Recap – Co-Creating Experiential Learning for Youth Leadership and Planetary Health by Rooted and Rising

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Published on July 22, 2024

On June 19, 2024, Dahdaleh community fellow Roxanne Cohen, Global health intern Bella Lyne, faculty fellow lead Kate Tilleczek, and co-community fellow Kristen Sison from the Rooted and Rising Lab (R+R Lab) delivered a presentation summarizing the 2nd offering of the Rooted and Rising Youth Climate Leadership Certificate program. Certified by the Dahdaleh Institute, the Faculty of Education, and various youth-serving community partners, the program took place this past fall and winter of 2024. The 13-week hybrid program brought together a diverse group of participants to build on their existing passions, learn about climate change and ecological degradation, and design projects that aim to address critical environmental and social issues.  

The R+R team discussed their unique approach to climate education and shared lessons for theory and practice. The session emphasized joy, laughter, play, rest, and kindness as vital components of sustainable climate action and educational programming. This holistic approach was reinforced through practical activities like communal meals and personal check-ins, which strengthened the sense of community and support among participants. 

Several creative projects were showcased, emphasizing personal and community well-being. The first project involved creating a guide for community rituals, which included multimedia resources such as playlists and instructional videos. This initiative aimed to foster deeper relationships with the land and the materials used daily. The next project included participants developing inner child affirmation cards, which were hand-printed and designed to reconnect individuals with their inner child, facilitating emotional healing and self-care.  

Another group focused on the concept of "third places” which are community spaces where people could gather and organize for causes like climate justice and gender justice. This project underscored the importance of such spaces in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and proposed ways to enhance existing ones. Additionally, the "Queer Joy Work" project aimed to shift narratives from scarcity to abundance, creating a digital ritual space for reflection and community engagement. This group also influenced the rebranding of student projects to "Student Joy Works" to emphasize joy and creativity in their initiatives. 

The following project delved into the topic of urban agriculture, specifically microgreen cultivation, and included workshops and social media campaigns to spread knowledge and skills. The last project focused on water relations, organizing a cleanup event along the Humber River, combined with educational sessions on water teachings. 

In the concluding discussions, students that participated in the course reflected on their experience, sharing personal stories of growth, learning, and the deep sense of gratitude they felt towards the community and the teachings received. It highlighted the success of the program in not only addressing environmental issues but also in fostering a resilient, joyful, and connected community. The program provided a platform for the youth to explore innovative solutions, deepen their connections to the land and each other, and emerge empowered to continue their vital work in their respective communities.

Watch the seminar presentation below: 

The Rooted and Rising Lab recently published their Fall 2023/ Winter 2024 program report.  

To learn more about the Rooted and Rising Lab, visit their website 

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