The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation is a coalition of individuals, organizations and institutions working in the Atlantic region to build and model just, equitable and sustainable communities, locally and globally. Connecting & Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s Global Changemakers Explore Opportunities What We Do We are a coalition of individuals, organizations, and institutions working in the Atlantic region, committed to achieving peaceful, just and sustainable communities, locally and globally. Read our Strategic Plan Our Programs ACIC empowers individuals and organizations through international internships, youth programs, and membership support, fostering global citizenship and strengthening Atlantic Canada’s role in international cooperation. Membership Join a thriving community of changemakers! Access exclusive resources, funding, and collaboration opportunities to amplify your work. Internships Gain hands-on experience through funded international placements. Build your skills, expand your network, and make a global impact! Youth Explore global citizenship through leadership training, experiential learning, and cross-cultural exchange. Connect with peers and build skills for a more just world. Celebrating 50 years of impact! ACIC's 50th Anniversary ACIC has spent five decades fostering collaboration, learning, and action for global solidarity. As we mark this milestone, we reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future of international cooperation. Dive into our journey by exploring past reports and blog posts highlighting ACIC’s impact, reflections, and the evolving landscape of international cooperation. Visit our Blog Read ACIC's Reports 1/1 Get Involved Explore available internships, funding, and collaboration opportunities. Take the next step in your global engagement journey today! Safer Spaces 2026 Register by January 16. Join us for ACIC’s Safer Spaces Program 2026, a three-part learning series bringing together members and youth as global actors navigating systems shaped by colonialism, racism, and unequal power. PhotoVoices Partners 2026 Apply now! ACIC is looking for partners to help implement our 2026 PhotoVoices program! Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the international community use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Global Citizenship Conference Leaders Application Apply by: July 3 2026 ACIC is currently seeking to fill five Conference Leader positions to join us for our Global Citizenship Youth Conference (July 10 - 13, 2026) Upcoming Events Stay connected with ACIC’s latest events, from workshops to networking sessions. Join us in building knowledge, connections, and action for a more just world. No events at the moment Events

Global Citizenship Conference Leaders Application April 27, 2026 ACIC is currently seeking to fill five Conference Leader positions to join us for our Global Citizenship Youth Conference (July 10 - 13, 2026) April 27, 2026 The Global Citizenship Youth Conference is a space for youth (aged 15-17) to discuss, learn about and take actions on global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants will spend three days (July 10 - 13, 2026) at the Debert Hospitality Centre in Debert, Nova Scotia. Through interactive activities, discussions, games, reflection, and more, the conference will explore topics such as peace and conflict, human rights, Indigenous realities, the Sustainable Development Goals, refugee experiences, poverty and food sovereignty, gender equity, environment, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQSIA+ realities, and more. ACIC is currently seeking to fill five Conference Leader positions to join us in delivering this unique, challenging, and inspiring program. Applicants must be between the ages of 19-29 Applicants must be available from July 9-13 for pre-conference training and the conference itself. Must be able to commit 8-12 hours, virtually, between May and early July for conference prep with ACIC staff and the other volunteer leaders. Volunteer Leaders will be expected to meet and communicate with each other and with ACIC staff on a regular basis. Successful applicants will be part of a dynamic, fun, and collaborative working team, and will be on-site during the Conference to assist with logistics and delivery of programming. The Conference allows not only the youth participants but also Volunteer Leaders to be part of an environment that elicits learning, sharing, and skills development. ACIC staff will train, give direction, and provide support to selected applicants. Travel, accommodation, and food will be provided for all selected applicants. An honorarium of 400$ will be provided to all selected applicants for their commitment. Application will be accepted until the positions are filled Application deadline: April 27, 2026 For more info contact Jackie (902.431.2311 / jackie@acic-caci.org ) Application Details Apply by: July 3 2026 Apply / Register Now Similar Opportunities Global Citizenship Youth Conference: Digital Storytellers We are looking for a digital storyteller to join us for our Global Citizenship Youth Conference! (July 10 - 13, 2026) Learn More Global Citizenship Conference Leaders Application ACIC is currently seeking to fill five Conference Leader positions to join us for our Global Citizenship Youth Conference (July 10 - 13, 2026) Learn More PhotoVoices Partners 2026 ACIC is looking for partners to help implement our 2026 PhotoVoices program! Through the program, Atlantic Canadian youth and youth from the international community use photos to share their stories, build skills, explore the Sustainable Development Goals, learn from experts in the field, and so much more. Learn More

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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

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

Resources Newsletters We regularly send out newsletters both to our audience and to ACIC members with the latest news from the international cooperation sector in Atlantic Canada, opportunities for networking, funding and capacity building, and updates about other members and ACIC. Subscribe Now January 2023 Member Updates February 2023 Member Updates March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 Member Updates June 2023 ACIC Symposium Opportunities 2023 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

