From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Cristina Jerez Fair-Trade Coffee Marketing Coordinator Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala About Cristina Cristina Jerez is a Central American immigrant from El Salvador living in London, Ontario located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Lünaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples. She holds a master in Global Development Studies from Saint Mary’s University, where she completed research on North American trade and the environment. There, she also participated in a Digital Narratives project with signatories of peace in Colombia. Currently, she is the Fair-Trade Coffee Marketing Coordinator for Breaking the Silence Maritimes-Guatemala. Cristina is passionate about global justice, post-conflict reconstruction, and grassroots approaches to peace and development.

Symposium Youth Stream 2023 As part of the ACIC Symposium Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health, and Well-Being for All, ACIC is seeking aspiring professionals (aged 18-29) to participate in the Symposium’s Youth Stream. The Youth Stream provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their peers and professionals working in the field of International Cooperation, engage in networking opportunities, as well as learn about topics related to the symposium theme, all while reflecting on how this work impacts communities at the local and global levels. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program As part of the ACIC Symposium Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health, and Well-Being for All , ACIC is seeking aspiring professionals (aged 18-29) to participate in the Symposium’s Youth Stream. The Youth Stream provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their peers and professionals working in the field of International Cooperation, engage in networking opportunities, as well as learn about topics related to the symposium theme, all while reflecting on how this work impacts communities at the local and global levels. This year's symposium will explore the web of factors that shape our society, and the role money and resources play in both creating disparities and elevating poverty in the world. The Symposium will delve into the complex dynamics of how individuals and organizations can fund change while championing equity, and exploring the global and local shifts necessary to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. As an aspiring professional, you will: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in International Cooperation Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to International Cooperation Build your resume and gain transferable skills for future careers Program Components A 1-hour session before the Symposium where participants can connect with other members of the youth stream Attend the ACIC Symposium, in person, on October 27 & 28 on Charlottetown, PEI Engage with ACIC members, and professionals to explore the ins and outs of the international cooperation sector A 1-hour debrief meeting for youth to reflect on their experience of the Symposium, share what they learned, and discuss the next steps for applying those learnings to their professional ambitions Complete a reflective assignment on their experience at the symposium Please Note: All expenses (food, transportation, accommodation) will be covered by ACIC for four youth, one from each Atlantic province, to attend the Symposium in person Application Process Interested youth are encouraged to apply by October 15, 2023 (11:59 PM) by filling out the form at this link. Important Dates Apply by October 15, 2023 Symposium will be held in Charlottetown, PE, on October 27 & 28 Eligibility Criteria Be between the ages of 18-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be available to attend the Symposium in person (October 27 & 28) ACIC recognizes that youth may have class and prior commitments and can provide a letter regarding the delegation that youth can share with teachers/employers if they need to request a change to their regular class or work schedule. Application Details Apply by: October 15, 2023 Learn More

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.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Andrew Smith Director General, Pan-African Affairs Global Affairs Canada About Drew Andrew (Drew) Smith is the Director General, Pan-African Affairs at Global Affairs Canada. Drew has over 30 years of experience in the field of international development and international relations, this includes policy development, programming and field operations. Drew co-led the design and launch of Canada’s $1.6 billion International Assistance Innovation Program. He has worked as Canada’s Head of Cooperation in Vietnam and has managed development assistance programs throughout the Asia Pacific region. Prior to becoming the Director General for Pan-African Affairs, Drew was the Director General for International Assistance Policy from 2019 to 2024, where he led Canada’s engagement on development issues at the G7, G20 and the OECD, and oversaw Canada’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goals finance discussions at the UN. Drew has served as Canada’s G7 Senior Development Official and is a member of the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Drew holds a PhD in political science and international relations from the Australian National University.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz Biodiversity Program Coordinator, Seed Bank Administrator, Permaculture Educator The Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute (IMAP) About Patrik Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz has worked at IMAP for 12 years, where he heads the Biodiversity Program and runs IMAP’s seed bank for native and heirloom seeds. The seed bank helps provide access to seeds for organic farmers that make up IMAP’s network of producers, while preserving a diversity of climate-adapted native seed varieties. As a certified permaculturist, permaculture educator, and talented photographer, Mr. Mucia shares his passion for sustainable, ancestrally-rooted agricultural practices widely, facilitating trainings for local farmers and students, and running IMAP’s communications and social media. Mr. Mucia has promoted biodiversity, community agriculture, recuperation of ancestral practices, and native seed saving nationally and internationally through his participation in conferences and knowledge exchanges in England, India, Mexico, and the U.S.

