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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. ACIC 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. ACIC’s annual Symposium creates space for people working in international cooperation and Atlantic Canada’s non-profit sector to learn together, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Through workshops, discussions, and shared learning, members, partners, and practitioners explore challenges facing the sector and develop practical approaches to strengthen their work. A dedicated Youth Voice stream offers additional sessions for young people alongside participation in the full Symposium, connecting perspectives across generations and making room for youth to help shape the conversation. Information on the 2026 Symposium is coming soon. Past Symposium Themes and Topics From Aid to Action: Celebrating 50 Years of Solidarity and Global Cooperation June 18-19, 2025 | Halifax, NS In 2025, we reflected on shifts in international cooperation, explored the future of foreign aid, and deepened connections through panels, workshops, and networking sessions. With a strong focus on shared learning and collaboration, the Symposium highlighted diverse voices and practices, encouraging participants to exchange insights, build relationships, and strengthen collective approaches to global solidarity. Days of Learning November 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PE March 18, 2025 | Saint John, NB ACIC organized two mini-symposia in lieu of one 2024 symposium. We connected with people in New Brunswick and PEI through single-day events touching on Storytelling, Equity, and Change, and the Cost of Living Crisis, respectively. The Gloaming: A Transformative Gathering for Storytelling, Equity, and Change March 18, 2025 | Saint John, NB “The Gloaming” brought together students, community members, Elders, and practitioners in dialogue about critical social issues, including global equity, social inclusion, and justice. Rooted in intergenerational exchange, this event brought us together to share knowledge, reflect on barriers to equity, and explore pathways forward. Conversation topics included: Global equity The backlash against DEI Community-driven solutions to social issues Confronting the Cost of Living Crisis: from PEI to the World November 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PE Hosted as a partnership with the Cooper Institute, this mini-conference explored the local and global realities of the cost of living crisis, including the impact upon residents of PEI, with an emphasis on under-served communities, and the role that Canadian policies play in shaping the local and international economic landscape. Topics included: Global financialization of farmland as it relates to housing in PEI The effects of the cost of living crisis on under-served communities The economic factors contributing to the crisis, as well as potential solutions Cost of Change: Championing Social Justice, Health and Well-Being For All October 2023 | Charlottetown, PEI The 2023 symposium explored 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. Speakers and workshops focused on the contexts of climate change, power relations within international cooperation, gender, and decent work. Keynote address by Rabi Adamu Musa, founder of the Mcrissar Foundation spoke to the importance of menstrual health for women and girls in Nigeria and its long term impact on education and decent work. Panels and workshops included: Cost of Power and International Cooperation, Cost of Action and Climate Change, Decent Work and the Cost of Exploitation, The Power of Planning for Community Impact Peace Through the Looking Glass October, 2022 | Halifax (Hybrid) This symposium brought focus to the UN International Year of Glass and the ongoing crises in Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan. Participants learned how justice, equity and institutions are at the core of sustainable development and can both support and hinder peace-building efforts around the world. Keynote speaker, Irene Santiago, a venerated peace negotiator from the Philippines, spoke about the role development organizations play in restoring global peace and emphasized the role of women in peace and security. Panels and workshops included: Peace and Education, Peace and Justice, Peace and Environment, Peace and Institutions, Empowering Climate Change through Communications, Philanthropic Support for Grassroots Changemaking, Asset-based community-driven development in Cameroon From Obstacles to Opportunities: Harnessing the Momentum from a Global Pandemic to Inspire a More Resilient and Just Future October, 2021 | Virtual Emerging from the pandemic and looking to the future, the 2021 symposium drew on parallels between past crises to discuss opportunities, momentum and cooperation in this transitional time. Topics included: Creating Change: Overcoming Obstacles and Implementing Opportunities, The impacts of COVID on vulnerable communities and systems, The implications of COVID for the future Just Climate Action: Gender, Democracy, and Local Movements October, 2020 | Virtual The 2020 symposium was the first to be held virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through Dr. Ingrid Waldron’s keynote presentation on environmental racism, and three sessions breaking down how to create just climate action, participants stayed connected to each other, the world, and the future of international cooperation. Gender Equality: the Power of Storytelling to Build Relationships and Collaboration October 2019 | St. John’s, NL The 2019 symposium provided training through capacity building workshops around the theme of gender equality, ranging from Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy to Understanding Sex Work and Sex Workers’ Needs to supporting refugee women and girls in Canadian models of sponsorship and resettlement. Keynote: Sister Lissy Chacko of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Bangalore (MPEF)