ACIC's 50th Anniversary Travel through time with us as we follow ACIC’s journey from a regional committee to the organization as we know it today. 2025 ACIC in 2025 For 50 years, the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation has supported a diverse range of organizations across Atlantic Canada, advocated for our region on a national level, and created opportunities for youth to become confident leaders. We have persevered through operational obstacles, global uncertainty, and unpredictable levels of support. Through it all, we have maintained our goals of public engagement, advocacy, capacity-building, and youth empowerment. Though we have remained consistent during our time as an organization, we have also found places to grow. Justice, equity, and sustainability have always been core to our vision; we continue to learn and progress through intentionally incorporating decolonization, anti-racism, and intersectionality into our programs and operations. Thank you to all of our members, partners, and participants – you make us the organization we are today. We’re excited to continue and expand our work to help make Atlantic Canada, our country, and our world a more just, equitable, and sustainable place. Participants at ACIC’s 2025 Symposium in Halifax, From Aid To Action. We engage Atlantic Canadians in issues related to international development, global solidarity and social justice. Through our public engagement work, we aim to give Atlantic Canadians the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to become active global citizens. Our rich and vibrant coalition is united by a strong commitment to build a more just, equitable and sustainable world. Our work over the coming five years is focused on fostering just, equitable, and sustainable communities, both locally and globally. Guided by this vision for the present and the future, our core values will guide us in our relationships, planning, programs, and operations. Our strategic directions will be achieved alongside, and in service to our Communities of Focus and those centred in our work. 2025 LIFT Funded by GAC and run through the ICN, the LIFT program will support SMOs to scale their international development projects and strengthen their capacity to respond to the most pressing global challenges. Hosted by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, LIFT will help organizations strengthen capacity, deepen partnerships, and scale their global development work, supporting 150+ small and medium sized organizations across the country. Pictured here are the Executive Directors of Canada’s Councils for International Cooperation alongside Global Affairs Canada Staff. Featured Programs from Our History 2006-Present ACIC’S Youth Conferences The very first Move Your World Youth Conference is held in 2006. Over the years, Move Your World made way for the ACT 4 Global Change Youth Conference, and later the Global Citizenship Youth Conference, which ACIC continues to hold annually. Text Text Text Text 2025 ODA update At the end of Justin Trudeau’s 10-year term as Prime Minister, Canadian ODA is 0.34% of GNI, still far short of the UN goal of 0.7%. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (Richard Drew/Associated Press) 2024 Leo Cheverie Award In memory of past ACIC board member Leo Cheverie, the first Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award is announced. The award recognizes community leaders who have made significant contributions to their local and global communities. The first award was presented at the 2025 symposium. Leo was a longtime advocate for fariness and equity, and played a significant role in helping shape ACIC into what we are today. The Leo Cheverie Significant Achievement Award honours individuals whose long-standing commitment to justice equity, and global solidarity has created lasting change, often behind the scenes. Featured Programs from Our History 2023-2028 IYIP with the Marine Institute ACIC partners with the Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador to deploy 190 interns to placements in 15 countries, prioritizing Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. ACIC’s first cohort of the IYIP program consisted of 21 interns from across Canada, travelling to placements in Central America, the Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, South Asia, South-East Asia, and from home through our virtual placement. At the time of writing, ACIC is currently recruiting for our fourth cohort of interns. So far, 73 interns from across Canada have been able to participate in international internships, around halfway through the program. 2022 Anti-Racism Framework After our Safer Spaces Dialogue pilot in 2021, ACIC publishes our anti-racism framework. Pictured here are ACIC staff, board, and members participating in a Membership Anti-Racism Training in Tatamagouche, NS. 2022 COVID-19 pandemic The World Health Organization declares the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. Between February 2020 and May 2023, Canada contributes $1.4 billion for humanitarian and development assistance for immediate pandemic responses. Nationally, NGOs like ACIC must halt their programming almost overnight and adapt to become fully virtual. In the international development field, issues relating to travel, reliable internet access, funding concerns, and exacerbated inequalities strongly impacts NGOs and their partners. The COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and major shifts to ACIC programs, from postponed travel to rapid digital pivots. Yet, in this time of disruption, our members and partners showed remarkable resilience and continued working towards shared goals in new was. ACIC programs were moved towards online or hybrid models, and our network adapted to engaging with communities in virtual spaces. Pictured above are the 2022 ACIC Symposium, Through the Looking Glass, and a 2022 Storytelling for Social Change workshop. Featured Programs from Our History 2022-Present Partnership Enhancement Fund The Partnership Enhancement Fund provides ACIC members the opportunity to invite their international partners to Atlantic Canada. Breaking the Silence is the fund’s current recipient, and LifeSchoolHouse, Venture 2 Impact, and The Cooper Institute have all used the fund to enhance relationships with partners across the globe. In 2025, ACIC funded Breaking the Silence through the Partnership Enhancement fund to bring two speakers, Maria Ines Cuj Chopen and Patrik Evelio Mucia Poz, to the Atlantic for the 2025 Symposium. Also funded by the Partnership Enhancement Fund, ACIC member organization Venture2Impact supported travel for Freddy Duque to join the ACIC 2023 Symposium in Charlottetown from Colombia. 