IDW Youth Funding 2024 To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th and, of course, meet provincial public health guidelines. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th and, of course, meet provincial public health guidelines. Events can be around any theme broadly related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but they must take place during the week of February 5th-11th to add to International Development Week celebrations across the country. You can host the event as an individual, or a group, in your school, university, online, in partnership with a local business. Successful candidates will receive up $300 to put towards their event. Event objectives are to: Create awareness of the SDGs and IDW in Atlantic Canada Support and celebrate local youth and community members who are using innovative methods to positively impact their communities at home and/or abroad Create opportunities for youth to gain skills in engagement, facilitation, event planning, and more! Application Process For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org Important Dates Eligibility Criteria Application criteria: Youth must be between the ages of 15 to 30, living in Atlantic Canada (NS, PEI, NB, NL) The event must take place between Feb 5th and 11th, 2024 The event will clearly be related to one, or more, of the Sustainable Development Goals The event must clearly outline who will attend, the objectives of the event, and how the event will meet these objectives The event will be creative and interactive to ensure good participation of those attending Show how youth planning the event will ensure good attendance Application Details Learn More

PhotoVoices 2026 Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Stories are powerful: they weave people and experiences together and shape how we see the world. Knowing the impact and value of a well-told story, ACIC’s PhotoVoices Program empowers youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos. Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the Global South use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore various topics related to social justice, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Gender inequality is deeply rooted in our society. Women and girls worldwide are under-represented in leadership positions, refused access to education, economic empowerment, and essential health services, and are targeted victims of violence and discrimination. While all women face inequality, the consequences can be harsher for those coping with intersectional factors. Not all women share the same experiences, therefore strategies for change must also consider the effects of race, class, age, sexuality, ability, and nationality. Solutions to address these issues must be led by self-determining people in collaboration with their Communities and Nations. Given this reality, the 2025 PhotoVoice program will focus on youth who identify as girl/women and/or Two Spirit. Why get involved: Share, network, and collaborate with like-minded youth living in Atlantic Canada and the Global South Develop skills in photography, communication, social justice action, storytelling, and more! Opportunity to learn how to address community needs, concerns, planning, and other lived realities Important details: All activities will take place online Must have access to a stable internet connection and laptop or desktop computer or tablet. If stable internet access or equipment access could be a challenge but you are interested in applying, please mention this in the application form below. The program will run for 6 weeks from January 18 and February 22, 2026 (Sunday mornings) Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $150 honorarium for the time and commitment. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org More information about the program: To achieve program goals, the PhotoVoices Program uses Participatory Action Research and the process of photovoice as a visually effective and transforming process, which helps to communicate diverse understandings and needs. It is most useful in: Empowering marginalized and underserved individuals & communities Connecting disparate community voices Raising awareness & action on community issues Evaluating collaborative initiatives Reaching and motivating decision makers (McRuer, J (July 2020). Photovoice: A Basic Guide to Support Participatory Action Processes for Transformative Community Building) If you are an international organization interested in partering with us for our 2026 PhotoVoices program, you can learn more and apply here! Application Process Application process: You can apply for ACIC’s PhotoVoices program at this link Important Dates The program will run for 6 weeks from January 18 and February 22, 2026 (Sunday mornings) Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 17-29 Be living in Atlantic Canada Identify as girl/woman and/or Two Spirit identified Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 6 weeks between January 2026 and February 2026, for Zoom sessions and program work such as taking photos, connecting with group members, and reflecting on the program process Show interest in learning from others and sharing aspects of their own lived experiences, communities, and analysis with youth from other regions of Atlantic Canada and other countries Application Details Apply by: November 10, 2025 Learn More

