Agents of Change
Our agents design and implement community-based projects, collaborate with campus and local partners, and promote civic engagement, leadership, and innovation across our Community
Have Ideas for a Health Initiative? Get your ideas funded!
Do you want to improve health and living conditions in the community? Agents of Change offers the mentorship, connections, and funding you need to turn your ideas into reality!
The Agents of Change Program at 快播视频 aims to support innovative student-led community initiatives that uniquely address the and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program offers students start-up funding, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
If you have any questions regarding the Agents of Change Program, please email scchelp@yorku.ca.
36+
Student Start-ups
12+
Social Determinants of Health Addressed
7+
UN Sustainable Development Goals Supported
190+
Currently Involved Members
Agents of Change Mission Statement
鈥淲e are agents of change for health, transforming lives, communities, systems and the world.鈥
About us
The Agents of Change Program was established by an alumni donor in 2013, driven by the goals to promote applied learning opportunities and develop students' transferable skills. A project-based learning approach is adapted by the program to foster students鈥 engagement to real-world problems through their personal, community-oriented, and health-related initiatives鈥攖heir very own 鈥淎gents of Change Project鈥. Applications to the program open in early summer of each school year, the projects run in a year-long timeline that begins in August and ends in May of every year.
10 years on, the program has achieved noteworthy outcomes and impact through 33 student-led initiatives focused on meeting the health-related needs of vulnerable or marginalized community members. Past Agents of Change initiatives have covered a broad range of categories, including supporting physical and mental health, gender inequity in health leadership, and homelessness.
The current Agents of Change projects are innovative in addressing SDH and are actively participating in achieving the UN SDG. Check out our projects and their project-specific SDH and UN SDG below!
Grow Your Story
- Education
- Income and Social Status
4. Quality Education
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Hygiene Haven
- Education
- Gender Inequity
- Social Exclusion
- Income and Social Status
3. Good Health and Well-Being
10. Reduced Inequality
AblePlay
- Income
- Access to healthy environments
- Early childhood development
- Social Safety Network
3. Good Health and Well-Being
4. Quality Education
10. Reduced Inequality
The Nest
- Structural and Emotional Conditions
- Social Support Networks
- Education and Literacy
- 3. Good Health and Wellbeing
- 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- 13. Climate Action
Displacement and Health Relief Network
- Social Support Networks
- Access to Health Services
- Education and Literacy
- Healthy Child Development
- 3. Good Health and Wellbeing
- 4. Quality Education
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Wellness and Motion Collective
- Education
- Social Support Network
- Immigration
- Access to Services
- 3. Good Health and Wellbeing
- 4. Quality Education
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
Seva Vision
- Health services
- Income
- Social exclusion
- 3. Good Health and Wellbeing
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
Healthy Start
AblePlay TO
AblePlay TO is a student-led initiative dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent children in underserved Toronto communities from accessing quality sports and physical activity opportunities. By organizing free, coached sports events in model schools and communities, we aim to foster inclusion, empowerment, and healthy development in youth. Our mission is to create a future where every child鈥攔egardless of background or financial circumstances鈥攃an move, play, and grow through organized sports.
Mission & Vision
Aims to break down barriers that prevents children in underserved communities from accessing quality sports and physical activity opportunities. By providing free, coached sports events in schools and communities, the project aims to foster a healthy personal development in youth. A future where every child, regardless of background or financial circumstances, can move, play and grow through organized sports.
Connect with AblePlay below!
Meet the Leads!
Displacement & Health Relief Network
DHRN is a student-led not-for-profit organization founded in response to the war in Sudan and now working to support uprooted communities. Through humanitarian aid, education, advocacy, and collective action, DHRN strives to provide food, healthcare, and essential services while raising awareness about displacement and health inequities and fostering solidarity with affected communities.
Mission and Vision
A student-led humanitarian network connecting York to global displacement relief efforts. Aims to support uprooted communities through humanitarian aid, advocacy, and health equity.
Connect with DHRN below!
Meet the Project Lead!
The Nest
The Nest is a peer-led initiative that helps students channel climate emotions into collective climate action. Through biweekly Nest Circles, grounding practices, and creative expression, The Nest creates supportive spaces where students can process eco-anxiety and climate grief while building community and working together toward meaningful climate solutions.
Mission and Vision
Create safe, supportive, student-led spaces to process climate emotions and turn them into climate actions. Aims to see students as leaders in climate healing and resilience.
Connect with the Nest below!
Meet the Leads!
Seva Vision
Seva Vision is a student-led initiative focused on advancing vision health through education, advocacy, and resources. The project's work combines peer-led outreach, evidence-based education, and community partnerships to make vision care more accessible and equitable.
Mission and Vision
We aim to address gaps in access to eye care by providing students with preventive health information, connecting them to affordable resources, and raising awareness about the importance of regular eye exams We envision a future where every student has equitable access to eye care, enabling them to thrive academically, socially, and personally without financial or systemic barriers.
Connect with Seva Vision below!
Hygiene Haven
Co-Led by Mina Soufi, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Alina Khan, Anushka Nair, Parmida Shokoohi
Hygiene Haven aims to provide sustainable and impactful menstrual and reproductive health education and resources to at-risk women across the GTA through product deliveries and monthly educational sessions on reproductive and sexual health.
Mission & Vision
Hygiene Haven strives to improve access to healthcare services through the distribution of hygiene products, fostering a supportive community context via partnerships with local shelters, and enhancing education through comprehensive sexual health sessions.
We promote Good Health and Well-being by reducing health risks and encouraging healthy practices, and work towards Reduced Inequalities by ensuring equitable access to essential health resources and information, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.
Meet the Leads!
Wellness & Motion Collective
The Wellness and Motion Collective (WMC) is a student-led initiative that supports the mental health and well-being of first-generation and immigrant students at 快播视频 by fostering care rooted in community, connection, and shared experience.
Mission and Vision
The project focuses on three main goals: to connect the community by fostering meaningful relationships, to support mental health through awareness and resources, and to provide mentorship that guides and empowers individuals in their personal and professional growth!鈥
Connect with WMC below!
Meet the Leads!
Grow Your Story
Built upon the foundations of The Graveyard Shift, Grow Your Story (GYS) is a storybook initiative aiming to enhance literacy, confidence, and health agency among children living in underserved communities. Illiteracy is a major global health concern with millions of children facing disproportionate rates of illiteracy, particularly in disadvantaged regions of the world. GYS, will empower children and publish their written stories as a physical representation of their battle against illiteracy.
Mission and Vision
GYS envisions a world in which children are empowered by their literacy skills to confidently navigate the world around them, secure educational and employment opportunities, and make their voices heard. The ability to read, write, and conduct basic arithmetic skills is known as functional literacy. Through the storybook initiative, GYS hopes to see more children be able to advance their functional literacy while crafting a creative art piece in collaboration with York
University students.
Connect with GYS below!
Meet the Leads:
Coming Soon!
快播视频 Blood Initiative (YUBI)
Co-Led by Nikan Movahedi & Newsha Nozariasbmarz
YUBI, a student-led initiative, focused on increasing blood donations and organizing informative expert panel events addressing both hematologic disorders and research in the field.
Mission & Vision
Aims to make blood donation opportunities more accessible in collaboration with community partners through impactful expert panels. Addressing Social Determinants of Health, YUBI actively promotes good health, forms partnerships for shared goals, and reduces inequalities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this vision involves organizing informative expert panel events during the Fall and Winter terms of 2023-2024. The ultimate goal is to alleviate blood insecurities in the Greater Toronto Area by facilitating the collection of at least 10L of blood at York in partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS).