2021-2023 Our Communities, Our Voices 24 young Indigenous leaders learned how to create meaningful change through social media. The participants partook in a series of workshops teaching them how to launch social media campaigns to raise awareness of social movements in Indigenous communities and engage them in the SDGs. “Indigenous people already make the connection of the interconnectedness of the SDGs. Its part of us, everything is energy and everything has life tot i. Everything is worthwhile.” Kailey Simon Our Communities, Our Voices Program Participant 2022 The 'Our Communities, Our Voices' program aimed to engage young Indigenous leaders to share stories, knowledge, and perspectives from their own Communities. Using the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for discussion, the team of Indigenous women and two-spirit folks gained skill, knowledge, and support systems for becoming advocates in their communities. Featured Programs from Our History 2020-Present PhotoVoices Projects Since 2020, ACIC has partnered with multiple organizations to create 5 photovoice projects with over 100 youth both regionally and internationally. PhotoVoices allows youth to tell stories through photos while also providing a place to learn about social justice. 2022-23 PhotoVoice participants in Nigeria, through ACIC’s partnership with the Mcrissar Foundation. Photo sumbitted during the 2024 PhotoVoices program from a participant in Atlantic Canada. Similar to past iterations, this year’s group covered Gender Inequality as the PhotoVoice theme. A submission from 2025’s Dream Africa PhotoVoices program. 2025’s cohort covered racial inequality as their PhotoVoices theme, in partnership with Connecting to Africa and Algo Peers. 2019 Youth Stream ACIC introduces the first Youth Stream to our annual symposium. ACIC’s Youth Stream program aims to provide opportunities to Canadian youth to participate in our symposium programming, without the burden of travel, accommodation, and other costs that would create barriers for youth participation. Youth representation is essential to ACIC’s work because young people bring fresh perspectives, lived experience, and bold ideas that strengthen how our sector approaches global solidarity. Pictured here are youth attendees at ACIC events like the ACIC symposium and Youth Gathering. 2019 Spur Change ICN starts Spur Change, a 7-year capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiative that provides support for Canadian Small and Medium Organization in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development projects. The Spur Change program is led by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation in partnership with the other provincial and regional councils across Canada. Its activities are designed to strengthen the ability of small and medium-sized organizations to deliver sustainable, equity-driven results aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and the Sustainable Development Goals; deepen the engagement of Canadians as informed and active global citizens; and support meaningful knowledge-sharing between Canadian SMOs and their partners around the world. Through its 7 years of programming, Spur Change has hosted workshops and trainings in Atlantic Canada, covering topics like Risk Management and Data Collection. Pictured here are Spur Trainings in Halifax Nova Scotia in 2025 and 2024. 2019 Hosting ICN ACIC begins our term as host for the Inter-Council Network. In 2019, the Inter-Council Network (ICN) transitioned its national coordination team to Halifax, with ACIC taking on the role of hosting the program. This move brought new momentum to the East Coast and strengthened collaboration across Canada, creating fresh opportunities for shared learning, sector coordination, and collective action in global solidarity. Above are photos of the Inter-Council Network’s Youth Delegation to AWID (Thailand) in 2024, and the Executive Directors of MCIC, ACIC, ACGC, and AQOCI alongside the Minister for International Development, Ahmed Hussen. 2019 Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT) FIT is designed to support Canadian SMOs testing innovative solutions that advance gender equality in the Global South. The program seeks to foster collective learning and capacity-building through the creation of knowledge-sharing spaces and practices. The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security from Dalhousie University tested a comprehensive prevention program to protect children from being recruited and used as soldiers, with a focus on conflict related sexual violence in Juba, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan. Coady International Institute tested tools with women farmers to identify capacity building needs, such as accessing new technologies, credit, infrastructure, markets, financial and business planning/management in the Nyando Valley (Kenya) and in two districts of Gujarat State in India. Featured programs from our history 2018-2023 International Internships for Indigenous Youth Co-implemented by ACIC and the Northern Council for Global Cooperation, the International Internships for Indigenous Youth program provided placements for 99 youth with organizations in 7 countries in the Global South. The program was adapted to provide virtual alternatives for 55 virtual interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. IIIY Interns in 2018-19 in Kenya. This cohort of interns travelled to placements in Costa Rica, Guyana, Nepal, Cambodia, and Kenya. 2017 A “Feminist Foreign Policy” The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” Image from Global Affairs Canada. 2016 ICN SMO Report The ICN publishes “Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Civil Society Organizations as Development Actors”, a report that presents evidence of SMOs’ competencies and values in the international development sector. It also discusses the negative impact that CIDA’s change to an exclusive call-for-proposal funding model had on SMOs. 2016 ODA update Canada’s net ODA is 0.26% of GNI. The paper develops a profile of Canadian SMOs involved in development cooperation, examines the impact of changing funding modalities on SMOs from 2010 to 2016, and outlines the characteristics of SMOs as development actors. The report is available at this link. Featured Programs from Our History 2002-Present International Youth Internship Program 2002 marked the first time ACIC received funding for the International Youth Internships Program! 4 youth participated in the first year. By the end of 2025, ACIC will have supported nearly 300 interns working in over 25 countries through our internship programs. Former ACIC intern, Andrea Germann in Jamaica in 2002. ACIC IYIP Interns in Tanzania in October 2025. ACIC’s first cohort of IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche in early October 2002. 2024 IYIP Interns in Tatamagouche before heading to their international placements. 2015 New global agreements The federal government announces its new Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP) promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as the most effective way to “reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world.” 