Problem Statement

How do we build civic engagement amongst youth between the ages of 18 and 30? 

Target Group

Youth in Ottawa between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.

Proposed Solution

Impact Jam 613 (https://globalshapersottawa.medium.com/ottawa-global-shapers-host-impact-jam-613-4ce1ac731bc2) is a civic hack-a-thon conference that brought together 50-60 Ottawa Post-Secondary students and young professionals to work in teams of 5-7 to learn about and develop innovative solutions to today's greatest civic challenges.

Activities:

Ottawa Shapers conducted a hack-a-thon with youth between the ages of 18 and 30 to develop solutions facing local Ottawa residents.

Short-Term Goals/Results

Among the top proposals were: 

• A mobile application to connect newcomers and refugees with local social services
  
  
  • An awareness-raising initiative on recycling and waste diversion through public art installations using recycled materials
  
  
  • Conducting a city-wide accessibility audit and mapping of local businesses and services
  
  
  
  

The top teams were awarded funding, professional development and networking opportunities, incubator space and one-on-one mentorship to develop their proposals into tangible action.

Long-Term Change

Participants left the conference empowered with ideas, tools and motivation to improve their communities. Impact Jam613 received widespread recognition from various community leaders across the country. We are also pleased to announce that the Global Shapers Hubs across Canada have reached out to us to learn how they can host their own "Impact Jams" in their local communities. 

Available Metrics

How many people did the project reach? 50 people

How many shapers participated? 7 Shapers