Sustainable Healthcare Spotlight (SHS)
Co Led by Ameen Ali Al-Habbobi, Hamza Ali, Vinojan Wiji
SHS is a student-led initiative committed to raising awareness of the contemporary healthcare challenges to high school students, hoping to enable students from all backgrounds to drive sustainable change through critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Mission & Vision
Aims to empower and inspire high school students in Grades 11 and 12 by engaging them in the face of modern healthcare obstacles. SHS's unique platform provides students with the opportunity to exchange creative solutions and cultivate vital skills crucial for their roles in the healthcare sector. SHS's primary goal is to guide the forthcoming wave of healthcare professionals, encouraging critical thinking through teamwork and amicable rivalry, thereby shaping their future in the field.
POTENTIA
Co-Led by Anahita Sadeghi & Afra Masiha
POTENTIA, a Latin expression denoting 'Power' and 'Ability,' asserts that every young individual possesses the innate capacity to shape their own destiny. We are passionately committed to transforming the lives of homeless youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through targeted donations, skill-building workshops, and transportation support.
Mission & Vision
Aims to empower youth experiencing homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area, igniting their inherent power and potential through educational workshops and critical resource donations, including professional attire, bags and backpacks, and transportation tickets. We strive to assist and catalyze lasting change and self-sufficiency, enabling every young individual to shape a hopeful and autonomous future.
Envisions a future where every youth in the York Region triumphs over homelessness, empowered by education and self-belief to build their own narratives of success, resilience, and inspiration, thereby gaining independence and positively influencing their communities and generations to follow.
THRIVE
Co-Led by Abdulrahman Al-Humiqani, Daanish Chauhan, Mohammed Al Hussein
THRIVE (Transformative Hobbies for Resilience, Innovation, and Valuable Experiences) is a mentorship-based initiative that empowers immigrant middle school students by providing essential skills through both mentoring and exploration of various hobbies. Our goal is to foster confidence, social integration, and personal development in students adjusting to a new environment.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support immigrant middle school students by helping them build confidence, adapt to their new communities, and develop valuable life skills.
Envisions a future where immigrant students feel empowered, valued, and connected within their school communities, equipped with the skills and resilience to thrive academically and personally. Through our unique program, we strive to break down social barriers, enhance overall well-being, and cultivate a sense of belonging among immigrant youth, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
TorontoTooth
Led by Dayana Davoudi
TorontoTooth is a student-led initiative that is structured to implement a preventative approach against oral health maladies in the unhoused population of GTA.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide oral hygiene products to homeless children, at-risk youth, and underprivileged women during the Fall and Winter terms of 2023-2024 and promote improvement of oral health in individuals who do not have proper access to oral hygiene products or dental care. Specifically, TorontoTooth aims to provide 1500 toothbrushes, 1500 tubes of personal-sized toothpaste, and 900 Ziploc bags to the Kennedy House organization, The Scott Mission, Good Shepherd Ministries, and North York Women鈥檚 Shelter (NYWS).
Hygiene Haven
Co-Led by Mina Soufi, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Alina Khan, Anushka Nair, Parmida Shokoohi
Hygiene Haven aims to provide sustainable and impactful menstrual and reproductive health education and resources to at-risk women across the GTA through product deliveries and monthly educational sessions on reproductive and sexual health.
Mission & Vision
Hygiene Haven strives to improve access to healthcare services through the distribution of hygiene products, fostering a supportive community context via partnerships with local shelters, and enhancing education through comprehensive sexual health sessions.
We promote Good Health and Well-being by reducing health risks and encouraging healthy practices, and work towards Reduced Inequalities by ensuring equitable access to essential health resources and information, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations.
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
Co-Led by Nikan Movahedi, Elika Ghasemboland
UHRE promotes inclusiveness in a research context by helping Faculty of Health students, particularly those who have experienced systemic barriers, in multiple areas of research placement obtainment at 快播视频 and beyond.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference.
Project Tight Knit (PTK)
Co-Led by Parmis Falahat, Hasti Shabazi, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani
Project Tight Knit (PTK) is all about bringing together community and connecting all members of society, from toddlers to seniors living in nursing homes, through the power of letters! We have also grown our organization to include Indigenous communities.
Mission & Vision
PTK strives to cultivate a sense of community between seniors in nursing homes and society through letters which improves their mental health and overall wellbeing. We do this through highlighting goals such as social safety, social inclusion, Indigenous ancestry, etc.
Additionally, we connect with Indigenous communities both in and out of YorkU, through Indigenous nursing homes. We also host workshops at 快播视频 and in high schools, to further foster the development of inter-generational bonds and deepen the understanding of the connection between social inclusion and mental health.
The Graveyard Shift (GYS)
Co-Led by Aryan Asnani, Lisa Freire, Siya Sharma, Vishvasri Tharmakulasingam
The Graveyard Shift (GYS) is a student-led, storybook initiative that aims to support the health and literacy of an underserved group of children in the Manila North Cemetery in the Philippines. GYS works with community partners based in the Philippines to have the children write about their experiences with health, literacy, and education, which we then transform into a set of fully illustrated, health-based storybooks available in English and Tagalog.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to ensure that the children of the Manila North Cemetery improve their literacy skills while learning about the community health issues that may affect their well-being. The Cemetery houses over 600 families living in abject poverty, many of whom are at increased risk of infectious diseases and poor access to education.
Through focused determinations to improve good health and well-being and equality in education, we seek to promote better health outcomes for all in the targeted region. Our hope is that the distribution of these storybooks will support the children throughout their development, empowering them to improve their literacy and language skills while expanding their understanding of community health.
快播视频 Blood Initiative (YUBI)
Co-Led by Nikan Movahedi & Newsha Nozariasbmarz
YUBI, a student-led initiative, focused on increasing blood donations and organizing informative expert panel events addressing both hematologic disorders and research in the field.
Mission & Vision
Aims to make blood donation opportunities more accessible in collaboration with community partners through impactful expert panels. Addressing Social Determinants of Health, YUBI actively promotes good health, forms partnerships for shared goals, and reduces inequalities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this vision involves organizing informative expert panel events during the Fall and Winter terms of 2023-2024. The ultimate goal is to alleviate blood insecurities in the Greater Toronto Area by facilitating the collection of at least 10L of blood at York in partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS).
Better Together
Led by Sophia Kurt
Better Together is a student-led initiative that serves as a beacon of hope and support for refugee claimants in North York and York region, bridging the gap between their urgent mental health needs and accessible services.
Mission & Vision
Aims to transform mental health accessibility for refugee claimants by pioneering a seamless online platform connecting them with culturally competent mental health providers. This platform will streamline the process, eliminating barriers such as language and knowledge gaps and ensuring that every refugee claimant receives timely and tailored support.
Envisions a future where mental health services are readily available and inclusive, empowering refugee claimants on their journey to healing and seamless integration into their new communities through innovative solutions and unwavering commitment.
Sustainable Healthcare Spotlight (SHS)
Co Led by Ali Hamzha & Al-Habbobi Ameen Ali
SHS is a student-led initiative committed to raising awareness of the contemporary healthcare challenges to high school students, hoping to enable students from all backgrounds to drive sustainable change through critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Mission & Vision
Aims to empower and inspire high school students in Grades 11 and 12 by engaging them in the face of modern healthcare obstacles. SHS's unique platform provides students with the opportunity to exchange creative solutions and cultivate vital skills crucial for their roles in the healthcare sector. SHS's primary goal is to guide the forthcoming wave of healthcare professionals, encouraging critical thinking through teamwork and amicable rivalry, thereby shaping their future in the field.
