TakingITGlobal

Did you know walking, biking, or taking the bus instead of driving can really cut down your carbon footprint? 🚲 Even swapping a few car trips each week helps reduce emissions and keeps our air cleaner. It’s a small change that adds up over time. What’s one small change you’re making this week? Track it and log your actions on Commit2Act.org 🌱

As a Sprout Ideas Fellow, Ziyang Li piloted mentorship-driven programming and culturally responsive engagement initiatives that supported first-generation immigrant youth while promoting greater workplace inclusion and awareness. Reflecting on the experience, he shared how the project deepened his understanding of systemic inequities and strengthened his commitment to inclusive workforce development and social innovation. Learn more about Ziyang's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/ziyang…

She’s serving up meals and truths about careers in the trades, recovery and what can happen if at first you don’t succeed and what she brings to the table is good for the soul. Meet Red Seal Chef Rebecca Marshall in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/rebecca-… ✨

Sprout Ideas Fellow Ziyang Li piloted mentorship-based programming and culturally responsive engagement initiatives to support first-generation immigrant youth and foster more inclusive workplace awareness. Through networking events, small-group discussions, and culturally grounded programming, the project created meaningful spaces where youth felt seen and supported in navigating career barriers, while employers and community members gained greater awareness of culturally inclusive practices. Learn more about Ziyang’s project at sproutideas.org/fellows/ziyang…

Sprout Ideas Fellow Johannah Brockie’s project, NOURISH TO, brought people together to share food, stories, and cultural knowledge in ways that felt community-led and affirming. Through recipes, photos, and storytelling, participants highlighted how food connects generations and preserves culture. By creating space for lived experiences to be shared on participants’ own terms, the project showed how storytelling can strengthen connection, honour identity, and celebrate everyday acts of care. Learn more about Johannah's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/johann…

Sprout Ideas Fellow Alicia Diaz-Pappas’ shared this beautiful reflection on their experience as a Sprout Fellow! Alicia's project was a garden club project that created welcoming ways for people to get involved in growing food and learning together. Through hands-on workshops, take-home kits, and a shared seed bank, participants built skills and stayed connected as a community. One member, who gardens on her apartment balcony, shared that the project inspired her to start growing her own food, showing how small spaces and simple support can spark lasting change. Learn more about Alicia's project at sproutideas.org/fellows/alicia…

Did you know washing your laundry in cold water can significantly reduce your energy use? 🧺❄️ Most of the energy used in a wash cycle comes from heating the water. Switching to cold helps lower emissions, save money, and keep your clothes lasting longer. Do your part and log it as an action Commit2Act.org !🌱

Sprout Ideas Fellow Gabrielle Walji’s delivered personalized cards to long-term care homes across Canada. By adding braille messages and tactile art, the initiative became more inclusive, reaching seniors of diverse backgrounds, including those who are visually impaired. Residents often displayed their cards proudly, reread them, and shared how much it meant to be remembered. Through thoughtful expansion and strong coordination, the project deepened its impact and showed how small acts of care can meaningfully reduce social isolation. Learn more about Gabrielle's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/gabrie…

He didn’t have a five-year plan working as a bingo caller, and now he’s bought a house and has a rewarding career he loves. Learn how Richard Giannini keeps the lights on in his community and himself lit up for the work he does in his @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/richard-… ✨

Glad he didn’t discount a life in the trades, Richard Giannini is now empowered living a life as a power line technician. Hear how he got a career he loves after working as a bingo caller in his #FiresideChat ✨ firesidechats.ca/video/richard-…

Through her Sprout Ideas Fellowship Project, Emily Truman supported unhoused individuals in Windsor-Essex by providing items such as: ✨ Care packages filled with soap, shampoo & hygiene essentials ✨ Winter gloves and hand warmers for colder months Emily partnered with Street Help to reach those who need it most. With shelters facing high demand for basic supplies, this initiative helped bridge critical gaps while building meaningful community partnerships. Rooted in compassion and action, this work highlights the importance of accessible essentials and community-driven support. This is what showing up for your community looks like 🤝 Learn more about Emily's project through the link in our bio!

Through the Sprout Ideas Fellowship, Jashan Gill grew a local initiative into a national movement supporting youth, families, and educators across Canada. Healthy Start was born from a vision to ensure newcomer and marginalized families feel seen, supported, and empowered. Through culturally responsive workshops, healing circles, and accessible toolkits, it bridges gaps in healthcare and social services. From mental health to climate resilience, this work is rooted in community-driven change. Now expanded with toolkits, facilitator training, and a national digital platform—it’s a sustainable ecosystem for long-term impact 💚 Learn more about Jashan's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/jashan…

The future is not something we wait for, it is something we shape through the choices we make every day. From small actions to bold ideas, it all adds up. What are you creating with intention right now? 🌱

Through her project, Beauty and Business Engineering Society (BABES), Fatima is empowering students to explore cosmetic science while building skills in both STEM and entrepreneurship. Her journey is a reminder that innovation is not just about passion, it is about planning, intention, and creating impact that lasts. 🌱 What does leadership look like for you? Learn more about Fatima's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/fatima… 🌱

Sprout Ideas Fellow Fatima Janneh’s project, Beauty and Business Engineering Society (BABES), empowered students to explore cosmetic science through hands-on experimentation and direct industry exposure. Participants built technical skills in formulation, ingredient safety, and testing practices, while also gaining insight into cosmetic entrepreneurship. The planned industry tour will further expanded awareness of career pathways in cosmetic science and strengthened students’ confidence in pursuing STEM opportunities within the beauty industry. Learn more about Fatima's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/fatima… 🌱

Did you know one reusable water bottle can replace hundreds, even thousands, of single use plastics every year? 💧 Making the switch helps cut down waste, save resources, and keep plastic out of our oceans and communities. It is a simple habit that adds up over time. Log your actions on Commit2Act.org to see your impact! 🌱

Sprout Ideas Fellow Divya Dey’s project, BIWOC in the Outdoors, created a welcoming and affirming space for racialized women and non-binary individuals to reconnect with nature—often for the first time. Through immersive activities such as canoeing, archery, rock climbing, and guided nature walks, participants were able to overcome barriers to access, build confidence, and cultivate a sense of belonging in outdoor spaces that have traditionally been dominated by white communities. Learn more about Divya's project at sproutideas.org/fellows/divya-… 🌱

Learning she is enough and who she really is, she got to go back where she’s from and chart a course for the future for herself and her community. Get to know Indigenous Relations Pro and Tahltan Central Government member Mindy Henyu in her @‌AConnectedNorth Fireside Chat: firesidechats.ca/video/mindy-he…✨

Sprout Ideas Fellow Joanna Liu hosted Brush & Brew Ottawa, to build a safe community where people can explore, create, and connect through art. They shared this reflection on the impact of the Fellowship 🌱 Learn more about Joanna's project at: Learn more about Joana's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/jing-y…

Sprout Ideas Fellow Joana Liu hosted Brush & Brew Ottawa, which was a series of events that brought art to life across cozy cafés and outdoor spaces in West Ottawa. The events created a welcoming, low-pressure environment for people to explore, create, and connect. Over six months, they hosted 10 intimate art sessions, engaging 60–90 participants through self-directed творчество and inspiring workshops. From beginner-friendly activities to meaningful conversations over coffee, participants built confidence, discovered new mediums, and kept coming back for more 💛 Hosted in local, family-owned spaces, each gathering fostered a sense of belonging and creative joy—proving that art truly thrives in community. Learn more about Joana's project at: sproutideas.org/fellows/jing-y…