2015 Trudeau’s changes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau renames DFATD to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and states that “Canada is back.” 2014 Engage, Strengthen, Connect ACIC establishes objectives to increase Atlantic Canadians’ awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and facilitate better knowledge-sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. ACIC’s 2014 Strategic Plan shaped our strategic directions by focusing on three main pillars; To increase Atlantic Canadians' awareness of key global issues and engagement in international cooperation; to strengthen and build capacity for increased effectiveness; and to facilitate better knowledge sharing among ACIC members and other stakeholders. Pictured above are the ACIC Board of Directors and Staff teams in 2013 and 2015. Featured Programs from Our History 2014-Present Members’ Public Engagement Fund The Members’ Public Engagement Fund provides financial support to ACIC members for small public engagement projects. It emerged out of the previous Members’ Collaboration Fund, and has funded projects such as film screenings, conferences, workshops, and more. Text Text 2013 CIDA → DFATD CIDA is amalgamated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to create DFATD: the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development. This development reduces traditional mechanisms for civil engagement, and NGOs “are expected to compete in calls for proposals and act as contractors to implement the government’s priorities.” Featured Programs from Our History 2006-2011 First Voices: Connecting Aboriginal Youth in the North and South Over 5 years, First Voices brought together 24 Indigenous youth from Atlantic Canada, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Botswana, and the Philippines to create confident global citizens through a variety of art forms. Text Text Text 2009 Shirley Case Leadership Award Founded ACIC founds the Shirley Case Leadership Award in Global Citizenship in honour of Shirley Case, a former ACIC intern who was killed in Afghanistan while working with the International Rescue Committee. The award is presented annually to an individual or group in Atlantic Canada who has demonstrated the spirit of global citizenship and helped create a more just and sustainable world through engaging in meaningful global citizenship activities. Burris Devanney, winner of the 2016 Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship at ACIC’s 2016 Symposium Gala. Shirley worked with ACIC as an intern in 2004-05, spending four months with us in Halifax before travelling to work with our partner organization, the NGO Coalition for the Environment (NGOCE) in Calabar, Nigeria for five months. Irene Novaczek, winner of the Shirley Case Leadership Award for Global Citizenship 2014, with previous winners Jackie McVicar, Joan Campbell, and Marian White. Stories From Across the Decades "Text." Bill Chislett International Development Specialist, MI International 2006-2015 Tying New Knots Under the Harper government, international aid is “untied” in name, but not in practice. Minister for International Cooperation Julian Fantino states that “foreign aid should benefit Canadian companies,” as demonstrated by partnerships between INGOs and Canadian mining companies operating in developing countries. Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York on Sept. 21, 2010. PAUL CHIASSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS 2006 Inter-Council Network The Inter-Council Network is formed to “create a national space for regional voices, to demonstrate our leadership in public engagement and to undertake cross country initiatives and programs." Featured Programs from Our History 2006 Both Sides of the Coin Microcredit Project ACIC organized a research project, workshops, and speakers tour on the topic of microcredit in Atlantic Canada and overseas. We organized two sessions at the Global Microcredit Summit, including a “Listening to the Borrowers” session which marked the first time microcredit borrowers had attended the summit. Text Text 2005 New Strategic Priorities ACIC’s new strategic plan brings with it new priorities: act as a forum for policy dialogue, create capacity-building opportunities, coordinate public engagement efforts, and strengthen our ability to function effectively. Text Text Featured programs from our history 2003-2004 NGO Coalition for the Environment ACIC worked with the NGOCE, a consortium of Canadian and Nigerian organizations working together to promote sustainability and protect the environment in Nigeria, to develop workshops on participatory monitoring and evaluation, policy development, and coalition building, as well as assisting in the creation of a communications plan. Text 2004 Relocation A growing ACIC moves our office from interim host Falls Brook Centre to Halifax. Text Text Featured Programs from Our History 2003 Travelling Wisely Workshops ACIC held workshops on Culturally and Environmentally Appropriate Travel and Tourism (CEATT). ACIC members created the workshop materials for over 180 participants across the Atlantic provinces. As tourism became the world’s largest industry in the early 2000s, ACIC partnered with the Fredericton YMCA (NB), Rising Tide Cooperative (NS), CUSO PEI (PE), Extension Community Development Cooperative (NL), and the Falls Brook Centre (NB) to host workshops on responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The first year of the Traveling Wisely project drew on the experiences of ACIC member groups working in tourism development in Belize, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Chile, and the Phillipines. The Traveling Wisely project directly engaged travel agents, tourism students, travel and toruism representatives, and the general public through workshops and one-on-one interviews. 200 A New Vision ACIC creates a three-year strategic plan, with objectives to engage the public on international issues; build relationships regionally, nationally, and globally; facilitate culturally and environmentally appropriate travel and tourism; represent Atlantic Canada on a national scale; and diversify our funding base. As of August 2001, ACIC already has 28 members. Text ACIC’s Board of Directors in 2002. 2001 Expansion and reduction CIDA announces offices in St. John’s and Halifax, with a regional headquarters in Moncton. Nearing the end of the Chretien government, ODA has decreased to 0.22% of GNI. ACIC coordinator Sarah Shima and the Honourable Maria Minna, Minister for International Cooperation at the announcement for CIDA’s new regional office in Moncton 2000 Reassembly In April 2000, a meeting at the Coady Institute in Antigonish culminates with the reassembly of ACIC! The Falls Brook Centre, an established NGO, offers to host ACIC at a temporary base. An interim council is named and ACIC receives CIDA funding from a public engagement fund for a series of regional deliberations on climate change. 