POTENTIA
Co-Led by Anahita Sadeghi & Afra Masiha
POTENTIA, a Latin expression denoting 'power' and 'ability,' asserts that every young individual possesses the innate capacity to shape their own destiny. A student-led initiative committed to transforming the lives of homeless youth in the Greater Toronto Area.
Mission & Vision
Aims to empower youth experiencing homelessness in the Greater Toronto Area, igniting their inherent power and potential through educational workshops and critical resource donations, including professional attire, bags and backpacks, and transportation tickets. We strive to assist and catalyze lasting change and self-sufficiency, enabling every young individual to shape a hopeful and autonomous future.
Envisions a future where every youth in the York Region triumphs over homelessness, empowered by education and self-belief to build their own narratives of success, resilience, and inspiration, thereby gaining independence and positively influencing their communities and generations to follow.
THRIVE
Co-Led by Abdulrahman Al-Humiqani & Mohammad Al-Hussein & Daanish Chauhan
THRIVE (Transformative Hobbies for Resilience, Innovation, and Valuable Experiences) is a student-led initiative dedicated to fostering immigrant high school students' integration, well-being, and academic success through structured engagement in North American hobbies directly within their school environments.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide a supportive and inclusive space for immigrant high school students to explore and embrace North American hobbies, promoting cultural integration, self-expression, and community involvement.
Envisions a future where immigrant students feel empowered, valued, and connected within their school communities, equipped with the skills and resilience to thrive academically and personally. Through our unique program, we strive to break down social barriers, enhance overall well-being, and cultivate a sense of belonging among immigrant youth, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
TorontoTooth
Led by Dayana Davoudi
TorontoTooth is a student-led initiative that is structured to implement a preventative approach against oral health maladies in the unhoused population of GTA.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide oral hygiene products to homeless children, at-risk youth, and underprivileged women during the Fall and Winter terms of 2023-2024 and promote improvement of oral health in individuals who do not have proper access to oral hygiene products or dental care. Specifically, TorontoTooth aims to provide 1500 toothbrushes, 1500 tubes of personal-sized toothpaste, and 900 Ziploc bags to the Kennedy House organization, The Scott Mission, Good Shepherd Ministries, and North York Women鈥檚 Shelter (NYWS).
dayanadavoi@gmail.com & torontotoothyu@gmail.com
GoFundMe:
Scholarly CONNECT
Co-Led by Amirhossein Soheili & Amin Hasheminia
Scholarly Connect is a student-led initiative designed to provide direct, personalized guidance to high school students transitioning to university.
Mission & Vision
Aims to offer practical assistance in navigating admissions, selecting programs, and accessing vital resources.
Envisions becoming the go-to resource for high school students seeking guidance and support as they prepare for university life, ensuring that every student feels confident and well-equipped to make informed decisions about their academic and personal journey, contributing to their overall well-being and success.
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
Co-Led by Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy, Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
Primary Contact: Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
UHRE promotes inclusiveness in a research context by helping Faculty of Health students, particularly those who have experienced systemic barriers, in multiple areas of research placement obtainment at 快播视频 and beyond.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference.
Conversations on South Asian Mental Health (COSAMH)
Led by Nusrat Iftikhar
COSAMH is a student-led initiative focused on building a platform where South Asian mental health experiences and perspectives are explored in relation to existing psychological based research.
Mission & Vision
COSAMH aims to destigmatize mental health stigma and discrimination prevalent in the South Asian community/cultures through workshops and discussion panels. Our central goal is to empower and represent South Asian individuals鈥 lived experiences. Which will be by deconstructing general misconceptions and stigma within South Asian circles and highlighting the importance of mental well being through education and proactive discussion.
We aim to raise awareness and empower prospective South Asian mental health advocates and professionals. Further, bridge the gap in psychological research to subjective experiences, attitudes and values of South Asian individuals.
Health & Exercise for Accessible Living (HEAL)
Led by Dayana Davoudi & Sepehr BaghaeiDowlatabadi
Coming soon!
Mission & Vision
Coming soon!
Lingua Franca
Co-Led by Farwa Arshad & Kaye Canoy
Lingua Franca is a project created by former ESL students to support the learning and professional development of current and former ESL students at 快播视频. Lingua Franca translates to a universal language of communication, which in our communities, is the English language.
Mission & Vision
Aims to create a sense of belongingness and self-esteem in ESL students by providing a platform for students to enhance their communication and public speaking skills along with a space to practice their leadership skills and ultimately helping them to feel more confident in both professional and academic settings.
Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
Co-Led by Gwyneth Campbell, & Samantha Mason
Luminate is an entirely student-run initiative based in 快播视频, Toronto. The initiative is centered in promoting undergraduate student mental health by taking a psychoeducational approach to making research more accessible to a diverse audience.
Mission & Vision
Aims to bridge the gap between academia and practice by disseminating evidence-based strategies and creating meaningful discussions around the applicability of current research to improve student mental health awareness and well-being.
TorontoTooth
Led by Dayana Davoudi
TorontoTooth is a student-led initiative that is structured to implement a preventative approach against oral health maladies in the unhoused population of GTA.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide oral hygiene products to homeless children, at-risk youth, and underprivileged women, during the Fall and Winter terms of 2021-2022 and promotes improvement of oral health in individuals who do not have proper access to oral hygiene products or dental care. Specifically, TorontoTooth aims to provide 1500 toothbrushes, 1500 tubes of personal-sized toothpaste, and 900 Ziploc bags to the Kennedy House organization, The Scott Mission, Good Shepherd Ministries, and North York Women鈥檚 shelter (NYWS).
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
Co-Led by Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy, Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
Primary Contact: Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
UHRE promotes inclusiveness in a research context by helping Faculty of Health students, particularly those who have experienced systemic barriers, in multiple areas of research placement obtainment at 快播视频 and beyond.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference.
Black Students Mentorship Program (BSMP)
Co-Led by Amanda Nkeramihigo & Edman Abukar
The Black Student Mentorship Programs鈥 (BSMP) aims to address and remediate the demonstrably persistent lack of Black representation in the population makeup of graduate students and professionals in health-related studies and professions.
Mission & Vision
The goal of BSMP is to establish mentorship and a safe and supportive environment, education, and community for black undergraduate students across the Faculty of Health connecting them to each other and to black graduate students, alumni, scholars, and professionals in the field of health.
BSMP envisions an increase in confidence, access, and capacity for black students to pursue higher education and/or employment in health-related professions. Ultimately, BSMP sees an increase in diversity in research and innovation streams and other professional fields.
Discover You
Co-Led by Concetta Barranca & Esterina Stella Batti
Discover You project is aimed at fostering leadership, communication, professional development, interview, and interpersonal skills in undergraduate and high school students as they continue paving their academic and practical pathways.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide graduating high school students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, interview, and professional development skills through online interactive workshops led by undergraduate Peer Coaches. Discover You Program strives to provide students with an opportunity to connect with undergraduate Peer Coaches and engage in activities to enhance their confidence when applying for jobs/volunteer/research positions.
con24@my.yorku.ca & stella07@my.yorku.ca
School partnership within Canada and USA: kahssoyu@gmail.com
Student participation: kahssodiscoveryou@gmail.com
Empowering Women in Health (EWIH)
Led by Tatiana Espinosa-Merlano
Empowering Women In Health (EWIH) is a student female-run team consisting of members from diverse backgrounds who share an unfaltering belief that regardless of educational, societal or biological background, health affects all of us - and thus, equal representation and unbiased treatment is crucial in this field.
