WELCOME from INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EILEEN ALMA

Warm greetings from Coady Institute! This newsletter provides you with an update on the incredibly rich number of learning exchanges and activities we have been involved in over the past several months and the inspired work being led by our partners locally and around the globe. A sample of these initiatives include the design and delivery of a course co-hosted by TGNP in Tanzania on Feminist Advocacy for Gender Justice with attendance at full capacity, learning changes between and among partners hosted by SEWA in India, supporting the creation of the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association, development of a youth framework for the Nova Scotia employment sector and ongoing support and engagement with Indigenous women leaders across Turtle Island. We’ve also developed a new educational partnership with the Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario and started a major collaboration with the Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism on co-development of community programming incorporating Asset-based Citizen-led Development (ABCD).

The past few months have also been marked by active engagement, advocacy and awareness raising here in Canada. Coady Institute has contributed to important events that mark African History Month, including hosting the Topshee Memorial Series featuring three panelists to honour the legacy and contributions of Black workers in our province and the issues they continue to face. On February 7, I took part in meetings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa advocating with colleagues in the development sector for an increase in spending on development and humanitarian assistance as part of International Development Week. And this month, we again recognized International Women’s Day with virtual seminars, in-person stand-ins and many conversations that again stress the work yet to be done to ensure gender equity and justice for all.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the return of our Diploma in Development

Leadership after a hiatus for several years. Beginning online this month, we will welcome program participants back to campus on May 15, along with learners who will take part in shorter courses. We will also have the Fellows from our current Pathy Foundation Fellowship program back in Antigonish at the end of May, and a new group of Fellows joining us in June. This marks the eighth cohort of this very prestigious program.

Co-creation of learning opportunities and knowledge generation for social change is at the core of what we do, and nothing is better than creating spaces for dedicated leaders to exchange experiences and ideas.

We hope that you will take a moment to look at all of the programs and other initiatives that Coady Institute has to offer, whether oncampus, online or in communities here and abroad. We look forward to welcoming you!