Operation Black Vote Canada Launches Fellowship Program To Develop Next Generation Of Black Public Policy-Makers

Velma Morgan is Chair of OBVC that aims is to simplify and demystify the path to public office and civic engagement, by educating, motivating and advocating for Black Canadians to participate in Canada’s government, agencies, boards, commissions, civil service and political process, at all levels.

Operation Black Vote Canada Launches Fellowship Program To Develop Next Generation Of Black Public Policy-Makers

in National News January 10, 2020 0FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterestEmailShare6

TORONTO, Ontario January 10, 2020 — Operation Black Vote Canada (OBVC) — established in 2004 as a non-profit and multi-partisan organization that supports the election of Black people to public office — has launched its inaugural 1834 Fellowship program.

Named for the year that slavery was abolished in Canada, the 1834 Fellowship will seek out 40 high-potential Black youth, between the ages of 18 and 25, for the first year of the program, to prepare them for civic leadership roles and support them in their skills and career development.

Developed by OBVC, the 1834 Fellowship is an intensive, one-year, civic leadership and public policy training program, which will be delivered, in partnership with Brock and Ryerson Universities.

“If we are to equip and prepare the next generation of young Black Canadians to take their place in our politics and government, we must start building the policymakers of tomorrow, today,” commented Velma Morgan, Chair of OBVC. “Policy matters and legislation affects our daily lives.”

The Fellowship’s first year (2020-2021) is open to 20 eligible candidates in Ontario, only, and the second year will be hosted in Nova Scotia and Quebec.

The chosen candidates (fellows) will participate in a launch event in Ottawa, a week-long intensive public policy program at Brock University, and weekend policy mixers and networking events.

The program will cover each fellow’s travel and accommodation expenses, courtesy of sponsorships from VIA Rail and Canadian Heritage.

“The 1834 Fellowship is one of our answers to the question of how we inspire and motivate the youth in our community, to pursue careers that will influence policy and make a difference in our nation,” added Morgan.

OBVC is accepting online applications, now until January 31, 2020, at www.obvc.ca/1834fellowship.

Source: Pride News