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Eileen Alma Executive Director Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University About Eileen Eileen Alma is the Executive Director at Coady Institute, St. Francis Xavier University and held this position since June 1, 2022. She previously held the position of Director, International Centre for Women’s Leadership at Coady Institute, overseeing programming and partnerships on women’s leadership and gender equality nationally and internationally including initiatives for Indigenous women leaders and communities, and the development of the Circle of Abundance program initiative. Eileen has more than 30 years of interdisciplinary experience in international program development, management, research and practice. Prior to joining Coady Institute, Eileen worked with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) for twenty years, as Program Officer in Social and Economic Policy areas as well as with the Embassy of Ethiopia in Canada. Eileen currently serves on the Board of Directors for Cooperation Canada. She is also a facilitator with Hope for Mental Health NS. She has served on technical committees for ICARDA, CGIAR and review committees for SSHRC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Eileen holds a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Management (ethno-political) and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from Royal Roads University.

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 Elder Joe Michael Elder in Residence Acadia University About Joe Joe Michael is a respected Mi’kmaw Elder, Pipe Carrier, and Sacred Fire Keeper from Sipekne’katik First Nation, known for his lifelong commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and leadership. With over 27 years of experience as a police officer and security professional, he has helped shape national approaches to Indigenous community policing and continues to support conflict resolution and leadership development across sectors. Joe is the creator of The River Stone Journey and a trusted advisor, educator, and speaker who brings Mi’kmaw teachings to institutions, youth, and community spaces. He is also a co-producer of L’NUK 101: Finding Common Ground , using storytelling and media to foster deeper understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Through his work, Joe creates space for reflection, healing, and connection grounded in Mi’kmaw values and ceremony.

Research & Publications The South through the Northern Eye ACIC coordinated project The South through the Northern Eye explored issues around the images of the developing world found in the media and advertising. This report examines some of the tensions around how images are used in NGO fundraising, what they represent, and the debates on changing the way we use images depicting the Global South in the field of development. Download Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy recognizes that supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is the best way to build a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world. To do this, it supports targeted investments, partnerships, innovation and advocacy efforts with the greatest potential to close gender gaps and improve everyone’s chance for success. Download Engagement canadien pour éliminer la pauvreté dans le monde L’engagement canadien pour éliminer la pauvreté dans le monde, un sondage commandité par le Réseau de coordination des Conseils (RCC), explore l’efficacité de l’engagement sur les enjeux liés à la pauvreté au Canada. Mené en 2012 par Vision Critical, le sondage offre une meilleure compréhension des connaissances, opinions, attitudes et comportements des Canadiennes et des Canadiens en lien avec le travail sur la pauvreté mondiale, tout en montrant la valeur que les Canadiennes et les Canadiens accordent à cette question. Download Maximizing Development Impact of Canada's DFI A policy paper on how Canada can draw on international best practice as it shapes its new. Download Atlantic Resilience The purpose of this study was to understand the creativity, adaptability, and challenges of ACIC’s members during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to share learnings, resources, and best practices that have emerged. Members include non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals across all four Atlantic Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia), doing community work both domestically and in international partnerships. Download Canadian Engagement on Global Poverty Issues The Inter-Council Network (ICN) commissioned poll, Canadian Engagement on Global Poverty Issues, explores engagement effectiveness on global poverty issues in Canada. Conducted in 2012 by Vision Critical, the poll offers a deeper understanding of Canadian’s knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and behaviours on global poverty work, while demonstrating the value Canadians place on the subject. Download Global Citizen's Guide This guide outlines a number of ways we can all get more involved with our local and global communities. It offers tips on volunteering, ethical consumption, engaging in democracy, organising events, internships, and much more. It also profiles a number of Atlantic Canadians just like you that are working to make the world a better place. Download Medicine Wheel Evaluation Framework Through our First Voices project, ACIC developed the Medicine Wheel Evaluation Framework as a participatory evaluation tool to help us better evaluate the project's impact. This guide is intended to introduce the reader to the Medicine Wheel, outlining its history and uses, and to show how the Medicine Wheel can be used as an evaluation framework. Download Books Beyond Borders Books Beyond Borders is a tool created to help people interested in starting globally focused book clubs in their own communities. It offers suggestions on how to set up a book club, a recommended reading list of some of our members' favourite books, and ideas on how you can get involved locally in some of the issues you read about. Download Canadian Perspectives on International Development This public opinion poll was commissioned to gain an understanding of Canadians’ knowledge of, opinions on, and engagement in global poverty issues in 2015. It builds on similar polls conducted in Canada, such as the 2012 Canadian Engagement in Global Poverty Issues poll by the ICN, and those conducted in other G7 countries through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Narrative Project. Download ICN Submission to the Canada Revenue Agency's Consultation on the Political Activities of Charities This submission is based on data from a joint survey conducted by the ICN and CCIC. It sets out 4 overarching recommendations that highlight the important policy work done by charities and the unique challenges that the current regulations impose on Small and Medium-Sized Organizations (SMOs) as well as charities that work internationally. Download Responding to the Changing Global Development Context: How Can Canada Deliver? In this report, we highlight key messages in areas that resonate strongly with Canada’s new strategy. This includes the landscape of development is changing, and so are the politics, leaving no one behind and focusing on the poorest presents new challenges and a new normal for donors and Canada’s approach to risk and risk tolerance, and pragmatism about resources, time-frames and results are key factors that will determine the success of its feminist international assistance policy Download

