By Mélissa Dubé
Only six months ago, in the middle of a pandemic, we welcomed our first-ever cohort of energized advocates thanks to the launch of our Results Canada Education and Advocacy Fellowship Program. Since then, fellows have become a driving force of advocacy for our issues: in a short time they have published letters to the editor and op-eds, engaged with parliamentarians (Members of Parliament and senators), organized successful activities, have inspired others to take action, have created local groups of volunteers and more.
As the program coordinator, I am so lucky to have the best seat in the house: I have been able to witness the fellows’ involvement from the beginning. You may have heard me say this before but collaborating with volunteers is truly special. Perhaps I am biased but these remarkable individuals - committed to learning, asking tough questions, challenging us to do better and tirelessly taking action - are certainly worth pausing celebrate.
To mark the fellows’ 6-month anniversary, I asked them to share their most proud moments or learnings that will remain with them moving forward. So, join me in celebrating and getting to know some of them by seeing what they had to say! Show your support with this click to tweet:
Abbie Lai
The collective energy of the fellows and the mentorship of Results staff are so motivating. I'm excited about how every action, from writing a letter to hosting a meeting, can help make a difference.
Amanda Vandewint
The Fellowship Program has served as a structured and collaborative avenue of building my knowledge of global health challenges, such as the tuberculosis epidemic, while learning about the actions we all can take to advocate for change.
Brintha Sivajohan
The Fellowship has been a great experience to meet and work with progressive individuals across the country. It has helped me exercise my social participation in democratic issues and be more involved in the international development sector.
Christina Nguyen
I wanted to learn how to become an impactful advocate for ending all forms of poverty. So far, I learned just that and so much more. I was lucky to be inspired by a whole network of like-minded, passionate individuals across Canada.
Christine Saleeb
I’ve learned just how impactful our voices can be: not only as citizens but also as constituents. Moving forward, I’m going to use these advocacy skills in order to address health inequities.
Dijana Janjetovic
“With ideas it is like with dizzy heights you climb: At first they cause you discomfort and you are anxious to get down, distrustful of your own powers; but soon the remoteness of the turmoil of life and the inspiring influence of the altitude calm your blood; your step gets firm and sure, and you begin to look - for dizzier heights.” - Nikola Tesla
Emily Beatty
I have learned from my Results teammates that affecting change through advocacy is not an unachievable endeavour, and we as individuals are powerful in our determination to make a difference.
Gemma Hauser
I’ve cherished the past six months (wow!) that I’ve had working alongside like-minded individuals at Results that share the same values and motivations as I do. I never thought that by joining this volunteer program I could have such a deeper look inside the lives of so many diverse Canadians! Thanks Results!
Harsimran Grewal
The Fellowship has allowed me to build on advocacy skills that I can use to take action for issues that I care about. I'm also grateful that I had the opportunity to write letters to the editor and to write an op-ed through this program!
Ishita Aggarwal
The Fellowship has taught me that a big part of advocacy is educating yourself about all sides of an issue. Understanding all viewpoints is key for meeting others part-way and fighting for what we believe in.
Janie Moyen
Being a part of the first Results Canada Fellowship has given me a broader and more clear view of my role in international development and global health through education and engaging with peers. Cannot wait for the next six months!
Jaya Scott
I'm really proud to have contributed to the Results Regional Pacific Conference in a variety of roles - to boot, I learned what goes into making an online conference run behind the scenes!
Jeena Mathew
The Fellowship has given me insight on advocacy and how to take action to mobilize the government to support international challenges. It’s very fulfilling to see small actions leading to big impact.
Maddy McCarville
Throughout the past six months, I have learned more than I ever imagined! Results has empowered me with different skills and confidence to champion change. YOU can make a difference no matter how small your actions may be, every action matters!
Norm Filiol
During my Fellowship, I arranged to have the Ottawa Art Gallery light up their canopy in red for World Tuberculosis Day. Along with this I secured an interview with a local publication to promote the event.
Sarah Bonner-Proulx
Being a fellow has been a very rewarding experience that has given me the opportunity to learn, educate and advocate in a meaningful and tangible way.
Thalita Abra
I have been expanding my awareness about essential subjects related to global health and extreme poverty in the low- and middle-income countries. By voicing opinions with accurate data, Results’ volunteers can reach the primary purpose of generating the political will to end extreme poverty.
Veda Jain
The Fellowship Program has equipped me with the tools necessary to become an active citizen in Canadian democracy and an agent of change in addressing global health issues. Meeting with my Member of Parliament and publishing op-eds on pertinent global health issues has been incredibly rewarding.
Thank you all! Here’s to another six months of learning and impact together!
Check out our webpage for more details, sign up and stay tuned as the next round of Fellowship recruitment will begin in Fall 2021. Don’t wait to get involved. Start volunteering with Results Canada today!