Graduates from the Community Changemakers program pitched their visions for new projects that aim to increase social inclusion, foster belonging and animate public spaces in Brantford as the program concluded on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Over six individuals and groups participated in the program, which takes place at the Wilfrid Laurier University Community Innovation Hub, and is facilitated by LaunchPad Brantford, Laurier’s business and social innovation incubator.
Participants received a certificate of completion from Laurier. This year’s theme was Cultivating Belonging, with participants spending six-weeks developing a program, service or event to promote belonging and social inclusion in the community, including the following projects:
- Neurodivergent Arts Collective by Mikayla Hughes: A drop-in arts space designed for neurodiverse individuals of all ages to engage in independent and collaborative art projects while building social connections.
- Activ4Kids Sports Experience by Chris Kartik: A low-barrier recreational program for parents and young children to explore a variety of sports together while strengthening bonds and encouraging active lifestyles.
- New Paths Brant by Katie MacDonald, Nancy Smith, and Serena Fordham: A project advocating for long-term sustainable, accessible, and supportive housing solutions for adults with disabilities.
- Eagle Place Community Pantry by Maggie Nendick: A dedicated community pantry for fresh and shelf-stable foods and staples to be located in the Eagle Place Community.
- Shared Pulse by Sumedha Mongia: A program to promote cross-cultural connection, reduce social isolation in Newcomers and create relationship-building opportunities through a Bollywood-inspired dance program.
- The Little Neighbourhood That Could by Chad Martin: A community engagement initiative to create and activate a health and wellness garden at City View Park.
“Making connections with other participants has been invaluable. The opportunities to build skills and collaborate with other people doing inspiring work in the community is really meaningful to me,” said Mikayla Hughes, a Community Changemakers participant.
Maria Avila, another Community Changemakers participant added, “This program really helped me to feel more connected to the community and has helped me learn how important it is to be involved in the community.”
The Community Changemaker projects are set to launch in 2025 and more information will be available to members of the public through the Laurier LaunchPad webpage and social media.
“Changemakers really helped me develop skills and gave me the confidence and tools to make an impact in my community,” said Maggie Nendick, a Community Changemakers participant.
The next cohort of the program will begin in Spring 2025, with application and registration details to be announced in February 2025.
Supporting the City’s Inclusive Community Plan
The Community Changemakers Program aligns closely with the City of Brantford’s Inclusive Community Plan (2023-2026), adopted by City Council in June 2023. This plan, which has received endorsement from over 30 community organizations, is guided by the principles of: “Learn from Each Other, Stand up for Each Other, and Celebrate Each Other”. The Community Changemakers Program is a key initiative that embodies these values, empowering residents to lead projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the city.
“The Community Changemaker Program is an incredible opportunity for the City of Brantford and Laurier to work alongside residents dedicated to building a more inclusive community. It has been amazing to watch participants bring their creative ideas to life, while also developing valuable skills to turn their visions into reality. I can’t wait to see the positive impact these projects will have on our community,” concluded Amy Brandt, Community Initiatives Coordinator for the City of Brantford
