April has arrived, bringing three months until July and summer break. If young people are like many who plan ahead, they already imagine how to spend that time. Here is a practical option to add to the list: taking action. This summer, Me to We invites youth in the United States and Canada to join Take Action Academy for a period of learning, exploration and engaging activities.
Eight academies will operate across North America this year, with sites in Ontario, Quebec, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, New Brunswick, California and Arizona. The program is designed for participants aged nine to twenty-one, offering leadership training, exploration of global issues, and opportunities to volunteer in local communities — all within a welcoming, energetic environment. Organizers hope the experience will connect participants with a worldwide network of globally conscious young people who work together to make a positive impact in their neighborhoods and beyond.
The academy’s purpose revolves around turning awareness into action. It provides a pathway for young people to align their personal values with community service and leadership, helping them move from belief to impact in a practical, supportive setting.
Why Take Action Academy began is described by the organizers as a response to the scarcity of leadership resources available to students and communities. The founders understood that courage grows when young people are backed by peers and mentors. Through Me to We, numerous youth leaders have gained the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to become changemakers in their own neighborhoods and around the world. Take Action Academy brings together like-minded youth and equips them with the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to act as global citizens and catalysts for change in their own communities and far beyond. (Source attribution: program organizers)
What do you want your participants to learn at Take Action Academy?
Participants are encouraged to turn their passion into action that continues beyond the week at the Academy. Through workshops, hands-on activities and leadership training, they are invited to think critically about issues and use their leadership abilities to drive change. It is hoped that they will build connections and learn from facilitators who have worked in numerous countries, joining an expanding alliance of globally conscious young people. (Source attribution: program organizers)
What kinds of activities will the participants partake in?
Each day at the Academy is unique, with activities tailored to the group’s needs and interests. While every academy emphasizes social justice and leadership, the experiences vary, offering hands-on projects, simulations, community outreach and collaborative challenges that strengthen teamwork. In this setting, youths develop communication, problem-solving and organizational skills while forming friendships and gaining exposure to diverse cultures.
One signature component is the Take Action Day, a full-day volunteer experience in the host city. Participants are matched with local organizations, putting their newly developed leadership skills into practice. This immersive day gives them a chance to learn from community members who prioritize social justice, then carry those insights into the rest of the week. Past placements have included housing support, journalism initiatives, food security projects and environmental work, with choices aligned to personal interests.
As they leave the Academy, what change do you see in the participants?
Graduates often demonstrate a tangible shift in how they engage at school and within their communities. They become more proactive, compassionate, and capable of mobilizing others toward concrete goals. The experience reinforces the belief that youth can influence the world through daily actions, regardless of age.
I am encouraged by the outcomes observed among participants who complete the program. They return to schools and neighborhoods with renewed motivation, stronger networks and clearer plans for action. The journey often leads to ongoing projects, campaigns and volunteer initiatives that reflect the commitments formed during the week.
I hope that Academy will help each young leader identify the issues they care about, build the skills needed for campaigns, fundraisers and action plans, and leave with a renewed sense of personal power. The aim is for each participant to recognize their ability to make a difference through daily actions, large or small, and to see the global reach of locally driven efforts.
What support can you offer to people who really want to join the Academy but do not have the funds or other means necessary to do so?
To ensure access for as many qualified youths as possible, a generous bursary program is offered each year. The bursaries help cover participation costs and travel when needed, expanding opportunities for families who might otherwise be unable to participate. The commitment is to remove financial barriers so every deserving young person can engage with leadership development and become part of the global movement.