Changemaker Labs for Green Youth

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:

• Climate Innovation Retreat: On Friday January 17 (4-8PM) and Saturday January 18 (10-4PM), join GreenHouse's first-ever Climate Innovation Retreat! Collaborate to design transformative ways to engage equity-deserving youth in climate action and the green economy through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving, and community-driven ideas. Bring your perspective, dive into the challenge, and help create meaningful change on campus and beyond. Topics include: Sourcing inspiring and relevant information, Climate Intersectionality, Pathways to sustainability, Decolonization and equitable resource allocation, and Indigenization. Register directly here

• Food Futures: 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! Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00PM. 

• SAVE THE DATE! Sustainability Impact Summit: 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. Saturday March 15 from 12-5PM at CIGI. More details to come.

Please direct questions and accommodation notes to Senior Project Manager, Lily Viggiano at lily.viggiano@uwaterloo.ca 

The United College Green Team's Zero Waste Challenge took center stage on CTV news. The challenge: fit one month’s worth of garbage into a one-litre mason jar. 

The initiative took place in collaboration with Reep Green Solutions attracting over 100+ individuals from different age groups and communities. 

Read the full story here

• Post-secondary and grade 11 & 12 students as well as youth community members in Waterloo Region 

• Students interested in learning and taking action on local climate efforts  

• 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! 

• Connect with industry experts, lifelong learners, GreenHouse alumni, and like-minded peers   

• Develop your network and professional skill sets 

• 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).

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.