The Changemaker Labs program at GreenHouse drives climate action in Canada, supporting work-integrated learning (WIL) through partnerships between small- to mid-sized municipalities and motivated people. Each term offers a range of activities designed with an inclusive participation model; interdisciplinary opportunities of varying time commitment.
Changemaker Labs mobilizes TransformWR, Waterloo Region's climate action strategy, guiding our community toward a low-carbon, equitable, and resilient future. Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing, emerging research, and local expertise, this program offers holistic educational experiences. Participants gain valuable skills, build networks in the green economy, and contribute meaningfully to municipal climate action.
Indicate your interest on the registration form. No experience required; come join us and make an impact! All Changemaker Labs activities count toward the newly offered UW Sustainability Leadership Certificate!
Winter 2025 Offerings:
- Food Futures: Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00PM - Participate in weekly sessions combining hands-on greenhouse upkeep with engaging workshops and discussions led by a different guest speaker each week. Topics include garden mapping, pickling, Indigenous worldviews, and more. Materials and an optional community dinner are provided—come ready to learn and share!
- Green Innovation Gathering Manitoba - **in person opportunity in Brandon, Manitoba** - Saturday February 22 from 10:00-5:00PM - A hands-on event where young people from Brandon will team up to create real solutions for a sustainable future. Participants will work on innovation challenges from industry partners, using data, community insights, and Indigenous knowledge >> Learn more and register
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Innovation Retreat Follow-Up – Thursday, March 13 & March 27 | 5:00–7:00 PM
In January, we explored the question: “How might we better engage equity-deserving youth in climate action and the green economy?”. Teams identified key areas, gathered research, and pinpointed gaps. Now, it's time for action! We’ll be creating an action-oriented report/manual for decision-makers—imagine managers, volunteer coordinators, and educators using our insights to drive meaningful change. Even if you didn't participate in the original retreat, you can support us in this project!
📌 March 13 – Review findings, outline the report, and assign tasks
📌 March 13–23 – Work on your sections and submit
📌 March 27 – Final review, printed copies for all contributors, and your name on the byline!
- Sustainability Impact Summit: Saturday March 15 from 12:00-5:00PM - The Young & Restless Sustainability Impact Summit aims to bring together thought leaders, change-makers, and innovative companies to share insights, inspire action, and recognize outstanding initiatives aligned with the SDGs. Come as an audience member or apply to pitch your social & environmental ideas at the Summit - $1000 prize up for grabs! Apply to pitch: Application link Register to attend: Registration link
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Green Innovation Gathering Yukon - **in person opportunity in Whitehorse, Yukon** - March 2025 - A hands-on event where young people from Whitehorse will team up to create real solutions for a sustainable future. Participants will work on innovation challenges from industry partners, using data, community insights, and Indigenous knowledge >> Get on the mailing list
Please direct questions and accommodation notes to Senior Project Manager, Lily Viggiano at lily.viggiano@uwaterloo.ca
Who should register?
- Post-secondary and grade 11 & 12 students as well as youth community members in Waterloo Region
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Students interested in learning and taking action on local climate efforts
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Folks looking to be part of an engaging and welcoming community!
What to expect: This is a free program designed to allow participants to tap into the opportunities that best suit their interests and schedule. No experience or previous knowledge required!
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Connect with industry experts, lifelong learners, GreenHouse alumni, and like-minded peers
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Develop your network and professional skill sets
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Gain a sense of hope and agency on climate matters by deepening your knowledge and taking action!
All activities take place in person at GreenHouse (UTD 164 - United College).
Our Supporters
Partnerships and Instructional Opportunities
We welcome partnerships for educational activities and design sprint challenges. If you're interested in learning more or chatting about shared goals and priorities, please contact Lily Viggiano, Senior Project Manager, at lily.viggiano@uwaterloo.ca.
We encourage municipalities, community organizations, advocates, educators, and volunteers to get in touch with us.