2000 MDGs The United Nations announce the Millennium Development Goals, 8 goals to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, and discrimination against women. The Millennium Development Goals set a shared global agenda for 2000 to 2015, mobilizing governments, civil society, and international partners around concrete targets to improve human well-being. While progress varied across regions, the MDGs helped reduce extreme poverty, expand access to education, and improve health outcomes worldwide, ultimately paving the way for the broader and more inclusive Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015. Climate Change Public Deliberation Project 2000-2002 Climate Change Public Deliberation Project ACIC started our return with a series of CIDA-funded public deliberations on climate change in all four of the Atlantic provinces. Participants learned about climate change and policy options regionally, nationally, and internationally. Michael Warren, who moderated dialogues in the Halifax area said “Overwhelmingly, the consensus was that better public education efforts are necessary for people to grasp the importance of this issue... Participants articulated a strong faith in fellow citizens to adapt in the face of encroaching crisis” Taking the analysis from the first year of deliberations, ACIC hsoted a two-day climate change conference in Saint-Joseph, NB titled Global Climate, Community Reslience, and Responses from Atlantic Canada, which was attended by over 40 participants. In total, more than 20 deliberations were held in Atlantic Canada with more than 250 participants attending and contributing their ideas on climate change. 1995 Dormancy Due to CIDA cuts, ACIC’s office in Moncton is forced to close. A new board is elected, but without funding, the organization goes dormant. 1995 A cutting blow CIDA’s funding is cut again, ending their delegated funds “as well as the majority of the domestic public education programs in Canada's international development sector.” 1994 Becoming the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation In March 1994, ACIC is legally incorporated under New Brunswick legislation! With an office in Moncton, an 8-member board, and a paid coordinator, ACIC focuses on building membership, networking, and training workshops for dealing with organizational change. 1993 ARC Expanding A feasibility study finds that there is an opportunity, a need, and a desire for a Regional Council in the Atlantic provinces. 1993 Further cuts and tied aid Under newly-elected Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, major cuts hit the international development sector. CIDA’s Public Participation Program is abolished. In 1995, funding to the sub-Saharan Africa program is slashed by 20.5% over three years. Canada adopts a “tied aid” approach — international aid that requires the recipient country to procure goods or services from the donor. Text 1992 NAC abolished The 1992 budget eliminates the National Action Committee on Development Education. Text 1991 IDW The first International Development Week is celebrated across Canada. International Development Week (IDW) was launched in Canada in 1991 to highlight global cooperation and celebrate the contributions of Canadians working toward poverty reduction, human rights, and sustainable development. Since its inception, IDW has served as a national moment to reflect on our shared responsibilities, amplify global solidarity efforts, and inspire Canadians to take action for a more just and equitable world. Featured programs from our history 1970s to early 1990s Unionization and union support Early ARC members were involved in unemployment issues and unionization drives with groups like the United Rubber Workers and Canadian Auto Workers. Into the 1990s, the ARC supported projects with Maritimes Fishermen’s Union, the National Farmer’s Union, and more. 1989 A changing world The 1989 Canadian federal budget cuts CIDA funding by 13%. In the wake of the Cold War, donor countries like Canada adopt neoliberal approaches to development aid. Text mid-1980s CIDA’s reach In the mid-1980s, CIDA supports over 2400 projects led by 200 organizations, including CCIC and the ARC. Featured Programs from Our History 1977–1979 People’s Food Commission In a time when food prices soared and production declined, the ARC joined this nationwide initiative bringing together farmers, consumers, and food processing workers in a comprehensive inquiry into the food system. Their final report, “The Land of Milk and Money,” became the base for the People’s Food Policy by Food Secure Canada. Text Text 1980s Period of Outreach Before the professionalization of NGO work, development activism and education expands during the 1980s. ARC projects during this time focused on the local and connecting it to the global scale. Prevailing issues concerned regional agriculture, mining, fishery, and union issues. The ARC’s only source of income was an annual grant from CCIC, typically $20,000 (approximately $52,000 in today’s currency). Featured programs from our history 1976 St. John’s Mummers Troupe Named after a quote from a Newfoundland fisherman to an international development presenter, “What’s That Got to Do with the Price of Fish?” was a touring theatrical production about the struggle of local fishermen under federal fisheries policy. 1975-1976 Canadian international aid peaks at 0.53% GNI The recommended target from the United Nations is 0.7%, established in 1970. Featured programs from our history 1970s & 1980s Supporting liberation through performance During liberation wars in southern Africa and Central America, the ARC organized a series of events in the region to create international understanding. These events included political speakers, musicians, playwrights, and poets. 1975 CCIC establishes the Atlantic Regional Committee CCIC forms their Atlantic Regional Committee (ARC), the original ACIC, from a group of community animators across the region who saw regional social change organizations’ need for support. Staffing was contractual and there was no office, but the representative members were able to use a Small Projects Fund as grants for regional projects. Featured programs from our history 1970s Mulgrave Road Theatre Co-op Mulgrave Road Theatre is a progressive theatre project based out of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. The ARC also supported other theatre and arts projects, such as a travelling show based on the Baie Verte mine’s Steelworkers Union in Newfoundland. Text 1968 Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) is founded CCIC was created to "foster good practice among civil society organizations working to reduce global poverty.” 1968 Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is founded CIDA funded international development assistance projects, both directly and through NGOs like CCIC.

