Pronouns: She/her
Amrit Parhar is the Acting Executive Director at the Institute for Change Leaders (ICL). She believes that through collective action we can make social change and build stronger communities, especially through the power of storytelling. Amrit was previously the Education & Training Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of educational training at ICL. She got involved with ICL as a placement student while pursuing her Masters at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She completed her Masters while working at ICL, focusing on issues related to the refugee and immigration system, early childhood education, anti-racism, gender-based violence and more. She is also a facilitator with the Institute for Change Leaders and has completed a certification for the Train the Trainer program through the Leading Change Network. Amrit holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s degree in Immigration and Settlement Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University.
What’s something about you that would surprise others to know:
I used to be a powerlifter.
Organization name: Institute for Change Leaders
Country/Region: Canada
What unique role do you or your organization play in the progressive movement in Canada?
Our mission is to ensure organizers are continually developing the skills they need to transform the resources they have into the change they want. The Institute does this by teaching organizing strategies and providing a platform for the growth of a network of organizers.
Mission & Mandate
The Institute advances education by developing and delivering courses to the public that teach participants the tools, principles, ethics and values of participatory democracy in order to acquire knowledge and skills to be involved, and leaders, in democratic processes.
Who is your audience? Who are you trying to influence and engage?
People seeking social justice create change in Canada by learning practical and effective organizing skills.
One thing people might not know about your organization
We have trained over 10,000 people.
A win you’re celebrating with your organization
The $30 Billion win for a National Childcare plan. We helped train over 400 ECEs to help them achieve this win.
A challenge you’re working through with your organization
Transitioning with the departure of the Founder who was also the Executive Director.