Mission & Vision
Mission: Rewriting female leadership in health
Vision: Connecting and Empowering Female Health Leaders of Tomorrow
Values: courage, impact, connectivity, leadership, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion
Lingua Franca
Co-Led by Farwa Arshad & Kaye Canoy
Lingua Franca is a project created by former ESL students to support the learning and professional development of current and former ESL students at 快播视频. Lingua Franca translates to a universal language of communication, which in our communities, is the English language.
Mission & Vision
Aims to create a sense of belongingness and self-esteem in ESL students by providing a platform for students to enhance their communication and public speaking skills along with a space to practice their leadership skills and ultimately helping them to feel more confident in both professional and academic settings.
Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
Co-Led by Gwyneth Campbell, & Samantha Mason
Luminate is an entirely student-run initiative based in 快播视频, Toronto. The initiative is centered in promoting undergraduate student mental health by taking a psychoeducational approach to making research more accessible to a diverse audience.
Mission & Vision
Aims to bridge the gap between academia and practice by disseminating evidence-based strategies and creating meaningful discussions around the applicability of current research to improve student mental health awareness and well-being.
Period to Period Poverty
Led by Pukky Oluwapelumi Fambegbe
Period to Period Poverty is a student-led initiative that aims to create awareness about period poverty, distribute menstrual products to menstruating individuals experiencing homelessness, and campaign for free accessible menstrual products for all.
Mission & Vision
Aims to reduce stigmatization of menstrual cycles, campaign and advocate ending period poverty and distribute free accessible products for all menstruating individuals to populations who are experiencing homelessness and/or persons where lack of income becomes a barrier in managing their menstrual cycle.
The Academic Wellness Project (TAWP)
Led by Dema Talib
TAWP is a student-led initiative that promotes student academic wellbeing by increasing their understanding of the applications of Academic Integrity.
Mission & Vision
The project aims to improve the academic wellness of postsecondary students pursuing a degree, in addition to high-school students in the Jane-Finch community through the enhancement of the perceptions and knowledge of first-year undergraduate students at 快播视频 regarding academic integrity, considering the resulting implications for both academic progress and mental well-being.
TorontoTooth
Led by Dayana Davoudi
TorontoTooth is a student-led initiative that is structured to implement a preventative approach against oral health maladies in the unhoused population of GTA.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide oral hygiene products to homeless children, at-risk youth, and underprivileged women, during the Fall and Winter terms of 2021-2022 and promotes improvement of oral health in individuals who do not have proper access to oral hygiene products or dental care. Specifically, TorontoTooth aims to provide 1500 toothbrushes, 1500 tubes of personal-sized toothpaste, and 900 Ziploc bags to the Kennedy House organization, The Scott Mission, Good Shepherd Ministries, and North York Women鈥檚 shelter (NYWS).
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
Co-Led by Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy, Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
Primary Contact: Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
UHRE promotes inclusiveness in a research context by helping Faculty of Health students, particularly those who have experienced systemic barriers, in multiple areas of research placement obtainment at 快播视频 and beyond.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference.
TorontoTooth
At TorontoTooth, we aim to provide the Homeless youth community of Toronto with oral hygiene supplies. Our goal is to improve the health of our city by making oral hygiene accessible to those who cannot afford it but need it most. We strive to raise awareness about income-related inequalities in dental care in Ontario and help our community stand for social justice.
Connect with TorontoTooth
Empowering Women in Health
It is a project that aims to empower female university students studying in the field of health into becoming leaders in their field. By empowering students into changing future practices of gender and social exclusion and recognizing key figures in the field of health, this project will foster self-reflexivity, and calls on society itself for action - provoking real change.
Connect with Empowering Women in Health
empoweringwomeninhealth@gmail.com
Zeal
ZEAL is an online platform that hosts weekly virtual peer support groups for first-generation students, as well as customized information packages for mature students and Indigenous students.
Our vision is to be an effective service that helps support overlooked groups of the next generation of 快播视频 students, researchers, and leaders by providing consultations where we will equip students with tailored resources and plans to help them maximize their potential.
Our goal is to tackle some of the unique challenges faced by our target audience in a safe space that upholds our community values such as respect, empathy and inclusivity.
Connect with Zeal
zealquantum@gmail.com
Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
Luminate Mental Health Conference Series (LMHCS) is a student-led initiative aimed to support mental health on campus. Our mission is to develop a conference series, which will include multiple interactive, evidence-based workshops and a larger student-centric academic conference.
Our workshops focus on key facets of student mental health and offer practical skills and resources that are grounded in recent psychological research findings. Our March 2021 culminating conference is an opportunity for students to share their research projects, learn from faculty and other experts, and build a stronger sense of community among their peers.
Connect with Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
Humans in Progress (HIP)
is an organization that aims to create positive social change by providing hands-on workshops and training programs on leadership and meaningful living to young leaders across the GTA. In July 2020, HIP implemented their first Leadership for Positive Social Change Summit including workshops on Exploring Meaningful Living, Building Meaningful Connections, Resilience, and Authenticity using skills-building activities and psychological research to empower participants from across the GTA to live meaningfully and lead responsibly.
Connect with Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
humansinprogressteam@gmail.com
Discover You
The Discover You program provides graduating high school students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, interview and professional development skills through online interactive workshops led by undergraduate Peer Coaches.
Connect with Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
For School Partnership within Canada and USA, please email: kahssoyu@gmail.com
For Student Participation, please email: kahssodiscoveryou@gmail.com
Humans in Progress (HIP)
is an organization that aims to create positive social change by providing hands-on workshops and training programs on leadership and meaningful living to young leaders across the GTA. In July 2020, HIP implemented their first Leadership for Positive Social Change Summit including workshops on Exploring Meaningful Living, Building Meaningful Connections, Resilience, and Authenticity using skills-building activities and psychological research to empower participants from across the GTA to live meaningfully and lead responsibly.
Connect with Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
humansinprogressteam@gmail.com
Discover You
The Discover You program provides graduating high school students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, interview and professional development skills through online interactive workshops led by undergraduate Peer Coaches.
Connect with Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
For School Partnership within Canada and USA, please email: kahssoyu@gmail.com
For Student Participation, please email: kahssodiscoveryou@gmail.com
Ascend
Focuses on providing a space for youth to develop their leadership skills through a three day conference setting. The conference will tackle areas of leadership through interactive and engaging sessions, while also providing a social setting for delegates to connect with one another.
Regiftcard Program (Fix the 6ix)
Focuses on tackling issues related to homelessness through the collection of unused giftcards to provide individuals needing relief with staples, such as food and clothing, encouraging agency and giving back to the community.
Creating Ordinary Into Legendary (COIL)
Focuses on teaching highschool students personal writing skills as a means of expressing themselves. The program will feature opportunities for students to share their writing and collaborate with peers. For more information about this project, please email scchelp@yorku.ca.
The Youth Exercise Project
Focuses on promoting and encouraging students at the primary school level to engage in physical activity through fun and interactive activities, facilitated by university students.
Recent studies have shown that nearly 1 in 3 children in Canada are overweight or obese.
In order to get kids healthy and active, the Youth Exercise Project (YEP) was created by two 快播视频 Students. YEP has been visiting elementary schools in order to teach students about the benefits of exercise.
