The City Where We Live: Policy Challenge

Three students working at a table collaboratively with the words civic engagement on the image

This program is approved on the Co-Curricular Record!

The City Where We Live: Policy Challenge encourages students to be more proactive in their civic engagement and make a difference in their community. Participate in four workshops to build your skills and learn about policymaking, then submit your policy brief and pitch a creative public policy at the Policy Fair.

The City Where We Live: Policy Challenge connects you with peers and local community leaders. It provides hands-on experience in policy development and understanding the city we live and study in! You will participate in this challenge for a month and develop many skills, such as:

  • Community & Civic Engagement
  • Decision-Making & action
  • Strategic Planning & Thinking
  • Systems Thinking
  • Investigation & Synthesis
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Advocacy

No prior knowledge of Canadian politics is required, but basic knowledge of systems is helpful.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in four workshops from October to November.
    • Workshops Dates:
      • Thursday, October 19, 2023, 12:30-2:30 pm
      • Thursday, October 26, 2023, 12:30-2:30 pm
      • Thursday, November 2, 2023, 12:30-2:30 pm
      • Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12:30-2:30 pm
  • Complete an online reflection survey after the competition to add Civic Engagement Policy Challenge to your Co-Curricular Record.
  • Submit your policy brief as a team or as an individual that will be matched with a team.
  • Present your policy at the Policy Fair on Thursday, Nov. 16th, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the MN Grand Hall.

Workshops

Workshops will take place in person on Thursdays from 12:30 - 2:30 pm.

The City We Live In - Oct. 19

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of Mississauga's municipal government structure and functions. 

  • Recognize the significance of active civic participation in local governance. 

Civic Journalism - Oct. 26

  • Develop critical thinking skills to discern reliable news sources from misinformation. 

  • Understand the importance of objective and balanced reporting in civic engagement. 

Policy Presentations & Showcasing Creativity - Nov. 2

  • Enhance policy writing and presentation skills for effective communication. 

  • Develop the ability to craft clear, actionable, and impactful policy proposals. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Policy Making - Nov.9

  • Recognize the role of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in shaping effective and inclusive policies. 

  • Gain insights into how diverse perspectives contribute to well-rounded policy development. 

Policy Fair

The Policy Fair is where inspiration turns into action. The heart of the Fair is the Civic Policy Challenge. Teams present innovative policies tackling Mississauga's challenges. Our esteemed team of judges will evaluate policy proposals, and guest participants can cast their votes for top ideas. The Policy Fair celebrates your dedication, innovation & passion for creating structural change within our community. 

The Policy Fair will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16th, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the MN Grand Hall.

Registration

Registration is now closed for 2023-24. Faculty, Staff, and Students are all welcome to attend the Policy Fair on Thursday, Nov. 16th, 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the MN Grand Hall.

Inquiries

For all questions and feedback regarding Civic Engagement or the Policy Challenge, please contact:

Marlo Young-Sponga
Community Engaged Learning and Partnerships Coordinator