Local Young Adults to Lead Inter-Faith Social Justice Project

Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver recently received one of 15 pluralism grants from the Inspirit Foundation aimed at bringing young people together to lead positive change. The grant is funding a new project called Change Makers.

Through this project, 16 emerging young leaders from various faith-based and cultural communities will identify a relevant social need across their respective communities. They will then design and implement a project to meet that social need, and in the fall they will report on their findings. As part of the process, participants will build on their leadership skills. They will also increase their understanding of and respect for diversity among faith-based groups and Canadian society at large.

The project will be supervised by Jewish Federation and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ national office, and is presented in partnership with the South Arm United Church and Reconciliation Canada. Jewish Federation is convening an advisory group from the participating communities to develop the selection criteria and interview the candidates. Applicants must demonstrate active community involvement and be interested in pursuing leadership roles.

“Change Makers is an excellent opportunity for young people to exchange ideas, debate issues, and challenge each other’s thinking in a safe environment. By working together, they will have a chance to promote understanding across diverse communities while working toward a common goal,” said Diane Switzer, board chair of Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver.

“We believe that young people can drive the social changes needed to ensure everyone feels included and our differences are valued, rather than feared,” said Andrea Nemtin, president and CEO of the Inspirit Foundation.

Applications are now open at youngleadersbc.com until December 31, 2013 for participants between the ages of 23 and 28. Participants will be selected by January 15, 2014, with the first session beginning on January 30th. The project’s official end date is September 30, 2014.