The Anti-Racist Youth Lab 2026 Expression of Interest Form (English)
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1. Program Overview
As Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth, you are leading transformative anti-racism work across Canada. We hear you when you name systemic and structural barriers that make it harder to turn grassroots action into sustained policy impact. While you are already mobilizing your communities, access to policy space and influence over systems-level change remains inequitable and often out of reach.
In response, the CRRF, in partnership with the Dais, is inviting 20 young leaders to participate in the 2026 Youth Lab, a two-day in-person immersive learning experience in Toronto. This program is designed to strengthen your policy skills—supporting you to engage policy spaces with confidence, build practical skills to drive systems-level change, and translate your knowledge, experiences, and leadership into actionable solutions that drive meaningful change in your communities and across the country.
This opportunity is for youth leaders and early-career professionals already leading anti-racism work in their communities. The cost of travel to and from Toronto, accommodation, and select meals will be covered for all participants.
If selected, you will join a cohort of peers from across the country, bringing diverse regional perspectives and lived experiences, connected by a shared commitment to advancing sustained policy impact.
Given the limited number of spots, we are looking for youth who are actively engaged in addressing barriers faced by Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized communities, and are ready to apply what they learn in their communities.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by May 22, 2026.
In response, the CRRF, in partnership with the Dais, is inviting 20 young leaders to participate in the 2026 Youth Lab, a two-day in-person immersive learning experience in Toronto. This program is designed to strengthen your policy skills—supporting you to engage policy spaces with confidence, build practical skills to drive systems-level change, and translate your knowledge, experiences, and leadership into actionable solutions that drive meaningful change in your communities and across the country.
This opportunity is for youth leaders and early-career professionals already leading anti-racism work in their communities. The cost of travel to and from Toronto, accommodation, and select meals will be covered for all participants.
If selected, you will join a cohort of peers from across the country, bringing diverse regional perspectives and lived experiences, connected by a shared commitment to advancing sustained policy impact.
Given the limited number of spots, we are looking for youth who are actively engaged in addressing barriers faced by Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized communities, and are ready to apply what they learn in their communities.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by May 22, 2026.
Eligibility
- Age: 18-30 years old on or before the application deadline.
- Identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or racialized.
- Have a meaningful connection to a community impacted by systemic racism.
- Be actively engaged in an anti-racism initiative through work, volunteering, or community leadership.
- Be willing and able to apply program learnings within your community.
- A strong desire to lead anti-racist policy change.
- Be able to fully participate in an in-person program in Toronto, from July 9 to 11, 2026.
- Be open to building relationships with youth and community leaders from across the country.
What to Expect
The Anti-Racist Youth Lab will take place in Toronto, Ontario, from July 9–11. Program days will run for the full day, with occasional evening events.
The cost of travel to and from Toronto, accommodations, and select meals will be covered for all participants.
Further details, including a full schedule and logistics, will be shared with selected participants. Youth will have a contact person from the Dais available for the duration of the program.
Participants will leave the program with:
The cost of travel to and from Toronto, accommodations, and select meals will be covered for all participants.
Further details, including a full schedule and logistics, will be shared with selected participants. Youth will have a contact person from the Dais available for the duration of the program.
Participants will leave the program with:
- Knowledge of Canadian policy-making processes (municipal, provincial, and federal).
- Understanding how to identify and leverage opportunities to advance policy and systems change.
- Practical skills in narrative development and the ability to confidently articulate your ideas, lived experience, and policy priorities.
- Connections with policymakers, advisors, and fellow anti-racist youth leaders from across the country.
- Tools and strategies to sustain peer relationships beyond the program.
- Tools to advance policy and systems change.
Accessibility and Application Support
We are committed to making this application process accessible. Should you have any accessibility needs or need any support to complete this form, please reach out to Jamal Boyce at jboyce@crrf-fcrr.ca.
We will also be hosting an information session on May 4 at 1:00 PM EST for prospective applicants to learn more about the program and ask questions.
We are committed to making this application process accessible. Should you have any accessibility needs or need any support to complete this form, please reach out to Jamal Boyce at jboyce@crrf-fcrr.ca.
We will also be hosting an information session on May 4 at 1:00 PM EST for prospective applicants to learn more about the program and ask questions.