ACIC is proud to create spaces where youth can engage with global issues, the Sustainable Development Goals, and shared knowledge from their peers and experts. 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. Global Citizenship Youth Conference ACIC is proud to create spaces where youth can engage with global issues, the Sustainable Development Goals, and shared knowledge from their peers and experts. 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. Conference videos and photo galleries are linked below! ACIC’s Global Citizenship Youth Conference brings young people from across Atlantic Canada together to explore global issues, share ideas, and build friendships. Through interactive workshops, creative activities, and conversations, participants connect issues in their own communities with wider questions of social justice and sustainability. This overnight gathering offers a welcoming space to learn about global citizenship, build confidence, and discover ways to take action, whether participants are new to these topics or already involved in their communities. Applications for GCYC 2026 have now closed. Applications for GCYC 2027 will tentatively open in Spring 2027 Contact Us Past ACIC Youth Conferences: Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 July 3-6, 2025 | Tatamagouche, NS Forty-three youth from the four Atlantic provinces attended the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference, attending workshops and activities with topics like: Decolonial Joy, Cyanotype (photography printing), Photo Journalism talk with artist Ranz Bontogon, I Am From Poetry, Triangle of Oppression, Sustainable Development Goals, What’s Next Goal Setting, and Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt View Conference Gallery Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2024 July 11-14, 2024 | Tatamagouche, NS This gathering brought together 40 youth from across Atlantic Canada and included topics such as: Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals Youth Panel: Stories of Youth Engagement My Intersectional Self Art as Activism Decolonization as an Act of Love The conference also focused on the local-global connections to food security with the Tatamagouche Farmers’ Market and a scavenger hunt. View Conference Gallery Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2023 July 13-16, 2023 | Tatamagouche, NS The second Global Citizenship Youth Conference hosted 40 Atlantic Canadian youth. Workshop topics this year included: Intro to the Sustainable Development Goals Youth Panel: Stories of Youth Engagement My Intersectional Self Social Justice & Mental Health The Decolonizing of Gender Avenues for Social Advocacy View Conference Gallery

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. 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.

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. International Youth Internship Program (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. Where could your next job take you? The International Youth Internship Program was launched in 1997, and has always focused on offering young people aged 18-30 from Canada the opportunity to gain skills and professional experience while travelling, living, and working abroad. Since its inception, IYIP has and sent over 7,000 youth to work with partner organizations and institutional abroad in the field of international development. Cohort 4 Internship Placement Map Click here to view the full internship placement list for Cohort 5. Applications for Cohort 5 have now closed. Applications for Cohort 6 will tentatively open in February 2027 Contact Us About IYIP IYIP is part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and aims to prepare youth in Canada for future employment or further studies. The focus of the current 2023-2028 IYIP program is to provide meaningful and transformative opportunities to youth facing barriers to employment, such as youth with disabilities, Indigenous youth, racialized youth, and 2SLGBTQI+ youth. IYIP is a 5-month commitment that involves: 1 month of pre-departure training (6 weeks virtually, 1 week in person), 4 month international internship placement with a local partner organization, 3 days of post-internship debrief in Canada. The program costs are funded (including airfare, transportation costs, visa fees, pre-departure and post-internship training), and interns will receive a stipend while abroad. Eligibility To be eligible for this program, you must: Be 18-30 years old, at the start date of the internship Be Canadian citizen or permanent resident Not have previously completed an in-person IYIP Placement This program gives priority to Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+ interns and youth who have experienced barriers to employment due to COVID-19. This means the program will first select interns who hold those identities from the pool of applicants. No education, work or travel experiences are required to be eligible and successful in this program. We welcome applicants with lived experience and expertise and invite applicants to reach out to us with questions if this program is a good fit for you. Application Process Step 1: Written Application Your written application is completed through the application form online. The information and questions are simple and meant to help us understand why you’re interested in the program and the knowledge, skills, and interests that you bring. These applications are reviewed with three criteria: that you have learned about and looked into the program, that you indicate a good fit for one of the partner organizations or placement opportunities, and that you demonstrate one of the qualities most important to the program (curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness). Applications not meeting these criteria will not be invited to step two. Step 2: Introductory Interview The Introductory Interview is completed with one of the program managers as a way to learn more about your skills, experiences, and interests. These are conversational interviews that have some planned questions. In this step of the process, we select candidates to move forward who demonstrate the qualities important to the program: curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness. Step 3: Placement Interview The final step in the application process is an interview with international partners and/or subject matter experts. These are more formal, structured interviews led by our international partners and require preparation on the part of the applicant. Not everyone who completes a Placement Interview will be offered an internship position and in this final stage, the international partners ultimately determine who receives an offer. Important Dates Cohort 4 July 27th - 31st: In-Person Pre-Departure Training August 3rd - November 21st: In-Person Internship Placements Cohort 5 Applications Open: August 10th Applications Close: August 30th Selection Process: Late August - Early October Virtual Pre-Departure Training: December 7th - January 29th In-Person Pre-Departure Training: February 1st - 5th Placements: February 7th - May 28th Re-Integration Training: May 29th - June 2nd Program Ends: June 3rd Cohort 6 Applications for Cohort 6 will tentatively open in February 2027 These dates are subject to change. Contact us for more information regarding specific dates. "I had many life changing events happen that I'm so grateful and blessed to have experienced. I had the opportunity to go to Kenya which helped me grow and I now have an amazing connection with the people I stayed with and met which will last a lifetime" 2018-19 Internship Program Participant Questions? Get in touch! 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Research & Publications 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 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 Sustainable Development Goals Data Hub Statistics Canada is responsible for the collection, collation, analysis, presentation and dissemination of data for regular monitoring of Canadian progress against the global indicators and has developed this on-line data hub for disseminating Canada's SDG data. 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 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 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 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 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 Your Voice Matters ACIC Project Your Voice Matters offers a snapshot of what Atlantic Canadian youth think about the SDGs, and how they are already being engaged in work, conversation and leadership opportunities for sustainable development. We spoke with over 100 youth and youth-supporting professionals across Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island), reaching the greatest diversity of communities that we could during the two-month time period of the project. 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 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 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 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 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 Submission of the Inter-Council Network on The Civil Society Partnership Policy of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada The ICN has submitted comprehensive comments on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s Draft Civil Society Partnership Policy. In this report, the ICN stresses that adherence to human rights-based principles, commitments, standards, and approaches be explicit preconditions for partnership, that the expertise brought by CSOs, in particular, should be the focus of the policy, and that DFATD should ensure the conformity of the meaning of the French and English versions of the text of the policy. Download 1 1 ... 1 ... 1

