities of solidarity and liberation Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to global solidarity ACIC offers gathering participants access to Linkedin Learning. This provides the opportunity to discover and develop skills through expert-led course videos, in courses on gender equality, climate change, allyship, non-profit management, fundraising, marketing, technology, and more The gathering is free of charge, and food and accommodation are provided. ACIC arranges and covers the expense of all travel for participants Application Process Important details: All meals, travel, and accommodation are provided For more information, contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org The deadline to apply is December 10, 2025 Important Dates Important details: The deadline to apply is December 10, 2025 Gathering dates: January 23-25 Travel dates (if needed): January 22nd and 26th Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 19-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be pursuing a career in local/global solidarity Application Details Apply by: December 10, 2025 Learn More

Youth Advisory Council ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has a deep commitment to providing youth programs which reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth and programs that create opportunities for youth to connect, learn, act, and reflect, on what it means to be active global citizens committed to social justice, community development, and effecting change, both locally and globally, in sustainable ways. ACIC is deeply committed to fostering youth leadership as a cornerstone of building just, equitable, and sustainable communities. Guided by our values of justice through participation, lived experience, and lifelong learning, we actively create space for youth to lead, advise, and co-create within our programs and strategic directions. Our commitment to decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality ensures that youth, particularly those from equity-deserving communities, are not only engaged but are essential voices in shaping inclusive, transformative action across the international cooperation sector. Through intentional mentorship, reciprocal learning, and resourced participation, we honour youth power as vital to ACIC’s present and future. To strengthen this commitment, ACIC’s Youth Advisory Council will bring together 4 Atlantic Canadian youth, aged 19-25, to ensure youth voices are centered in our youth programming. ACIC Youth Advisory Council members will: Learn about and support ACIC’s values and strategic plan Provide feedback on youth programming initiatives Guide ACIC on best practices and strategies for youth engagement and outreach Contribute to and benefit from mentor/mentee relationships Gain skills related leadership, strategic planning, proposal development, design and implementation of programs Commit 5-7 hours/month to Youth Advisory meetings, professional development sessions, independent work, meeting with ACIC staff, and possible event attendance Access the ACIC Symposium at no cost and Youth Advisory Council training from June 16 - 20 Application Process Applications close May 19th. Successful applicants will receive a $500 honorarium for the commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org . Important Dates Applications close May 19th. ACIC Symposium 2025 - June 18-19, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Application Criteria: Be between the ages of 19-25 Be able to commit 5-7 hours/month from June 2025 to February 2026 Have experience working with youth who are younger and/or younger than themselves Be passionate about creating opportunities and spaces for youth to engage, learn, and act in meaningful way to their communities, both locally and globally Understand the importance of creating programs that are inclusive and that reflect the diversity of Atlantic Canadian youth Application Details Apply by: May 19, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Wayn Hamilton Board Member Connecting to Africa About Wayn Wayn was born in what he calls the Republic of Beechville; a small Black community established in the late 1700s on the outskirts of metro Halifax. He attended Dalhousie University and received a Bachelor of Arts in African Studies and a Bachelor of Education with a major in Language Arts. Wayn also has a Master’s in Planning and Development from the University of Guelph’s School of Rural Planning and Development. Wayn has worked and lived in Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone. His overseas assignments focused on organizational and strategic planning as well as program design and resource analysis. While working in West Africa he supported a variety of civil society groups involved in grass roots community development. In November 2005, Wayn was selected to develop a framework and strategic plan for the province of Nova Scotia to address longstanding issues in the Black communities. He created the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA). He led ANSA’s ongoing work in the core business areas of government relations, negotiations, outreach, and communication. He guided the mandate and provided the leadership for community capacity development and relationship building between government and community. He was responsible for the overall planning, coordinating, managing operations and the legislative mandate of ANSA. He stayed on to work at ANSA until the fall of 2022 as the Executive Director. He plays with a percussion ensemble called Drummers From Home and is also a board member for Connecting to Africa (CTA). CTA is a non-profit, pan African group seeking to increase awareness, advocacy and action partnerships with African Nova Scotian organizations and like-minded groups in Africa. Over the years CTA has organized more than 8 Connecting to Africa Learning Projects to West Africa. His inspiration is Dr. Marie Hamilton (his Mom) and anyone with a genuine passion to make positive changes in their life…the life of their community and beyond.