The goal of the Youth Exercise Project is to teach young adults about the value of exercise by bringing exciting equipment and interactive lessons to Physical Education classes. The program was met with praise and appreciation from educators in several schools. Almost 1000 students ranging from grades 4-8 have participated in the program, which works individually with classes in the school gymnasium throughout the school day.
Principles at all five schools were amazed with the success of the initiative, indicated by their requests to have the project return in the coming school year. The program has grown from a single school to interest from a variety of elementary schools in the GTA.
The organization sees its real success in its ability to place a focus on the importance of physical education for the institutions it has visited. Based in Barrie and Markham the YEP has created an important impact on the youth of these cities. Additionally, the Youth Exercise Project will be working with Scouts Canada groups in the coming months.
For more information, please contact: James Hutchinson or Khalad Maliyar
Email: youthexerciseproject@gmail.com
Loving Minds
Focuses on providing students with strategies that they can incorporate in their daily life to prevent anxiety and depression. Activities included yoga, expressive arts therapy, expressive dance, and meditation.
Depression and anxiety are a prevalent problem on university campuses across Canada. Mental health issues arise frequently due to the many new experiences and challenges faced by students. The Loving Minds campaign zeroed in on these matters at the 快播视频 Keele campus by providing students with strategies that they can incorporate into their daily routine to prevent depression and anxiety and increase the quality of their lives as well as their university experience.
The Loving Minds campaign was run during Frosh 2015 on Keele campus. A variety of activities aimed at tackling the effects of anxiety and depression were offered at various locations on campus, for frosh participants and frosh bosses. Activities included a morning yoga session, a meditation & breathing workshop, an expressive arts mural and workshop, and a dynamic movement dance workshop.
Feedback from participants was fantastic, and students noted that they had a chance to relax and de-stress during the very hectic frosh week schedule.
For more information, please contact: Eda Mucaj
Email: eda89@my.yorku.ca
Website: http://lovingminds.weebly.com/
Nothin' But Change
Focuses on raising awareness and reducing the stigma of homelessness on the 快播视频 Keele Campus. The program's main initiative is fundraising for organizations with a core focus on alleviating homelessness, by selling customized t-shirts to students and staff on campus.
Nothin鈥 But Change is a project at York university which is organized by three students who have a desire to better the housing situation in the greater Toronto area.
Their mission is to raise awareness about homelessness in the GTA and accrue funds to help people experiencing homelessness. While it is important that the project is able to help the cause of homelessness, the team places great importance on making sure that their project is sustainable for many years to come, and will empower people to make a difference against homelessness. In all, the vision is to provide leadership and support to end homelessness.
Specifically, the project involves selling custom American Apparel t-shirts on which the Nothin' But Change trademarked logo is printed. The team chose to go with American Apparel, out of all brands, because they valued quality and knew that the company has a sweat-shop free history. As well, Nothin' But Change has partnered with 360Kids, Raising The Roof and the Homelessness hub to sell socks and toques as part of an annual toque campaign.
In the future, the team envisions the creation of a ratified club at 快播视频 for Nothin鈥 But Change and hope to start chapters in other universities as well. Throughout the year, they plan to organize events which are built around their mission and vision.
For more information please contact: hello@nothinbutchange.com
Autism Teenage Partnership
Focuses on providing accessible, free and safe places for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder to express themselves through the use of social activities. ATP operates in the Greater Toronto Area.
As an older brother of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Janson Chan had witnessed first-hand the struggles that a family endures to live seemingly normal lives. It was difficult to see his younger brother struggle with navigating high school, social isolation, making friends, and the cruel bullying and exclusion. Oftentimes, Janson would discuss with his family about how to address his brother's current and future needs to allow him to thrive and achieve his full potential. Autism Teenage Partnership was established to address those needs and is described as a labour of love to families and siblings living with ASD in our communities and beyond.
According to Autism Speaks Canada, ASD is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 84 Canadians and the economic burden is $60,000 a year for every individual with ASD. The adolescent years are known to be a very difficult time as is, but teenagers diagnosed with ASD may have difficulty communicating with others, and as a result are socially isolated, bullied, and have trouble relating to the outside world. ATP's social programming aids in developing independence and positive social skills that enhance attendees quality of life and can potentially have long-term impacts.
Autism Teenage Partnership (ATP) is a non-profit initiative dedicated to providing accessible, free, and safe places for teens with ASD to express themselves through games, crafts, and team-building activities. ATP is an organization that aims to create systemic changes in the immediate community and beyond. ATP brings together student volunteers from various professional disciplines to support teens and their families by delivering weekly social programming to address their unique needs. In partnership with Autism Ontario, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 快播视频, Community Living, and local community associations, Autism Teenage Partnership has been successfully operating three locations in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Richmond Hill with over 100+ registered participants and 35+ volunteers. Through free and accessible programs, ATP is able to directly address the needs of individuals diagnosed with ASD, and their families. The financial support through grants and personal donations allow families to rely on a permanent community support program for no to little cost.
Since ATP started about one year ago, they have been featured in Maclean鈥檚 Magazine, and have been awarded a grant through the Laidlaw Foundation in their Youth-Led Community Change Program. With the increasing visibility and early success of ATP, the program hopes to fulfill their vision to expand across Canada through community-based programming to address and support families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For more information, please contact: Janson Chan
Email: janson.chan1@gmail.com
Positivity! Pass it On
Focuses on increasing social cohesion on York University's Keele campus and changing perceptions of mental health issues. The project achieves this through giving out bracelets with the intention of spreading compliments and positive messages.
Positivity! Pass It On is a student lead project on 快播视频 Keele Campus, that works towards increasing social cohesion on campus and changing the general perception of mental health issues from being an individual problem to a social problem Positivity! Pass It On was a recipient of the Agents of Change grant, for the 2013-2014 year, and took place during the fall of the 2014 year, on the Keele Campus.
The initiative was very simple; give out 2000 orange Positivity! Pass It On bracelets to people on campus. When an individual receives a bracelet they are charged with yet another simple task, finding and complimenting another individual, to give the bracelet to. The project further provided information about mental health issues and tackled the reduction of the social stigma associated with mental health issues. The bracelets were handed out over the course of two weeks, and the project received a lot of buzz on social media, from Twitter to Facebook.
PPON was a great success on campus, and proved that appreciating or complimenting someone can make a person鈥檚 day better. Although the project focused on small gestures, those gestures had a large impact on the people involved.
PPON has ended, and is no longer running, but the initiative was able to use its Agents of Change funding to successfully plan, run, and complete their project, leaving a lasting effect on the York community.
Y File - 快播视频 celebrates International Women's Day
Faculty of Health students and alumnae Alina Khan, Anushka Nair, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Parminda Shokoohi and Mina Soufi founded to address the reproductive and menstrual health needs of underserved women, including those experiencing homelessness and poverty. Their initiative is funded by Calumet & Stong Colleges鈥 Agents of Change Program, a catalyst for York students who are driving positive change through health-centred social enterprise.
Y File - 快播视频 's Journal of Record
"Looking for a mentorship program that is geared towards the Black undergraduate student experience in the Faculty of Health? The Black Students Mentorship Program (BSMP) offers Black students mentorship opportunities, resources for academic, personal and professional development..."
