The Changemaker Labs program drives climate action in Canada, supporting work-integrated learning (WIL) through partnerships between small- to mid-sized municipalities and motivated youth. It offers a range of activities designed with an inclusive participation model; interdisiplanary opportunities of varying time commitment.
Changemaker Labs is rooted in mobilizing TransformWR– a climate strategy which guides Waterloo Region towards a low-carbon, equitable, and resilient community. Each term targets one of six transformative changes outlined in the plan for greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Land Connection Series
Tuesdays from 2-4PM, meet at GreenHouse. Outdoors, weather permitting.
Deepen your relationship with the land and with others in these low-barrier activities hosted by spirited students, grads and staff. No experience required, email us for additional details.
-
July 9 – fungi field day
-
July 23 – fungi field day
-
July 30 – garden harvest and sit spot circle
-
August 6 – Changemakers social and sit spot circle
Register here!
Climate Leaders Food Systems Series
Each month be part of the conversation and action on local food spaces. Listening to Indigenous knowledge, hands on gardening, food security discussions, social gathering are just a few of the paths we’ve explored in partnership with Waterloo Climate Institute. Remaining dates:
-
Thursday July 18
-
September date to be confirmed
GO-Open Data Hackathon
On May 11th, students and community members were invited to participate in the GOODHack24 challenge held at Communitech in downtown Kitchener. The hackathon challenge offered a space for participants to brainstorm, explore and develop innovative solutions at the intersection of open data, technology and local sustainable resources to support affected communities experiencing heat inequity – one of the top climate injustices facing our Region. GOODHack24 was co-hosted by the City of Kitchener, Go Open Data (GOOD) and GreenHouse, a social incubator at United College.
“Investing in youth in experiences provides not only skill building and networking; it is an opportunity for municipalities to recruit and retain high-calibre students entering the workforce. The open data department at the City of Kitchener shared this worldview from the jump and was instrumental in co-creating a reciprocal and enjoyable Work-Integrated learning opportunity." says Lily Viggiano, GreenHouse Senior Project Manager.
For the full article, click here!
Who should register?
- 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).
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.