Newfoundland and Labrador Members Connect with our Newfoundland and Labrador Members, learn more about how they are making the world a more just, equitable and sustainable world. If you are from Newfoundland and Labrador and would like to join our membership, or learn about a member, reach out to Membership Manager, Raushni Abraham at Raushni@acic-caci.org . Organizational Members Aga Khan Foundation Canada 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. Learn More Marine Institute International 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. Learn More Memorial University, Internationalization Office 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. Learn More NL Eats Community Outreach Inc., Newfoundland 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. Learn More Individual Members Heather Dicks Heather brings with her over a decade of experience working in the field of International Development; this includes work with the Canadian government, the United Nations, and several non-governmental organizations in numerous countries across the globe. At present, she is completing a PhD within the Sociology Department at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; her thesis research is centered on the nexus between International Development and Migration. She is also currently working on a SSHRC-funded mixed-methods research project exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on Small and Medium-sized Organizations working in Canada’s foreign aid sector. This research project is being led by the University of Guelph in partnership with the Spur Change Program. Concurrently she is working on a separate SSHRC-funded quantitative research project led by Memorial University in partnership with McMaster University. This project is exploring connections between remittance sending behaviors of Canadian immigrants and foreign aid. She holds a master’s degree in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations from Carleton University. Kevin O'Shea Kevin O'Shea is the Executive Director of the Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN). Currently living in St. John's, NL, Kevin was called to the bar as a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2011. Louise Webb Mohammad Mashrur Sakib Khan Mohammad is an experienced business organization consultant with a law degree who Managed a team of 30+ people in Europe to expand the company into 12 new locations—achieved a 20% annual growth in sales in a startup which was a noteworthy milestone in his career. Additionally, Mohammad has developed a fully satisfied customer concept for repetitive business. During his career, Mohammad has worked in various organizations, gaining skills such as time and team management, inventory management, budgeting, underwriting, analytical ability, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc. Rose Gyesi Rose Gyesi is a graduate student studying political science at Memorial University. She is currently a student writer and blog content creator of the Political Science Graduate student association of Memorial University. She aspires to become an international Policy analyst and an active global citizen. Valeri Pilgrim Valeri Pilgrim is the Manager, Aboriginal Resource Offive at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in St. John’s. She has been associated with the Aboriginal Resource Office of MUN since January 2011. She was first hired by Memorial University as the Aboriginal Liaison Officer with the Aboriginal Resource Office for three and a half years. In June, 2014 she took the position of International Student Advisor with the Internationalization Office (IO) where she remained until November, 2018. When the opportunity came up Valeri returned to the Aboriginal Resource Office as Manager in November, 2018. She considers her experiences working with Indigenous and international students extremely valuable, and has always felt enlightened and humbled by students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. In the 1990’s Valeri studied her undergraduate degree in anthropology & sociology at UNB, Fredericton and later completed a Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Oslo in Norway where she lived for two and a half years with her then 7 year old daughter, Kirsten. She self identifies as a Kablunângajuk which is essentially a mix between Inuk (singular for Inuit) and European settler in Labrador. She feels blessed to have grown up in the Inuit community of Nain in Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) and is a beneficiary of the Nunatsiavut Government. Last but not least, Valeri is the proud mother of 2 children, Dominic 12 & Kirsten, 24.