Excalibur
For organizations like Black Students Mentorship Program (BSMP), TorontoTooth, and Period to Period Poverty, the Agents of Change program provides the platform to 鈥渃reate grassroot level impact within the wider community鈥. 92 percent of the Agents of Change program鈥檚 current project leaders are women from diverse backgrounds and the program provides them leadership, empowerment and a community to thrive鈥
The Torontoist Blog
"Lentini, a 快播视频 health science student, started asking for gift cards from her friends and family, and was overwhelmed by the positive response. She then applied for, and received, seed funding from the university鈥檚 faculty of health to start a full-fledged grassroots organization.."
Metro Morning on CBC Radio
Featuring Deanna Lentini of the Regiftcard program, discussing her project and her charity FixThe6ix. To listen to Deanna's section of the broadcast please listen from 14.38 minutes to 18.03 minutes.
Y File - 快播视频 's Journal of Record
The Empowering Women In Health (EWIH) initiative and the York International Global Peer Program is delivering an International Women鈥檚 Day Panel featuring the women leaders in the health field. 鈥淛oin in to celebrate women鈥檚 leadership in health, network with our panel of distinguished leaders in the field, and learn about how to start changing the existing inequities in this gendered field鈥.
Toronto Metro News
鈥淗omelessness is not a choice,鈥 the 快播视频 health sciences student said. 鈥淚t happens to someone who is at the mercy of the system, and that鈥檚 why we need to fix it.鈥
Toronto Star
For Arthur Mercer, 18, this program does more than just help him make friends; it gives him something to do. 鈥淚t gets me out of the house,鈥 he said. Mercer, diagnosed with ASD, considers himself high-functioning and can drive on his own...
Program Updates
2025
Calumet and Stong Colleges invites you to attend AGENTS OF CHANGE EXPO 2025 on May 29, 2025!
Join us for an evening to explore and network with the catalysts of transformative Agents of Change initiatives and the supporters of the Agents of Change program!
Agents of Change EXPO Details:
猸愶笍 Date: May 29, 2025
猸愶笍 Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
猸愶笍 Location: Stong College Room 111 (Junior Common Room)
RSVP for Agents of Change EXPO Here: https://www.tinyurl.com/AoCEXPO2025
Registration is free. Prior Registration is Mandatory.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Agents of Change 2-Day Proposal Bootcamp
Join our 2-Day Bootcamp where the Agents of Change Team will help you prepare your application for the 2025-2026 cycle! Applications are due June 15th at 11:59 pm. The bootcamp will help you put together your ideas prior to the submission deadline.
By attending the Proposal Bootcamp, you will:
1锔忊儯 Develop your project proposal and get feedback from a panel of experts.
2锔忊儯 Come up with an implementable action plan for your project.
3锔忊儯 Participate in a Q/A session on the application process and the Agents of Change program.
Bootcamp Day 1:
Date: May 15th, 2025 | Time: 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Bootcamp Day 2:
Date: May 22nd, 2025 | Time: 3:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Stong College Room 201
RSVP Here: www.tinyurl.com/AOCBootcamp2025
2023
Agents of Change - Have Ideas for Health Initiatives? Get your Ideas Funded!
Do you want to improve health and living conditions in the community?
Agents of Change offers the mentorship, connections, and funding you need to turn your ideas into reality!
The Agents of Change Program at 快播视频 aims to support innovative student-led community initiatives that uniquely address the and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program offers students start-up funding, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
To help students prepare their applications, we will be facilitating a series of information sessions. By attending a session students will:
- be introduced to the application proposal and the process of submission
- learn how to strengthen your project proposal
- learn about the funding available for Agents of Change projects (up to $750 for each project)
If you wish to learn more about the program and the application process, attend our Information Sessions:
- Monday, June 5, 2023 from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (virtual via Zoom)
- Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (virtual via Zoom)
- Monday, June 12, 2022 from 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Stong College Room 201 (in-person)
A recording will also be available on our website.
RSVP HERE:
Please visit /colleges/ccsc/agents-of-change/ for program details. If you have any questions regarding the Agents of Change Program, please email scchelp@yorku.ca
The Agents of Change Program supports students in creating community-oriented initiatives that address the social determinants of health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through provision of seed-funding, networking opportunities, and mentorship.
The purpose of this event is to bring together students, Peer Leaders, alumni, staff, and other active community members together to learn about and network with the Agents of Change projects for 2022-2023 and learn about the impact they've made in the community. The Agents of Change Expo 2023 also marks a celebration for the program's 10th anniversary and we gather to celebrate all the people who have contributed in their unique ways to the growth of the program!
For those interested in applying for the Agents of Change program, this will be an opportunity for you to interact with project leads, learn about Agents of Change projects, crystallize your thoughts, and ask questions to Agents of Change Program staff and current project leads.
At the Agents of Change Expo, you will have the opportunity to connect with the following:
- Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE), led by Amireza Goli, Shanny Keilikhis, Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnan & Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy
- Lingua Franca, led by YeYoung Lee, Ayesha Khalid, Soha Uddin & Anshika Khanna
- Luminate Mental Health Conference Series, led by the Luminate Executive Team
- TorontoTooth, led by Dayana Davoudi
- Conversation on South Asian Mental Health (COSAMH), led by Nusrat Iftikhar
- Health & Exercise for Accessible Living (HEAL), led by Dayana Davoudi & Sepehr Baghaeidowlatabadi
Date: June 15th, 2022 Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Stong College Room 111 (Junior Common Room)
RSVP:
Refreshments will be provided.
Registration is free. Advanced registration is mandatory.
2022
AGENTS OF CHANGE INFORMATION SESSIONS 2022-2023 鈥 June 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 2022
Agents of Change - Have Ideas for Health Initiatives? Get your Ideas Funded!
Do you want to improve health and living conditions in the community?
Agents of Change offers the mentorship, connections, and funding you need to turn your ideas into reality!
The Agents of Change Program at 快播视频 aims to support innovative student-led community initiatives that uniquely address the and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program offers students start-up funding, one-on-one coaching, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
To help students prepare their applications, we will be facilitating a series of information sessions. By attending a session students will:
- be introduced to the application proposal and the process of submission
- learn how to strengthen your project proposal
- learn about the funding available for Agents of Change projects (up to $500 for each project)
If you wish to learn more about the program and the application process, attend our Information Sessions:
- Tuesday, June 14, 2022 from 1:30PM-2:30 PM
- Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 1:00PM-2:00PM
- Tuesday, June 21, 2022 from 1:00PM-2:00PM
- Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 3:30PM-4:30PM
- Monday, June 27, 2022 from 5:00PM-6:00PM
- A recording will also be available on our website.
RSVP HERE:
Please visit /colleges/ccsc/agents-of-change/for program details. If you have any questions regarding the Agents of Change Program, please email scchelp@yorku.ca.
CALUMET AND STONG COLLEGES PRESENT: AGENTS OF CHANGE EXPO 2022
The Agents of Change Program supports students in creating community-oriented initiatives that address the social determinants of health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through provision of seed-funding, networking opportunities, and mentorship.
The purpose of this event is to bring together students, Peer Leaders, alumni, staff, and other active community members together to learn about and network with the Agents of Change projects for 2021-2022. The Agents of Change Expo 2022 will also be an opportunity to learn about the impact of the current Agents of Change projects in the community, as well as their successes, challenges, and future direction.
For those interested in applying for the Agents of Change program, this will be an opportunity for you to interact with project leads, learn about Agents of Change projects, crystallize your thoughts, and ask questions to Agents of Change Program staff and current project leads.
