Have your idea but not sure how to make it a reality? Want to make a difference but not sure where to start? You are a perfect candidate for the Peace Innovators program!
By participating in the program, you will engage in learning workshops to give you the tools your Innovation Plan needs to succeed. Participants can expect to spend a minimum of 40 hours building and implementing your plan over the year. These 40 hours will not be evenly divided over the year. As you are applying, think about where your busy times are: when do exams usually take place? Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities? Map out your other commitments to help set you up for success.
| Event | |
|---|---|
| August |
A kick-off retreat to learn about implementing peace ideas in your school You receive $250 to kick-start your Innovation Plan for the year |
| Year-long |
Mentorship from an in-school mentor and The Ripple Effect Education (TREE) Mid-year meeting with peers working for peace |
| April |
A showcase to highlight your accomplishments among peers and mentors! An additional $250 personal scholarship upon successful completion of the program |
Students are responsible for arranging travel to/from the kick-off retreat and final showcase in Waterloo, Ontario. We encourage students to arrange for their own travel. If travel costs would prohibit a student’s participation, financial support will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Katie Gingerich is the Director of The Ripple Effect Education (TREE). Throughout the Peace Innovators Program, Katie will provide students with mentorship via in-person meetings and Skype calls. As a local social entrepreneur building peace, Katie has a wealth of experience ready to share with students who are eager to build peace in their communities.
"It's difficult to overstate just how fantastic the Peace Innovators program is. For Thea, the program was by far the highlight of their Grade 12 year. The workshops, monthly check-ins, and mentoring relationships set the stage for exceptional learning, leadership development, and concrete peacebuilding that had a real impact not just on Thea, but on the community. And when we look at the program as a whole, it's obvious that it works. Each participant was able to empathetically identify a challenge, nurture an idea, and turn it into tangible and inspiring action. What better lesson to learn than that when we care deeply and act intentionally, we can make a positive difference in ourselves and the lives of others around us?"
- Nolan and Margaret Andres, parents of 2018/2019 Peace Innovator Thea Andres
