Registration Now Open for Ember: Creating Global Change. Event Registration closes Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Ember is a transformative on-campus retreat dedicated to fostering social change and strengthening community connections. On this day we will explore new ways to view social change and learn about the impact of change from different points of view.
This is a great opportunity for those who may be feeling burnt out or overwhelmed but still have a passion for changemaking. Ember is dedicated to reigniting your spark for change making.
Benefits
- Get reenergized about the role you can play in creating social change.
- Get inspired by hearing the stories of your peers.
- Slow down and reconnect to what is meaningful to you.
- Reflect on your impact and role in community.
- Complete the full program in one day.
- Get CCR recognition for your time.
Event Information
Ember: Creating Global Change will be delivered as part of International Education Week (IEW) hosted by the International Education Center (IEC). This version of Ember will delve into global change making systems and how you can engage in creating change on global issues.
Date: Monday, November 16, 2026
Time: 2pm-5pm
Location: UTM - Room will be shared with registrants.
Event Registration closes Thursday, November 12, 2026.
The International Education Week (IEW) is a week-long event during which students, staff, and faculty at UTM celebrate diversity, culture, and international education. During this week, the International Education Center (IEC) delivers global and intercultural fluency opportunities and programming to the UTM community.
Register for Ember: Creating Global Change
Agenda
Dates for fall Ember sessions will be posted late September.
| Activity | Description |
| Welcome | Kick off the retreat by welcoming everyone to the space, setting expectations for the day, and engaging in container-building exercises to foster a supportive and intentional environment. |
| Social Change Ecosystem Map | Explore the Social Change Ecosystem Framework (Deepa Iyer, 2017), a practical tool for individuals and groups working toward justice, solidarity, and community care. This session will help explore the roles we can embody to support meaningful social change. |
| Story Circles | Using a model developed by UNESCO, we’ll share personal stories of engaging in or witnessing social change. This storytelling practice will allow us to learn from each other’s experiences and deepen our collective understanding. |
| Reflection | Synthesize the day’s learning through small group discussions and individual reflection activities, creating space to process insights and consider next steps. |
| Closing | Come together for a final group reflection and close the retreat with gratitude, connection, and a sense of shared purpose. |
Inquiries
For all questions and feedback regarding Ember, please contact:
Marlo Young-Sponga
Community Engaged Learning and Partnerships Coordinator
Email: marlo.young.sponga@utoronto.ca