Individual Associates Learn more about our individual associates. To join ACIC as an individual associate, apply here. Read the benefits of joining ACIC membership here. Aliyanna Gordon Nova Scotia Aliyanna Gordon is an Indigenous and second-generation immigrant student at Saint Mary’s University, pursuing Commerce with a passion for equity, law, and policy-making. A nationally recognized youth leader, she has facilitated workshops on social justice, anti-racism, and mental health through the Students Commission of Canada. Aliyanna brings experience in public speaking, mentorship, and youth empowerment to ACIC’s community. Alyssa Hoseman Nova Scotia Alyssa Hoseman is the Executive Director of PARSA, a nonprofit based in Afghanistan focused on building healthy communities through local leadership. With 15 years of experience in international development, she brings deep expertise in grassroots programming, gender equity, and organizational strategy in post-conflict settings. Based in rural Nova Scotia, Alyssa wants to connect Atlantic Canadian development communities. Austin I.P. O'Neill New Brunswick Austin I.P. O’Neill is a second-year student at the University of New Brunswick’s School of Leadership Studies, minoring in Law in Society. A passionate advocate for leadership, law, and public service, he brings experience in student governance, legal aid, and community volunteering. Austin is committed to fostering equity and authentic leadership in Atlantic Canada and is eager to contribute to ACIC’s mission through collaborative action and dialogue. Becca Bishop Nova Scotia Becca Bishop has been a community development practitioner for over five years with a degree in community development from St. Francis Xavier and formal training from Coady International Insitute. She is an advocate for cross-sector collaboration, transparency, and accountability and takes an asset-based approach to engaging young people as global citizens. Through her work as a Community Developer for HRM, Becca has supported community and public sector organizations to enhance their facilitation, capacity building, and public engagement efforts. Alongside the local community development work she leads, Becca is a consultant for international development projects. Currently, she is leading the youth public engagement activities for CARE Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights project. Bobbi Zahra Nova Scotia Bobbi Zahra is a public servant who works with Fisheries & Oceans Canada, where she teaches and trains in IT/IM. Outside that role, she has always been active in her community and is presently the President of the Board of Halifax Theatre for Young People, an independent theatre company that commissions and produces work of enduring value for young people and their families. She is a Holocaust scholar, with a great interest in post-Holocaust theology. Although she has a Twitter account, she is somewhat sporadic in its use, but you will find her by the Twitter handle - @sleehah. Camila Dos Res Santos da Silva Nova Scotia Camila is passionate about social justice and community engagement, and actively supports movements for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, active mobility, and sustainability. Her advocacy extends to addressing gender-based violence through a feminist lens, emphasizing holistic support services and culturally sensitive counselling. With experience as a Gender Advisor with Cuso International in Honduras and a Registered Counselling Therapist, she’s honed a deep understanding of intersectional oppression and the importance of mental health and gender equality. Committed to integrating decolonial, anti-racist, and intersectional perspectives, I advocate for awareness of compounded marginalization and prioritize clients' well-being in all endeavours. Catherine Ronahan Prince Edward Island Catherine has more than 10 years coaching and facilitating individuals/groups in career development Darlene Dorion New Brunswick An educator, a chartered mediator, a sustainable world peace activist, Darlene Doiron specialises in interpersonal workplace and community based conflict. She is best known for her longstanding peace work and dedication to creating a more positive and harmonious province of New Brunswick. Eliza Knockwood Prince Edward Island Eliza Knockwood is a Two Spirit Mi'kmaq filmmaker living and working out of Epekwitk (also known as Prince Edward Island, Canada). She started her career in the broadcast television industry at the young age of nineteen. Within a year she became the production coordinator on a television series and held that role for three years. In 2006 Eliza began her journey with documentary films and has directed several self-produced shots and community productions. In 2021 Eliza directed her first longer form project called The Ice Walk which was initially created in partnership with Bell Fibe TV1 and then repackaged into feature length film. She has just wrapped filming another short form series titled Gina'matimg - Time of Learning and is currently developing a feature documentary titled The Rite of Passage. Fauzia Matyas-Jamal New Brunswick Fauzia Matyas-Jamal recently relocated to Fredericton and is seeking to engage with local and global development networks. Drawn to ACIC’s values of justice and sustainability, she brings interest and initiative to committee work, particularly in governance and symposium planning. Her proactive approach reflects a commitment to meaningful community connection and collaborative change. Godspromise Effiong Nova Scotia Godspromise is a multi-skilled professional known for exceptional people and business friendly communications solutions through impactful mediation, product knowledge and portfolio management. An image-centric individual delivering strategic, clear and concise messages, product research and technical support with foundations in Conflict Resolution, Public Relations, Administration and Data Analysis, emerging GRC Specialist. Hareesh Sahadevan Nova Scotia Hareesh Sahadevan is eager to join ACIC because he aligns with its mission of fostering equitable and sustainable communities. As a board member of an NGO in Uganda focused on refugee resettlement, he sees collaboration with ACIC as a way to enhance his impact. Professionally, Hareesh is affiliated with Emvigo BPO, Gex Logistics, Best Recruitment, Tranztrex Solution, and Tecnostac Systems. His volunteer roles include Board Member of Care Well Foundation, Vice Chairman of Uganda BPO Association, President of ATHMA in Halifax, and Volunteer at ISANS. Heather Dicks Newfoundland and Labrador 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. Jennifer Fox Prince Edward Island Jennifer Fox has been interested in international development since youth. Through a post-graduate study in International Education (School Leadership) and with 20 years of Home Economics and Health teaching, Jennifer has established a commitment to building capacity internationally. Jennifer has a BSc from UPEI, worked as a teacher in the Yukon and Northwest British Columbia, interned with CIDA in Malawi, Africa (2004- 05) and has recently been trained in Humanitarian Education from the Canadian Red Cross. Jennifer King Nova Scotia Jennifer King brings with her over a decade of invaluable experience in international development, with a specialization in gender equality, rural development, and fostering systemic change. Having recently relocated to Nova Scotia, she is eager to forge connections with fellow professionals in Atlantic Canada, enriching