Social Changemakers

In this episode of the Social Changemakers podcast, you will learn about gender neutral washrooms, what they are, and why they’re important. Including lived experiences from trans youth discussing washrooms and their difficulties.

Welcome back to another season of the Social Changemakers Podcast! In the first episode of the season, this podcast dives into interesting advice about writing and publishing. It's filled with cool info about the book American Hippo with author Sarah Gailey. Learn all about their background in how they started writing, the fun story of how they got their agent, great advice for writing, and lots more!

In this episode, a new Rise student named Connor walks us through his journey of debunking some myths about cancer research. He shows us the progress he has made on his passion project during his time at R.I.S.E. Connor hopes he continues this journey by making big plans for the future.

We had the pleasure of meeting with Karin from Parkdale Food Center, where she outlined her role, and what her food bank does. She emphasized the importance of her organization's work in her neighbourhood of Hintonburg, and the significance of using food as a connecting tool. This organization aims to bring dignity to people and build relationships from neighbour to neighbour as they feed their neighbourhood and ensure food security. The biggest lessons learned were those of the importance of food choice, neighbour connections, EVERYONE no matter the age can help and make a difference, AND dignity for all; as well as the need to find bigger solutions to our food needs in the future. Food banks lay a great foundation, but they are only the first stepping stone in fixing a bigger food problem.

In this episode of the Social Changemakers, Our class got together with Tanya from Water First Education and Training Inc. Tanya explained the impact and goals of Water First, as well as gave everyday solutions and helpful hints to our students on how they could help. Her organization focuses on bringing clean water solutions to Northern and Indigenous communities through training, workshops, and volunteering experiences. They focus on partnerships within their community, encouraging youth to find a voice and action for the problems, and spreading awareness on clean water issues they encounter. The students learned a LOT about water issues within their own province and had a lot of questions throughout that helped build their overall understanding that not everyone in Canada has clean water access... But that they all deserve it!

On this episode of the Social Changemakers, Avery and Will will discuss their fundraising 5K for Camp Misquah, a camp for people with special needs. They will reflect on its success and what they learned about themselves while trying to organize the event.

On this episode of the Social Change Makers podcast, Jeffrey interviews Seija Deschenes, the project coordinator at Manitoulin Streams. Jeffrey will share his experience volunteering with Manitoulin Streams and the problems with Phragmities, an invasive weed spreading across Ontario. We will also find out what types of things conservation organisations are doing to protect the environment and ways that we can help.

In this episode, we meet Tori, Dani, Charlotte, Brooke, Maeve and Heather who have joined us for the summer program. We learn all about them, what breaks their heart and what they want to do to solve that problem. We also debate which is better Minecraft or Roblox, which one do you prefer?

This week on the Social Change Makers podcast, Mohammad discusses his 15km run to raise money and awareness for the people of Syria. Mohammad talks about the trials and triumphs of organizing a fundraiser. He also shares some very important messages and morals you do not want to miss!

Episode 6 is Destimatize Your Minds final episode for this season! Abbey and Simon wrap up the podcast and Pride Month by talking about Rainbow Washing and taking a look at examples of it.