GUELPH, ON, May 1, 2024 – The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is pleased to announce the opening of recruitment for the 2024 Rural Change Makers (RCM) program with the support of regional partners: Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) – representing a collective of 24 First Nations from Northwestern Ontario, Community Futures Huron, Haliburton-Minden Hills community collective including 20 businesses, leaders, organizations, farmers and educators, TRENVAL Business Development Corporation, Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation, Renfrew County Economic Development and Four County Labour Market Planning Board.
The Rural Change Maker Program welcomes applications from engaged young leaders aged 18-35 in rural and northern Ontario eager to become the next faces of change and mobilize action around issues important to their communities.
“Trenval Community Futures is proud to bring the Rural Change Makers Program to the Bay of Quinte Area. This program is a springboard for young changemakers to ignite their passions, cultivate leaderships skills and amplify their voices as they embrace challenges that will shape communities in the future,” said Amber Darling TRENVAL Business Development Corporation.
Applications for the 2024 RCM program open May 1, 2024 and close July 1, 2024, with the selection process commencing in August 2024 when up to 36 motivated young adults will be selected to join the experience. These leaders will participate in a series of developmental training sessions, come together for experiential gatherings, complete self-assessments, form planning committees for local activities, and lead entrepreneurial or community initiatives.
“Participants of ROI’s youth leadership programs do incredible things both in their communities and lives with many past participants taking on leadership roles in local or provincial government, businesses and local community organizations,” says Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications Manager and RCM Program Coordinator. “Rural Change Makers are the leaders of tomorrow and this initiative prepares them for those future challenges.”
For more information on the RCM program and how to apply visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/changemakers. The deadline for applications is July 1, 2024.
Support for the Rural Change Makers program has been generously provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Mutual Insurance Association and RBC Future Launch.
The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders, informing decision makers and connecting communities. ROI delivers the renowned Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) entering its 40th year of operation, and the Rural Change Maker program, a youth leadership initiative for young rural, emerging leaders to address local priorities. We provide data research and analysis on rural trends and demographics. Information is disseminated in our Rural Ontario Facts products – factsheets and accompanying dashboards. Currently, ROI is engaged in a rural housing initiative that will help communities to address the housing and homelessness crisis being faced by thousands of Canadians.
