Civic Engagement Training

The Civic Engagement Training is part of NYCH’s Community Development Framework, capacity-building & systems change work.  The training supports one of the primary outcomes of this work, which is for residents to have increased knowledge, skills and confidence to engage in civic actions & advocacy on issues that matter most to them within their communities, as well as specific policy changes and actions at the broader systems level.

This intensive training aims to provide basic knowledge and practical tools for participants to enhance their civic literacy, strengthen their leadership capacity, learn about local civic engagement opportunities, and practice planning & implementing a civic engagement project on an issue (s) of concern to them. 

The training has two components: a series of workshop sessions and a civic practicum project.  Each workshop session explores a different topic; including  delving into democracy fundamentals and Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, exploring the myriad of activities that fall under the umbrella terms of community & civic engagement, looking into engagement opportunities through current civic actions being undertaken by local groups and civil society organizations, learning about the different levels of government in Canada, their areas of responsibility, how they make decisions, prominent roles, the municipal budget and the electoral process.  The second component is optional.  Participants who choose to plan and implement a civic practicum project present their results and learnings on graduation day