The Rural Ontario Institute has launched a pilot program to address the needs of rural communities.
ROI Leadership Programs Director, Gabrielle Ferguson, says they've identified 18 young Game Changers in rural communities in Ontario that they believe have the talent and the drive to make changes in their communities.
Ferguson says in many cases, they've left their communities to go to college or university and decided rural is where they want to be and they want to use the talent and skills they've acquired to give back to their rural community.
"They want to use those talents to give back and to strengthen the vibrancy of their communities and to take on an issue that those communities define," said Ferguson. "It's about creating a culture where everyone in the community is invited to a discovery session, so everyone's voice is heard around what are the issues that are important to them."
Ferguson says they'll be working, first as a group to further develop their skills and then they'll go back to their communities.
That's where they will work over a year to address the issues that the community has chosen.
Ferguson says several of the Game Changers come from Midwestern and Southwestern Ontario:
Maggie McBride, Exeter Alexis Kuper, Mapleton/Minto Morgan Dykstra, South Huron Graham Taylor, Chatsworth Kaylee Coverdale, Freelton Emilie Leneveu, Quinte West Michelle Lutsch, Stoney Point Jacqueline Villeneuve, Hammer Sadie Mees, Trent Hills Elle Halladay, Lanark Sarah Kiar, Trent Hills Erin Cartan, Timmins Patrick Verkley, Middlesex Jackie Easson, Haldimand Jessica Easson, Haldimand Forrest Heard, Algoma Oliver Jacob, Renfrew Emily Kyle, Brant