At the Agents of Change Expo, you will have the opportunity to connect with the following:
- Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP), led by Amanda Nkeramihigo & Edman Abukar
- Discover You, led by Concetta Barranca & Esterina Stella Batti
- Empowering Women in Health (EWIH), led by Tatiana Espinosa
- The Academic Wellness Project, led by Dema Talib
- Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE), led by Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani, Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy, Dorsa Shakeri & Amireza Goli
- Lingua Franca, led by Farwa Arshad & Kaye Canoy
- Luminate Mental Health Conference Series, led by Gwyneth Campbell
- Period to Period Poverty, led by Pukky Oluwapelumi Fambegbe
- TorontoTooth, led by Dayana Davoudi
Date: June 8th, 2022 Time: 6:00-9:00PM
Location: Founders College Room 152 (Founder's Assembly Hall).
RSVP:
To ensure the safety of attendees, we will be following 快播视频 safety procedures as they relate to Covid-19. As a requirement to attend the event, we will ask all attendees to complete the YU-Screen Tool prior to entering the building. A registration volunteer will confirm your PASSED screening results before allowing you entry into Room 152.
The YU Screen Tool can be found .
快播视频's Mask Mandate will be followed. For more information on 快播视频 Covid-19 Guidelines, visit York Better Together.
Registration is free. Advanced registration is mandatory.
In case of changes in 快播视频 Policy regarding in-person events or other emergency situations, the event may be shifted to a virtual format. Calumet and Stong Colleges staff will update you in regard to any changes.
2021
CALUMET AND STONG COLLEGES PRESENT: AGENTS OF CHANGE EXPO 2021
To celebrate the journey and achievements of the 2020/21 Agents of Change Cohort, Calumet and Stong Colleges (CCSC) hosted the Agents of Change Expo Ceremony, held on May 26th, 2021. The Expo brought together students, Peer Leaders, alumni, staff, and other active community members together to learn about and network with the Agents of Change projects for 2020-2021. The Agents of Change Expo 2021 was also an opportunity to learn about the impact of the Agents of Change projects in the community, as well as their successes, challenges, and future direction.
At the Agents of Change Expo, the following projects presented:
- Discover You, led by Concetta Barranca and Mohammed Elghobashy
- Empowering Women in Health, led by Tatiana Espinosa-Merlano
- Humans in Progress, led by Haniah Saleem
- Luminate Mental Health Conference Series, led by Rupkatha Basu and Gwyneth Campbell
- TorontoTooth, led by Dayana Davoudi
- ZEAL, led by Sarah Labib.
Date: May 26th, 2021 Time: 6:00-8:00PM
Click to watch the full event and hear from project leads on their journey with Agents of Change!
The Agents of Change Program was selected to present a panel presentation at 快播视频's Teaching in Focus Conference 2021, which occurred on May 10th and 11th, 2021. The panel includes Agents of Change Project Leads, CCSC staff, College Heads and key stakeholders. With the transition to a virtual environment, the panel discussed how the Agents of Change program supported Project Leads in addressing community health issues and how Agent of Change projects were able to make an impact in the communities they were serving.
Panelists: Abdulkhader Mohammed, Kaysie Ngo, Dayana Davoudi, Rupkatha Basu, Gwyneth Campbell, Tatiana Espinosa, Mohamed Elghobashy, Julie Castle, Professor Jennine Rawana, Professor Mazen J Hamadeh .
This November, the Agents of Change Program is excited to announce our Fall/Winter 2021-2022 Agents of Change Cycle. From a pool of many incredibly impressive, thoughtful, and competitive applicants, the Adjudication Committee has selected nine projects to be the recipient of the program鈥檚 funding. They are, in alphabetical order:
Black Student Mentorship Program (BSMP)
Co-led by Amanda Nkeramihigo and Edman Abukar. Aims to address and remediate the demonstrably persistent lack of Black representation in the population makeup of graduate students and professionals in health-related studies and professions.
Discover You
Led by Concetta Barranca and Esterina Stella Batti. Aims to provide graduating high school students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, interview, and professional development skills through online interactive workshops led by undergraduate Peer Coaches.
Empowering Women In Health (EWIH)
Led by Tatiana Espinosa-Merlano. Aims to rewrite female leadership and celebrate the achievements of female leaders in the field of health and ultimately, empowering the next generation women.
Lingua Franca
Co-led by Farwa Arshad and Kaye Canoy. Aims to create a sense of belongingness and self-esteem in ESL students who experience difficulty interacting in an English-speaking environment by ensuring that ESL students feel comfortable and confident communicating in English in different workplace and academic settings.
Luminate Mental Health Conference Series
Co-led by Gwyneth Campbell and Samantha Mason. Aims to promote undergraduate student mental health by connecting York students with research related to mental health and wellness
Period to Period Poverty
Led by Pukky Oluwapelumi Fambegbe. Aims to reduce stigmatization of menstrual cycles, campaign and advocate ending period poverty and distribute free accessible products for all menstruating individuals.
The Academic Wellness Project (TAWP)
Led by Dema Talib. Aims to improve the academic wellness of postsecondary students pursuing a degree, by hosting interactive and evidence-based workshops addressing student perceptions around academic wellness.
TorontoTooth
Led by Dayana Davoudi. Aims to provide oral hygiene products to individuals experiencing homelessness during the Fall and Winter terms of 2021-2022.
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
Led by Parmin Rahimpoor-Marnani. Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference
2020/2019
This October, the Agents of Change Program is excited to announce our Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Agents of Change Cycle. From a pool of many incredibly impressive, thoughtful, and competitive applicants, the Adjudication Committee has selected four projects to be the recipient of the program鈥檚 funding. They are, in alphabetical order:
(1) Empowered Women Empower Women, led by Tatiana Espinosa-Merlano, aims to celebrate the achievements of female leaders in the field of Health, for International Women鈥檚 Day.
(2) Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Conference, co-led by Gwyneth Campbell and Rupkatha Basu, aims to connect York students with research related to mental health and wellness.
(3) TorontoTooth, led by Dayana Davoudi, aims to provide homeless youth at the Kennedy House with oral hygiene products.
(4) ZEAL, led by Sarah Labib, aims to bridge the gap between first-generation students with resources such as peer support groups, and provide a safe space for them to express their academic and mental health challenges.
The project teams have undergone training on September 26th and are now progressing into their first step of launching their initiatives. Congratulations to all project members and we wish you the best of luck!
On October 3rd, 2019, Calumet and Stong Colleges invited members of the York Community to attend the Agents of Change Community Consultation. At the consultation, community members reviewed the program and past projects, discussed the strengths, challenges and the future direction of Agents of Change.
Participants included former Agents of Change Leads as well as current students, peer leaders, staff, faculty, alumni, Fellows and other active members of the community.
The consultation provided important recommendations for the Agents of Change program moving forward. For more information regarding the consultation or the recommendations, please email: abdulk@yorku.ca.
For more information on the Agents of Change program, feel free to email scchelp@yorku.ca.
Following their start under Agents of Change, these projects remain active and have transitioned into independent initiatives.
THRIVE
Co-Led by Abdulrahman Al-Humiqani, Daanish Chauhan, Mohammed Al Hussein
THRIVE (Transformative Hobbies for Resilience, Innovation, and Valuable Experiences) is a mentorship-based initiative that empowers immigrant middle school students by providing essential skills through both mentoring and exploration of various hobbies. Our goal is to foster confidence, social integration, and personal development in students adjusting to a new environment.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support immigrant middle school students by helping them build confidence, adapt to their new communities, and develop valuable life skills.
