Grassroots art and social change non-profit organization
We utilize the transformative power of art + design to increase meaningful social engagement among underrepresented youth communities
RCAD Initiative aims to transform youth living in vulnerable and underserved neighbourhoods into emerging creative and innovative changemakers through storytelling mentorship, community networking, entrepreneurial skills training and strategic youth programming. RCAD Initiative equips young people with critical tools and resources to inspire them to boldly advocate for their own community needs.
We at RCAD Initiative are dedicated to promoting youth development and social change through relationship-building and creative collaboration.
It is time to build the ONE world we all dream of living in.
Our Mission
We aim to build inclusive and resilient communities through art + design programming. We strive to:
support and amplify the voices of marginalized youth
tackle complex issues (from food justice to mental health support, from economic empowerment to civic engagement)
promote and facilitate youth-led initiatives based on research and advocacy, and from shared lived experiences
bridge the gap between art and politics
provide an arts-based platform for marginalized youth to better advocate for their own community needs
explore the intersectionality of civic engagement, public policy and creative arts
Our Vision
We at RCAD Initiative envision a world in which the power of critical art and community-based design is fully utilized to promote understanding and action on the issues facing our most vulnerable youth communities today.
RCAD Initiative is designed to inform, educate and amplify the power of youth. Our model fuses art + design with grassroots education, community organizing and research and advocacy in order to advance the socio-economic conditions and collective well-being of underrepresented youth communities across Canada.
Our Values
Creativity
We encourage diverse and dynamic forms of self and community expression.
Inclusivity
We aim to create welcoming and safe spaces for collaboration, reflection and healing.
Accountability
We follow through with our commitment to improve the socio-economic and well-being of underrepresented youth communities.
Trust
We foster open and positive communication with one another. We are here to actively listen and support our neighbours’ works.
Welcome to our community of creative and innovative youth changemakers