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Changemakers Certificate

If you want to build the skills to enact social change, this certificate is for you!!

The Changemakers Certificate gives you an opportunity to explore social change, critique current power structures and systems, and learn how to use practical tools to engage in changemaking in ways that are personally meaningful. Combining workshops, on the ground experience and reflective learning, this Certificate will help you define your own changemaking style and prepare you to take action.

With a flexible schedule, there is lots of opportunity for you to get involved.

Open to all U of T students at the St. George campus.

For more information about the Changemakers Certificate, please contact Janet Fitzsimmons at janet.fitzsimmons@utoronto.ca

How to complete the Changemakers Certificate

The Changemakers Certificate has three components:

Workshops

Complete 4 out of 5 workshops:

  • When Engagement Becomes Activism
  • Understanding Government Systems
  • Grassroots Dynamism: How Movements Move
  • Scaling Your Impact: Local and Global
  • Building Influence: Systems Change from Within

Experiential Learning

Complete one of the following experiential activities:

  • Attend a self-chosen social change activity (e.g., Every Child Matters rally), and identify two changemaking tactics being used.
  • Engage with peers to create an opportunity for the student community to learn about a social issue (e.g., you could organize through an existing student group or by outreaching through existing channels).
  • Organize a cohort meeting for those working toward the Certificate to share ideas and experience in changemaking.

After completing their experiential activity, students must post photos or narrative reflections of their experiences on the Quercus page.

Reflection

Participate in one of the following reflection activities:

  • One in-person or online Story Gathering event (Fall or Winter term)
  • Online questionnaire

Upcoming workshops

Registration is required. Register using the Folio links* on this page.

When Engagement Becomes Activism

  • 22
    Oct
    Thu, Oct 22, 2026
    9 – 11 a.m.
    Online
    Bookings required
  • 24
    Oct
    Sat, Oct 24, 2026
    10 – 12 p.m.
    In Person
    Bookings required

    • Understanding Government Systems

  • 24
    Oct
    Sat, Oct 24, 2026
    1 – 3 p.m.
    In Person
    Bookings required
  • 29
    Oct
    Thu, Oct 29, 2026
    9 – 11 a.m.
    Online
    Bookings required

    • Building Influence: Systems Change from Within

  • 5
    Nov
    Thu, Nov 5, 2026
    1 – 3 p.m.
    Online
    Bookings required
  • 14
    Nov
    Sat, Nov 14, 2026
    10 – 12 p.m.
    In Person
    Bookings required

    • Scaling Influence: Local Action, Global Result

  • 14
    Nov
    Sat, Nov 14, 2026
    1 – 3 p.m.
    In Person
    Bookings required
  • 1
    Dec
    Tue, Dec 1, 2026
    9 – 11 a.m.
    Online
    Bookings required

    • Grassroots Dynamism: How Movements Move

  • 8
    Dec
    Tue, Dec 8, 2026
    9 – 11 a.m.
    Online
    Bookings required

    • *The Folio link is only accessible to people who are eligible to register for the Changemakers Certificate program. This program is open to all U of T students.

    Register for the Changemakers Certificate

    Register on Folio