Envisions a future where immigrant students feel empowered, valued, and connected within their school communities, equipped with the skills and resilience to thrive academically and personally. Through our unique program, we strive to break down social barriers, enhance overall well-being, and cultivate a sense of belonging among immigrant youth, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Sustainable Healthcare Spotlight (SHS)
SHS is a student-led initiative committed to raising awareness of the contemporary healthcare challenges to high school students, hoping to enable students from all backgrounds to drive sustainable change through critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
Mission & Vision
Aims to empower and inspire high school students in Grades 11 and 12 by engaging them in the face of modern healthcare obstacles. SHS's unique platform provides students with the opportunity to exchange creative solutions and cultivate vital skills crucial for their roles in the healthcare sector. SHS's primary goal is to guide the forthcoming wave of healthcare professionals, encouraging critical thinking through teamwork and amicable rivalry, thereby shaping their future in the field.
Undergraduate Health Research Exploration (UHRE)
UHRE promotes inclusiveness in a research context by helping Faculty of Health students, particularly those who have experienced systemic barriers, in multiple areas of research placement obtainment at 快播视频 and beyond.
Mission & Vision
Aims to support students in their pursuit of research opportunities by developing and offering an annual summit workshop for students to hone and develop their research skills and provide students with the opportunity to engage with their own research through an annual conference.
快播视频 Blood Initiative (YUBI)
YUBI, a student-led initiative, focused on increasing blood donations and organizing informative expert panel events addressing both hematologic disorders and research in the field.
Mission & Vision
Aims to make blood donation opportunities more accessible in collaboration with community partners through impactful expert panels. Addressing Social Determinants of Health, YUBI actively promotes good health, forms partnerships for shared goals, and reduces inequalities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this vision involves organizing informative expert panel events during the Fall and Winter terms of 2023-2024. The ultimate goal is to alleviate blood insecurities in the Greater Toronto Area by facilitating the collection of at least 10L of blood at York in partnership with Canadian Blood Services (CBS).
TorontoTooth
TorontoTooth is a student-led initiative that is structured to implement a preventative approach against oral health maladies in the unhoused population of GTA.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide oral hygiene products to homeless children, at-risk youth, and underprivileged women, during the Fall and Winter terms of 2021-2022 and promotes improvement of oral health in individuals who do not have proper access to oral hygiene products or dental care. Specifically, TorontoTooth aims to provide 1500 toothbrushes, 1500 tubes of personal-sized toothpaste, and 900 Ziploc bags to the Kennedy House organization, The Scott Mission, Good Shepherd Ministries, and North York Women鈥檚 shelter (NYWS).
Discover You
Discover You project is aimed at fostering leadership, communication, professional development, interview, and interpersonal skills in undergraduate and high school students as they continue paving their academic and practical pathways.
Mission & Vision
Aims to provide graduating high school students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership, interview, and professional development skills through online interactive workshops led by undergraduate Peer Coaches. Discover You Program strives to provide students with an opportunity to connect with undergraduate Peer Coaches and engage in activities to enhance their confidence when applying for jobs/volunteer/research positions.
discoveryouprogram@gmail.com
Fix the 6ix
Fix the 6ix is a volunteer-run initiative based in Toronto under West Neighbourhood House
Mission & Core Programs
The organization supports people experiencing homelessness and the shelters that serve them, while also challenging stigma and amplifying personal stories. Their key programs include:
- ReGiftcard: collecting new or partially used gift cards and redistributing them (or using them to purchase needed items) for people in need.
- Humanize Homelessness: sharing stories, photos, and profiles of individuals experiencing homelessness to promote empathy and awareness.
Founding & Scope
- Founded in 2016 by 快播视频 students.
- Operates across the Greater Toronto Area in collaboration with shelters and community partners.
- Works at no direct cost to donors by using gift cards strategically to maximize impact.
Project Tight Knit (PTK)
Project Tight Knit (PTK) is all about bringing together community and connecting all members of society, from toddlers to seniors living in nursing homes, through the power of letters! We have also grown our organization to include Indigenous communities.
Mission & Vision
PTK strives to cultivate a sense of community between seniors in nursing homes and society through letters which improves their mental health and overall wellbeing. We do this through highlighting goals such as social safety, social inclusion, Indigenous ancestry, etc.
Additionally, we connect with Indigenous communities both in and out of YorkU, through Indigenous nursing homes. We also host workshops at 快播视频 and in high schools, to further foster the development of inter-generational bonds and deepen the understanding of the connection between social inclusion and mental health.
Scholarly CONNECT
Scholarly Connect is a student-led initiative designed to provide direct, personalized guidance to high school students transitioning to university.
Mission & Vision
Aims to offer practical assistance in navigating admissions, selecting programs, and accessing vital resources.
Envisions becoming the go-to resource for high school students seeking guidance and support as they prepare for university life, ensuring that every student feels confident and well-equipped to make informed decisions about their academic and personal journey, contributing to their overall well-being and success.
Black Students Mentorship Program (BSMP)
The Black Student Mentorship Programs鈥 (BSMP) aims to address and remediate the demonstrably persistent lack of Black representation in the population makeup of graduate students and professionals in health-related studies and professions.
Mission & Vision
The goal of BSMP is to establish mentorship and a safe and supportive environment, education, and community for black undergraduate students across the Faculty of Health connecting them to each other and to black graduate students, alumni, scholars, and professionals in the field of health.
BSMP envisions an increase in confidence, access, and capacity for black students to pursue higher education and/or employment in health-related professions. Ultimately, BSMP sees an increase in diversity in research and innovation streams and other professional fields.
Autism Teenage Partnership
Focuses on providing accessible, free and safe places for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder to express themselves through the use of social activities. ATP operates in the Greater Toronto Area.
As an older brother of someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Janson Chan had witnessed first-hand the struggles that a family endures to live seemingly normal lives. It was difficult to see his younger brother struggle with navigating high school, social isolation, making friends, and the cruel bullying and exclusion. Oftentimes, Janson would discuss with his family about how to address his brother's current and future needs to allow him to thrive and achieve his full potential. Autism Teenage Partnership was established to address those needs and is described as a labour of love to families and siblings living with ASD in our communities and beyond.
According to Autism Speaks Canada, ASD is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 84 Canadians and the economic burden is $60,000 a year for every individual with ASD. The adolescent years are known to be a very difficult time as is, but teenagers diagnosed with ASD may have difficulty communicating with others, and as a result are socially isolated, bullied, and have trouble relating to the outside world. ATP's social programming aids in developing independence and positive social skills that enhance attendees quality of life and can potentially have long-term impacts.
Autism Teenage Partnership (ATP) is a non-profit initiative dedicated to providing accessible, free, and safe places for teens with ASD to express themselves through games, crafts, and team-building activities. ATP is an organization that aims to create systemic changes in the immediate community and beyond. ATP brings together student volunteers from various professional disciplines to support teens and their families by delivering weekly social programming to address their unique needs. In partnership with Autism Ontario, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, 快播视频, Community Living, and local community associations, Autism Teenage Partnership has been successfully operating three locations in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Richmond Hill with over 100+ registered participants and 35+ volunteers. Through free and accessible programs, ATP is able to directly address the needs of individuals diagnosed with ASD, and their families. The financial support through grants and personal donations allow families to rely on a permanent community support program for no to little cost.
Since ATP started about one year ago, they have been featured in Maclean鈥檚 Magazine, and have been awarded a grant through the Laidlaw Foundation in their Youth-Led Community Change Program. With the increasing visibility and early success of ATP, the program hopes to fulfill their vision to expand across Canada through community-based programming to address and support families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For more information, please contact: Janson Chan
Email: janson.chan1@gmail.com