our network with her expertise and dedication to global development efforts. Welcome back, Jennifer, as you rejoin our vibrant community! Kaitlyn Keleher New Brunswick Kaitlyn is a recent graduate of Mount Allison University, with a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Kaitlyn has worked for the federal and provincial governments and remains committed to active global citizenship and the promotion of the Atlantic provinces. Kaitlyn seeks to continue her career in politics and justice, with a focus on international policy. Keith Forsythe Nova Scotia Keith Forsyth was a public Chartered Accountant for many years in Nova Scotia. Since then he has become a nomad traveling the world. He has spent over five years as an international volunteer in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Carribbean as well as spending over three years in the Canadian North. Kevin Deveaux Nova Scotia Kevin Deveaux is a Canadian lawyer who was elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 1998 for the constituency of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003 and 2006. During his time as an MP, he was the Deputy Speaker for the House from 1999-2003 and the Official Opposition House Leader from 2003-2007. In March, 2007, Kevin resigned his seat in the House of Assembly to work full time as a Senior Parliamentary Technical Adviser with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Hanoi, Vietnam. In August, 2008, he was appointed to the post of global Parliamentary Development Policy Adviser in New York with UNDP’s Democratic Governance Group, where he was in charge of the Global Programme for Parliamentary Support (GPPS) and provided guidance to more than 60 UNDP Country Offices working with national parliaments and political parties. In August 2012 he completed his work with UNDP and returned to Canada to practice law and to provide consulting services to parliaments. He has worked with the World Bank, the EU, DFID, FCO, UN Women, International IDEA and UNDP in the past years. Kevin O'Shea Newfoundland and Labrador 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. Keyshawn Bonamy Prince Edward Island Keyshawn came to Canada from the Bahamas in 2015 to study Economics and Political Science at the University of Prince Edward Island. Graduating in 2020, she became the Executive Director of the Voluntary Resource Center, building upon years of volunteer work with Rotary International, WUSC, and other groups on the island. Louise Webb Newfoundland and Labrador Madison O'Connor New Brunswick Madison is currently a Career Resource Centre Coordinator, providing pre-employment services to high school students and community members. Madison holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology and minors in Communications & Public Policy, Sociology, and Human Rights from St. Thomas University Mohammad Mashrur Sakib Khan Newfoundland and Labrador 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. Peter Day Nova Scotia Peter graduated from Dalhousie in 2013 with a degree in international development and has carried out his own development mandate in Jamaica through Global Affairs Canada's International Youth Internship Program. He currently serves as a executive assistant in the office of Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook Rebekah Sears New Brunswick Rebekah (Bekah) Sears has over 15 years of experience in international development, peacebuilding, and advocacy, having worked in Canada, Colombia, and Rwanda with organizations like Mennonite Central Committee and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Based in Fredericton, she brings a deep commitment to justice, community partnership, and mental health support in the nonprofit sector. Bekah is especially passionate about building sustainable, inclusive systems through policy and grassroots engagement. Rose Gyesi Newfoundland and Labrador 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. Sean Kelly Nova Scotia Sean Kelly is an award-winning professional with over 30 years of experience in program development and management, strategic planning, inclusive leadership, communications, and adult education on environment and global development issues. He has worked for organizations including Clean Nova Scotia Foundation (first as Manager of Communications and then as Director of Clean Energy Programs), Cuso International, the Lester Pearson Institute for International Development, and Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia. He won a Global Citizen Award from the UN 50th Anniversary Committee of Canada. Sean is a past Head of Communications for Cuso International, a leading North American global development agency. He led the charity through a major re-branding, and was the editor of The Sustainable Times, a magazine on environment and international development issues sold at 350 newsstands across Canada. Sean has produced radio documentaries that have been heard on the CBC, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and National Public Radio in the U.S. He has been published in many magazines and has won a National Magazine Award in Canada and a Gabriel Award for Documentary in the U.S. Seiku Diakite New Brunswick Seiku is a social work student at St. Thomas University with a keen interest in International Development. Seiku aims to address systemic barriers affecting vulnerable populations in society, create awareness on how International social work can promote social justice and advocate for structural changes in society. Shelagh Savage Nova Scotia Currently a lecturer with the International Development Studies department at Dalhousie University, Shelagh Savage teaches a course on Development in Practice. Prior to that she was Associate Director of Partnerships at the Coady Institute (2009 - 20019) where she focused on how important collaboration is in ensuring social change. Working for many years in international cooperation, she has been privileged to learn with – and from – amazing mentors in communities, institutions and organizations around the world. Shelagh currently serves on a number of boards and advisory committees (including ACIC and Royal Roads University) and worked for many years n the CIDA/DFATD/GAC environment – including co-chairing the first year of the GAC CSO Policy Advisory Group (CPAG). Teresa Lush Nova Scotia Teresa considers herself a global citizen and has been fortunate enough to have traveled the world. She believes that we are all interconnected and that support for one another, no matter the geography, is imperative for us to move forward as a species. She is involved, and would like to be more involved, in furthering international development. She has volunteered in Guatemala for over seven years on her own. This has primarily been with Casa Guatemala, a jungle based orphanage and school on the Rio Dulce. She has also become involved with Ahicam, a home for adolescents and babies in Poptun and more recently, a startup school in Punta Brava, Guatemala. Valeri Pilgrim Newfoundland and Labrador 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. Wilhemina Welbeck Nova Scotia Wilhemina Welbeck is a nonprofit professional based in Halifax, currently affiliated with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. She brings strong administrative, communication, and multicultural collaboration skills developed through her work with the NS College of Nursing and the John Howard Society. Wilhemina is committed to social justice and excited to contribute to ACIC’s committees and community.

