Every day we confront so much injustice, inequality, and unfairness, it sometimes feels like there’s nothing we can do. But we can win change, build a society based on justice, and heal our planet. All it takes is organizing, building relationships, challenging power and unrelenting faith in hope.

This is where our transformational Building Skills for Change training program comes in.

Taught by Olivia Chow, one of Canada’s most effective and well-known public figures, Building Skills for Change is an immersive five-day retreat built on the teachings of Harvard University’s Marshall Ganz, which has inspired tens of thousands of activists engaged in campaigns around the world.

We teach the fundamentals of how to make changes – telling your story to motivate others, building intentional relationships, strategizing, locating power and translating it all into productive action that wins concrete systemic change. Join us and you will have the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, practise self-care, and connect with other diverse leaders from across Canada.

Taking the Building Skills for Change training provided me with invaluable tools and strategies that helped me begin my journey as a true advocate! The support and encouragement of the facilitators and other participants was limitless. Engaging with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds created the opportunity to learn, grow and connect with people that I otherwise may not have met. A truly inspiring experience. – Caroline Tachejian, PSW Advocate and Professor, Seneca College

In the Building Skills for Change program you’ll learn to master five key leadership practices:

1. How to articulate a story of why we are called to lead, a story of the community we hope to mobilize, and a story of why we must act now.
2. How to build intentional relationships as the foundation of purposeful collective actions.
3. How to create structure that distributes power and responsibility and prioritizes leadership development.
4. How to strategize turning your resources into the power to achieve clear goals.
5. How to translate strategy into measurable, motivational, and effective action.

Joining Olivia Chow in teaching are Mike Perry, a lawyer and professor with the Métis Nation of Ontario, and Duncan Pike, an experienced ICL instructor and campaigner. All of the teaching team has certificates from Marshall Ganz’s courses at the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership Program.

Whether you are just beginning your organizer’s journey or you’re a seasoned activist with a team behind you, Building Skills for Change will give you the tools and connections you need to fight against injustices you see around you.

The idea of making change can be daunting. But you’re not alone. The Institute for Change Leaders has trained more than 10,000 organizers across the globe, and we’re not stopping any time soon. Watch this short video to hear from just a few ICL participants how the training has impacted them.

We ensure optimal engagement with short lectures, followed by interactive group work that puts the teachings to practice. We guarantee one facilitator to every six students to ensure our break-out sessions are intimate and every student is properly supported.

You will finish the program equipped with the practical and effective organizing skills you need to be a leader and create change in your community.

This program is offered in partnership with Institute for Change Leaders. 

Schedule

Your program schedule.

Terms & Conditions

You may find our terms & conditions here.

Health & Safety

Learn more about Hollyhock’s current health and safety policies here.