The ACI (Active Citizen Initiative), is a program, supported by the OCDSB Experiential Learning department, that aims to engage students through Community Challenges related to issues such as climate change, food insecurity, mental health, homelessness, and more. Each year, Youth Ottawa works with youth on hundreds of civic-action projects. Anjali Ramburn was our classroom facilitator throughout eight sessions in our Civics course with Ms Anneke Jansen van Doorn. Anjali was very kind and friendly, and at the end of the course; after completing all the requirements, we all earned appreciation and completion certificates.

The ACI component of our civics course was very informative and included lots of important information. It helps students explore their skills and communicate with each other. It gives them a Civic Identity, meaning they have responsibilities and a willingness to create a positive impact on themselves and the community they are part of. The ACI (Active Citizenship Initiative) helps students understand the tools and tactics available for citizens to impact their communities. It also helped students gain more self-confidence and understand that despite their young age, they can make a difference, and they are able to reach out and address important civic issues.

To summarize, in groups we wrote letters to the mayor of Ottawa or to various city councilors addressing a civic issue in Ottawa of our choice. Before we wrote that letter we made some action plans and did research about our topic to help guide us while writing this letter. The ACI helped us gain awareness of what is happening in our community and critically think about how we can help. The ACI is a great opportunity for students to make a difference and have their voice heard. Thank you to Anjali and Youth Ottawa for helping us become more active citizens!