ROI Announces Launch of Transformative Rural Change Makers Program

GUELPH, ON – The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Rural Change Makers (RCM). With the support of regional partners: Timmins Youth Wellness Hub (YWH-Timmins), and Opiikapawiin Services LP ᐅᐱᑲᐸᐃᐧᐣ ᐃᐧᒋᐦᐃᐁᐧᐃᐧᓇᐣ  (OSLP), the program will equip up to 36 young leaders (aged 18-35) in rural and northern Ontario to mobilize community-led action on local challenges. 

“Ensuring young leaders in rural and northern Ontario are equipped with the leadership skills and opportunity to grow and learn is critical to creating thriving, strong communities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our government is proud to support the Rural Ontario Institute with programs like this which not only prepare the future leadership of our province, but also build capacity in these communities.”

“Young leaders are the future of Rural Ontario. Their community involvement is key to their sense of belonging and value. Communities are stronger when youth are leading and making a difference,” says Ellen Sinclair, ROI Executive Director. “Rural Change Makers are the leaders of tomorrow and the RCM program prepares them for those future challenges.”

“Training young leaders requires reconciliation through a blend of Indigenous Knowledge and western training methodologies,” says Laura Calmwind, Opiikapawiin Services Training Manager. “Leadership training and networking with other young leaders from different areas will provide unique professional development opportunities and further our care for the next generation.” 

“Creating strong, passionate leaders who are committed and want to give back to the community is important for Northern communities,” says Anne Vincent, Executive Director YWH-Timmins.

In 2022, with the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the RCM program underwent a transformation based on perspectives shared through the Young Rural Resilient Project (YRR).

“Through the YRR project, critical voices were shared, perspectives gathered, barriers and gaps narrowed, and priorities identified,” says Melanie Bidiuk, ROI Communications Manager and RCM Program Coordinator. “From the many rural, remote and Indigenous voices has emerged a transformative Rural Change Makers program that is gearing up to be unlike any other with specialized leadership skills training, enriching experiential learning activities and impactful community development opportunities.”

“The re-imagined curriculum will allow young, emerging leaders to develop critical leadership skills needed to engage with their communities, come together for experiential gatherings, complete self-assessments, form planning committees for community development activities including a Youth Summit, and lead community initiatives on a local priority,” says Gabrielle Ferguson, ROI Leadership Programs Director. 

Recruitment for the new RCM cohort will begin June 2023 with the selection process commencing in July 2023 when up to 36 motivated young adults will be selected by application to join the experience. Follow us to stay up to date on program details and the opening of RCM program applications! 

Support for the Rural Change Maker Program has been generously provided in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership.

 “The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is excited to support the Rural Change Maker program and to see how our regional youth hone their leadership potential,” says Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Dan Taylor.