PhotoVoices 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 the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. ACIC's PhotoVoices Program enables youth to share the narratives they want to tell through photos, and connects youth from Atlantic Canada and the Global South in an experience of storytelling, skills building, providing them a space to explore social justice, while learning from experts in the field. To apply for the next iteration of our PhotoVoices Program, click here . If you are an organization interested in partnering with us, click here . Dream Africa (2025) This year’s cohort, Dream Africa, brought together young people from Ghana and Atlantic Canada to reflect on the experiences of Black and African diaspora youth—amplifying voices that challenge inequality and celebrate resilience, creativity, and connection. In partnership with Connecting To Africa and Algo Peers . View Gallery You, Me, and the SDGs (IDW 2025) Youth from Maple Ridge Elementary explore the SDGs through photography, sharing their visions for a better world. View Gallery PhotoVoices 2024 Twenty-two youth from Atlantic Canada and Cameroon unite to share the lived realities in their communities. In partnership with ACIC and Local Youth Corner Cameroon . View Gallery PhotoVoices 2023 Explore experiences, perspectives, and communities near and far. A cross-continental collaboration between 30 young women from Atlantic Canada, Malawi, and Nigeria. In partnership with ACIC, GENET (Malawi), and Mcrissar Foundation (Nigeria). View Gallery PhotoVoices 2022 Explore experiences, perspectives, and communities near and far. A collaboration between youth recruited by ACIC, Connecting the Dots Foundation (Nigeria), Nova Scotia Gambia Association (The Gambia). View Gallery Atlantic Youth Weavers (AYW) Photovoice Project Explore experiences, perspectives, and communities near and far. The AYW Photovoice Project was a joint initiative by Inspiring Communities , WeavEast , and the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation. Financial support was additionally provided by The McConnell Foundation and Global Affairs Canada . View Gallery

Professional Practice Workshop ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Workshop Description: ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Why get involved: Engage with peers and experienced professionals working in various non-profit fields Learn about careers, locally and internationally, that contribute to better communities Combine theory and action to strengthen your understanding of praxis in relation to global solidarity ACIC Professional Practice Workshop invites post-secondary students in social justice, community development, and international solidarity (or similar fields) to participate in a knowledge and skill development workshop on March, 16 2024. The workshop will bridge the gap between knowledge and action by engaging students to foster skills, access resources, and build their knowledge around professional practice, helping to build confidence to engage on these issues with their communities. In addition, students from New Brunswick, across disciplines, will come together for a day of co-learning and networking, including training and conversations related to personal profile building for employment, unique paths to employment, skills mapping, and more. Application Process Apply by March 15, 2024. Important Dates Apply by March 15, 2024 Workshop takes place on March 16, 2024 Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 18-29 Be living in New Brunswick Application Details Apply by: March 15, 2024 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.

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 Ava Green Undergraduate Student Dalhousie University About Ava Ava is a third-year Political Science student at Dalhousie University, originally from Calgary, Alberta. She has a strong passion for community engagement and leadership. Ava is a founding member of Women in Politics at Dal, an initiative aimed at empowering and supporting women in political spaces. Outside the classroom, she is a competitive swim coach, sharing her lifelong passion for swimming and leading goal-setting workshops with her athletes. She also hosts Queens of Music, a weekly radio show that showcases and celebrates women in the music industry.

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Judyannet Muchiri Policy and Research Officer Inter-Council Network About Judyannet Judyannet Muchiri (she/her) is a feminist scholar–activist with experience in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Kenya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Uganda working on, researching and writing on gender equality, digital advocacy and civic participation. Currently, she is completing a PhD in Sociology, overseeing policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), and co-leading the Africa Community Engagement (ACE) Hub.