UPEI Experiential Education seeks community partners for Changemakers program
The UPEI Experiential Education department is seeking non-profit organizations on PEI to participate in its ChangeMakers program, which is aimed at developing, supporting, and celebrating students’ community work.
The program began in November 2021 and will run through May 2022, with the possibility of extension. Students are presented with a variety of volunteer opportunities with local community groups to engage in at least 20 hours of community service learning over the course of the program. By working with the organizations, the students receive valuable work experience, expand their skill sets, and build collaborative and networking opportunities. They receive free training on inclusivity, board governance, and grant writing; career planning support specifically tailored to their work in the community; and connect and collaborate with other like-minded students across campus.
Madeline Reddick, a second-year psychology student at UPEI, is a strong advocate of volunteerism, so when she got the chance to join the UPEI Changemaker program, she jumped at it. At Colonel Gray High School, she participated in KEY Club, and through it, she gained experience in many kinds of work—from kitchen preparation to mental health awareness.
Reddick passionately believes that volunteering is a great way for students to meet new people, gain experience in the field of their choice, and discover different passions beyond academics.
“Volunteering offers people a chance to tap into their altruistic side! It is different from work and academics; it leads to so much internal gratification while benefitting those in need. I feel the most joyful and positive when I am volunteering, and I imagine other students could feel the same.”
For ChangeMakers, Reddick has volunteered with the PEI division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). She participated in the “I’m Thumbody” campaign, a school-based project that aims to instill mental health awareness at the grade three-level, and she helped out with the “Saves for Mental Health” campaign started by fellow UPEI student Camille Scherger, goaltender with the UPEI Women’s Hockey team.
“Both of these programs have shown me that mental health is important for all life stages and ages. Mental health awareness should be more normalized and promoted in society, and for this reason, I truly believe in both of these CMHA campaigns.”
In Reddick’s case, the CMHA was a perfect fit. Volunteering with the organization has given her more insight and knowledge into psychology and mental health.
“I feel that mental health awareness is only going to increase in our society, and the upcoming generations hold the potential to be the most in touch with their mental well-being. I hope to earn my BA in psychology and pursue work as a therapist. If I can continue to be involved with organizations like CMHA, I feel my goal is far more within reach!”
The ChangeMaker program is made possible as part of a new Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) partnership with UPEI and with support from the Government of Canada and RBC Future Launch. BHER is building a network of partners to advance and strengthen WIL ecosystems across Canada. They provide tools, resources, and support to help organizations create or expand WIL opportunities. BHER’s partnerships are guided by the goal of providing every post-secondary student with a WIL opportunity during their first diploma or degree.
For more information, please contact Megan MacLean, acting director, UPEI Work-Integrated Learning and English Language Centre, at megmaclean@upei.ca.