Youth Program Archive Re-Imagining Development Gathering Learn More 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’. PhotoVoices 2026 Learn More 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. Youth Advisory Council Learn More 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. Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 Learn More Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference! Symposium Youth Stream 2025 Learn More Are you aged 19–29 and living in Atlantic Canada? Interested in global issues, social justice, and international cooperation? Connect with peers and professionals, explore careers in the sector, and gain hands-on experience at ACIC's 2025 Symposium while reflecting on how foreign aid and global solidarity are shifting. All travel, food, and accommodation expenses are covered by ACIC. PhotoVoices 2025 Learn 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. IDW Youth Funding 2026 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! IDW Youth Funding 2025 Learn More To celebrate International Development Week (IDW), ACIC is excited to offer funding for youth (ages 15-30) to host their own events! Re-Imagining Development Gathering 2025 Learn More 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’. Global Citizenship Conference 2024 Learn More The Global Citizenship Youth Conference is a space for youth (aged 15-17) to discuss, learn about and take action on global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants spent three days (July 11-14, 2024) at the Tatamagouche Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Professional Practice Workshop Learn More 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. Global Citizenship Certificate 2024 Learn More The first step in changing the world is understanding it. The Global Citizenship Certificate encourages youth to explore connections to their local and international communities and empowers young people to act as effective global citizens. Through virtual workshops, volunteer placement, advocacy projects, and connecting with other youth across the Atlantic, youth will learn and practice being effective global citizens. PhotoVoices 2024 Learn 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. Symposium Youth Stream 2023 Learn More 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. IDW Youth Funding 2024 Learn More 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. PhotoVoices 2023 Learn 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.

Global Citizenship Youth Conference 2025 Are you between the ages of 15 and 17 and interested in exploring global issues? Join us for the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference! About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program The conference is an opportunity for youth to get informed, get inspired, and take action on local and global issues in a safe and welcoming space. Participants will meet and engage with a diverse group of youth from different communities and cultures across the four Atlantic provinces. Participants will: Connect with others who are committed to social justice and effective global citizenship Challenge systems and barriers that block change Create skills that foster personal and professional social change Identify actionable Change within their communities and circles The conference is free of charge, and food and accommodation are provided. ACIC will arrange and cover the expense of all travel for youth participants. The Global Citizenship Youth Conference invites youth (ages 15-17) to learn about, and take action on, global issues. Hosted by the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation, participants will spend three days (July 3-6, 2025) at the Tatamagouche Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Through interactive activities, discussion, games, reflection, and more, the conference will explore topics such as peace and conflict, human rights, Indigenous realities, the Sustainable Development Goals, refugee experiences, poverty and food sovereignty, gender equity, environment, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQSIA+ realities, and more. We are also recruiting for a Digital Storyteller for the Conference! Applicants must be between the ages of 15-17 Applicants must be able to demonstrate their passion and experience in working with photos or video to share stories. Successful applicants will attend the conference like other conference participants but they will be responsible for capturing their conference experience and sharing it with the public, with the support of ACIC. All photographers and videographers will be credited when ACIC uses the content (photos and videos) for any communication. ACIC staff will train, give direction, and provide support to selected applicants. Travel, accommodation, and food will be provided for all selected applicants. Successful applicants will receive a 250$ honorarium for their participation in the program. If you are interested in this role during the conference, you can apply here! Application Process Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Deadline: May 15, 2025 Important Dates Apply by May 15, 2025 The 2024 Global Citizenship Youth Conference takes place from July 3 - 6, 2025 Eligibility Criteria To participate in the 2025 Global Citizenship Youth Conference, you must be: Be living in New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island Age 15-17 Please note that while we would love to accept all applicants, due to the high interest in the conference we will not be able to. It is best to apply as soon as possible, as space is limited!Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. We will inform all applicants, successful or not. Application Details Apply by: May 15, 2025 Learn More

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

From Aid to Action. ACIC Symposium 2025 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SOLIDARITY & GLOBAL COOPERATION Shadi Mousavi About Shadi