Real change happens when people come together and use their collective power to lift up their communities. Together we have the ability to represent an array of people, issues and lived experiences, all with a shared passion for advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and ending the injustice of poverty and inequality. That is why Oxfam Canada is calling on youth activists, community leaders and passionate individuals from across the country to come together and attend the Youth Summit!
About the Youth Summit
Oxfam Canada will convene young SRHR activists from across Canada to gain skills related to providing, educating on, and advocating for CSE and SRHR in their communities. The Youth Summit is a free, two-day summit that will be packed full of workshops, inspiring speakers, and breakout sessions focused on SRHR issues and advocacy. Participants will leave inspired, connected, knowledgeable and equipped with skills to advocate for positive change under the broad umbrella of SRHR, including an explicit focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ CSE.
Applicants from anywhere in Canada, excluding Quebec, aged 18-29 are welcome to apply. Our overarching goal with these spots is to support young 2SLGBTQ+ leaders by equipping them with the skills and knowledge not only to bring CSE into their community spaces using an intersectional feminist and anti-racist approach, but also advocate for CSE, SRHR, and other 2SLGBTQ+ related issues in political settings.
Youth will participate in interactive sessions that build their capacity in CSE that addresses the needs of diverse populations. They will also learn how to advocate for the needs of themselves and their communities, specifically around CSE and SRH to decision makers.
Event Details
WHEN
March 1-2, 2025
WHERE
Ottawa, Ontario
HOW
This training is free of charge. Oxfam Canada will provide participants with training materials to make the most of the experience. Oxfam Canada will also cover the cost of travel to Ottawa and accommodations.
What You Will Learn
Use Your Power To Lift Up Communities
by learning and practicing key advocacy tools, developing knowledge from the training provided by topic experts and discovering new ways to help create a just world without poverty and inequality, focusing on the importance of SRHR and CSE.
Strengthen The Ropes Of Solidarity
across the SRHR and CSE movement by sharing knowledge, building ties with other activists from all across the country and gaining important skills together.
Build The Capacity To Inspire
advance your engagement and ability to increase your influence on issues of poverty, gender justice and inequality as they relate to SRHR and CSE.
Renew Your Advocacy Skills And Knowledge
on feminist and intersectional policymaking approaches from topic experts.
Build Your Knowledge And Skills
on SRHR and CSE and how it intersects with other social justice issues.
Apply For the Summit
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and currently living in Canada. Youth aged 18 to 29 in all provinces and territories, except Quebec, are invited to apply.
If you’re a community activist, leader or person passionate about SRHR, CSE, ending the injustice of poverty, standing up for the rights of women and gender-diverse peoples, and seeking more ways to deepen your skills, you should absolutely apply.
We value and encourage diversity and welcome applications from traditionally underrepresented groups like women and gender-diverse people, racialized people, Indigenous Peoples, non-heteronormative identities or people with disabilities.
HOW TO APPLY
The application process takes about 30 minutes, with some additional time to submit a creative project as well as a personal reference. You’ll be able to save your progress as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
This opportunity is available to youth aged 18 to 29 from any Canadian province or territory other than Quebec.
Applications to the Youth Summit are due December 2, 2024 by midnight EST
The Youth Summit will be in Ottawa, Ontario in person from March 1-2, 2025!
The Youth Summit will primarily focus on SRHR and CSE and how they intersect with other human rights and social justice issues. Attendees will learn how SRHR and CSE-related issues and gaps impact marginalized communities and gain skills in advocating for SRHR and CSE at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Youth will also become connected to a network of young activists and Oxfam Canada and other SRHR organization stakeholders in the hopes of fostering collaborations to advance SRHR and CSE nation-wide.
This training is free of charge to ensure the opportunity is accessible. Oxfam Canada will cover the cost of participation, including travel to and from Ottawa and accommodations for the days of the Youth Summit.
The Youth Summit agenda and speaker details will be sent to all selected participants in February. Some speaker highlights may also be posted on social media, so check out our Facebook and Instagram for updates.
The Youth Summit is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through Global Affairs Canada, and the generous Canadian public.
