Jumping into January: An ACCESS Update

ACCESS has kicked off 2013 with several events and initiatives taking place in January.We invite you to view Snapshot of Our New Year.

Youth Making a Difference Conference

The annual Youth Making a Difference Conference has been transformed in its fifth year to an exciting, engaging Community Challenge. On World Day of Social Justice (February 20), students will collaborate with peers from across Peel Region to create solution concepts for local and global issues, including Community Challenge on topics like Poverty Alleviation, Environmental Issues, Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health and Aboriginal Issues. Registration is open for Schools, Organizations, Sponsors and more at YMAD.ca.

Laurier Innovation Challenge

Our chapter at Wilfrid Laurier University is keeping things fresh, fun and innovative by hosting the Laurier Innovation Challenge with LiTC. The core function of this event — providing solutions to local and global social issues — is in alignment with the YMAD Conference and follow-up programming of ACCESS. This event focused on social entrepreneurship – the act of identifying and recognizing a social problem and using entrepreneurial principles to achieve this social change. The case challenge focused on Education and creating a stronger system for students. As the social impact sector is often criticized for a lack of large-scale initiatives and information sharing, this workshop allowed the leaders of tomorrow to collaborate around an important topic. A summary of the event is at accessu.ca/futureofeducation.

Team Empower

A new Youth Ambassador program has emerged out of ACCESS this school year, for high school students who want to become leaders, who have the passion to go out into the world and inspire positive change – starting in their own high schools. This leadership program gives students the chance to inspire meaningful change in your community through awareness initiatives and fundraisers. Ambassadors had their very first meeting at the Mississauga Community Door, and will continue with regular sessions, guest speakers, participate in and organize their own events and more! Visit TeamEmpower.ca to learn more about the program.

Fundraising at York University

The Poverty Eradication Project at York University is hosting a Silent Auction to raise funds for ACCESS. The event will be held on Thursday January 31, 2013 from 6 – 9 PM in the Junior Common Room 014 in McLaughlin College. Details on the event are available at accesscharity.ca/yorkauction.

For updates on these and other projects, follow @ACCESSCharity and connect on our Facebook page.