PhotoVoices 2025 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. 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 female-identified and/or Two Spirit identified youth. ACIC is currently seeking participants for its PhotoVoices Program. The purpose of this program is to help budding photographers/journalists build their skills and portfolios while taking part in an intercultural program. The program will include youth 17-29 years from Atlantic Canada and youth from the partner organization/s country. 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 10 weeks from January 19 and March 23, 2025 (Sunday mornings) Upon completion of the program youth will receive a certificate of completion and a $150 honorarium for the time and commitment. 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) Application Process Apply by December 20, 2024. Important Dates The program will run for 10 weeks from January 19 and March 23, 2025 Virtual meetings will take place weekly on Sundays Application deadline is Dec. 20, 2024. For more information contact Jackie at 902.431.2311 or jackie@acic-caci.org Eligibility Criteria To apply for this program, participants will: Be between the ages of 18-30 Be living in Atlantic Canada Be female-identified and/or Two Spirit identified Be available for approximately 2 hours/week over the course of 10 weeks between January 2025 and March 2025, 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: December 20, 2024 Learn More

ICN Youth Delegation 2025 The Inter-Council Network is proud to work with youth from across Canada in order to ensure that their voices have the opportunity to be heard at the AWID Forum 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. About Eligibility Criteria Application Process Important Dates About the Program Each year, the Inter-Council Network selects eight delegates (representing the eight provincial and regional councils) to attend multilateral spaces and conventions to meet with policymakers and international changemakers. Over the past few years, the delegates have participated the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The purpose of the current call for applications is to identify young individuals who will be supported by ICN in attending the AWID International Forum, providing them with the opportunity to engage in exceptional interactions at this global gathering of NGOs feminist, women's rights, gender justice. Chosen delegates are expected to take part in and contribute to a range of capacity-building and dialogue sessions before, during, and after AWID. They will also be encouraged to actively participate in and help co-create collective communication and engagement initiatives. Application Process ICN will cover the delegation members' expenses, including travel, accommodation and food, provide support to them before, during, and after the event. Please note that applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee composed of ICN Youth Delegates alumni, and all applicants can expect to hear back from ICN by October 10, 2024. The criteria used to evaluate applications will be as follows: • Meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above; • Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of women's rights, gender equality, and social justice; • Show involvement in the international solidarity network and/or a civic movement such as feminist, LGBTQI2S+, anti-racist, Indigenous rights, migrant rights, or environmental movements; • Proficiency in English, French. Important Dates Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, candidates must: • Be between 19 and 29 years old at the start of the 15th AWID Forum, on December 2, 2024; • Have completed the online application form by September 23, 2024, at 5 PM ADT; • Be available to travel between November 26 to December 9, 2024; • Participants must have a valid passport that does not expire 6 months before intended travel; • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada; • Comply with the health regulations in effect in Canada and Thailand at the time of travel. Application Details Apply By: October 10, 2024 Learn More

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

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

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

Emerging Theory and Practices of Engaging Youth Authentically Register now! Explore what contributes to authentic and safe participation and engagement of youth, especially young women and young leaders. Join us on March 19 and 21 to learn from two recent graduate and doctoral research aimed at benefiting organizations and programs aimed at engaging youth. Register now! In this Lunch and Learn series, explore what contributes to authentic and safe participation and engagement of youth, especially young women and young leaders. Join us on March 19 and 21 to learn from two recent graduate and doctoral research aimed at benefiting organizations and programs aimed at engaging youth. These 60-minutes sessions will include sharing recent academic research, experiential learning and exploring practical tools to engaging youth effectively. Tuesday, March 19: Safer Spaces and Young Women’s Civic Participation Judyannet Muchiri shares insights from her doctoral research that examines the relationship between safe/r spaces and young women’s civic participation to demonstrate the ways in which structural factors influence their participation. Using feminist and decolonial theories and methods and drawing on young women, gender equality advocates and NGOs and CBOs that work with young women in Kenya, this presentation will address: 1. How do young women understand, define, conceptualize and approach safer spaces? 2. How do young women and organizations that work with young women create safe spaces? This presentation will also offer a framework for safer spaces. Judyannet (She/her) works at the intersection of gender justice, civic participation, digital rights, feminist foreign policy, and knowledge creation processes. She has worked on these areas as a policy analyst, researcher, writer, and activist. Her most recent work has been in Canada’s international cooperation sector and the non-profit sector in Eastern Africa . Currently, Judyannet is leading policy work at the Inter-Council Network (ICN), co-leading the Africa Community Engagement Hub (ACE) and completing a doctorate on gender, safer spaces, and civic participation. Thursday, March 21: Exploring Authenticity of Leaders Engaged in Youth Programming Jackie Dowling will present a qualitative case study exploring what contributes to authentic engagement between youth leaders and adult leaders when collaborating in for-youth-by-youth program development. Guided by adult education and feminist theories and considerations of diversity and inclusion, this presentation will explore factors that inhibit and enable an authentic engagement. Drawing from her vast experience of working with youth from around the world, and her graduate research, Jackie will engage participants in discussions on her findings and practical tools to engage youth. Jackie has been working the areas of community development and youth engagement for the last 15 years across Turtle Island (Canada) and internationally. Jackie's role as Program Manager at The Atlantic Council for International Cooperation involves program development and implementation of youth programming at the local level, with ACIC member organizations and non-members community groups, and at the national level, with other Council members, national non-profits and government offices. Jackie uses she/her pronouns. Application Details The Lunch and Learns will take place on Tuesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 21 at 12:30 PM. Please register by atleast 12:20 PM on the day you want to attend so we can make sure we are able to send you all information to attend successfully. If you'd like to attend both, please indicate so on the registration form and we'll send you the Zoom links. Apply / Register Now Similar Opportunities Emerging Theory and Practices of Engaging Youth Authentically Explore what contributes to authentic and safe participation and engagement of youth, especially young women and young leaders. Join us on March 19 and 21 to learn from two recent graduate and doctoral research aimed at benefiting organizations and programs aimed at engaging youth. Learn More