Voices for change: A young advocate’s journey at Hunger on the Hill
By Maya van der Woerd, Canadian Foodgrains Bank
August 19, 2024
Voices for change: A young advocate’s journey at Hunger on the Hill
By Maya van der Woerd, Canadian Foodgrains Bank
August 19, 2024
In the last five years, the impacts of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 have pushed global hunger to an alarming level. As a founding member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew works to end world hunger and we see how the voices of young people are more crucial than ever to raising awareness of the hunger crisis. Foodgrains Bank’s Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices event in Ottawa is dedicated to amplifying these voices and inspiring the next generation to make a difference.
Allison Hessels, a policy advisor for Grain Farmers Ontario and a proud descendant of farmers, participated in the April 2024 Hunger on the Hill event to advocate for our global neighbours struggling with hunger.
Allison’s journey to advocacy began at Drayton Christian Reformed Church, where she first learned about Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Her participation in a World Renew learning tour to Nicaragua further influenced her passion for international development and sparked her interest in advocating for a world without hunger. It was on this tour that she met a World Renew staff member who later encouraged her to apply for Hunger on the Hill.
Reflecting on her time at Young Voices, Allison says, “For me, Hunger on the Hill is bringing the voice of everyday Canadians to Parliament to say, ‘This issue is really important to us,’ even if it’s not maybe making news headlines.”
“[Hunger on the Hill] really showed me the power of using your voice as a voter, as a Canadian, as a local constituent. Your MP will listen,” Allison added. Her words highlight the importance of individuals taking advocacy actions to draw attention to critical issues like hunger, and the influence it can have on political decisions.
When asked if she would recommend this training and advocacy event to others, Allison responded enthusiastically: “I would say do it for sure. It was an empowering experience because if you feel really strongly that you want to do something for world hunger and you don’t know where to start, this is a great place. Using your voice is, I think, the most important thing that we can do.”
The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals was also valuable, says Allison. “You also meet a really cool network of people who are all really fascinated by [the same issue].”
Allison’s journey and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that young advocates can have. Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices provides a platform for young people to speak up, and also creates a community where anyone, regardless of their experience level, can join the fight against global hunger.
We invite you to find out more about opportunities to volunteer with World Renew. If you are interested in growing your own journey of advocacy, join Canadian Foodgrains Bank at the Hunger on the Hill training and advocacy event for adults of all ages this October 19-23. Apply here before August 31, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, your voice matters, and you have the power to make a difference.
In the last five years, the impacts of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 have pushed global hunger to an alarming level. As a founding member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew works to end world hunger and we see how the voices of young people are more crucial than ever to raising awareness of the hunger crisis. Foodgrains Bank’s Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices event in Ottawa is dedicated to amplifying these voices and inspiring the next generation to make a difference.
Allison Hessels, a policy advisor for Grain Farmers Ontario and a proud descendant of farmers, participated in the April 2024 Hunger on the Hill event to advocate for our global neighbours struggling with hunger.
Allison’s journey to advocacy began at Drayton Christian Reformed Church, where she first learned about Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Her participation in a World Renew learning tour to Nicaragua further influenced her passion for international development and sparked her interest in advocating for a world without hunger. It was on this tour that she met a World Renew staff member who later encouraged her to apply for Hunger on the Hill.
Reflecting on her time at Young Voices, Allison says, “For me, Hunger on the Hill is bringing the voice of everyday Canadians to Parliament to say, ‘This issue is really important to us,’ even if it’s not maybe making news headlines.”
“[Hunger on the Hill] really showed me the power of using your voice as a voter, as a Canadian, as a local constituent. Your MP will listen,” Allison added. Her words highlight the importance of individuals taking advocacy actions to draw attention to critical issues like hunger, and the influence it can have on political decisions.
When asked if she would recommend this training and advocacy event to others, Allison responded enthusiastically: “I would say do it for sure. It was an empowering experience because if you feel really strongly that you want to do something for world hunger and you don’t know where to start, this is a great place. Using your voice is, I think, the most important thing that we can do.”
The opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals was also valuable, says Allison. “You also meet a really cool network of people who are all really fascinated by [the same issue].”
Allison’s journey and insights serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that young advocates can have. Hunger on the Hill – Young Voices provides a platform for young people to speak up, and also creates a community where anyone, regardless of their experience level, can join the fight against global hunger.
We invite you to find out more about opportunities to volunteer with World Renew. If you are interested in growing your own journey of advocacy, join Canadian Foodgrains Bank at the Hunger on the Hill training and advocacy event for adults of all ages this October 19-23. Apply here before August 31, 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, your voice matters, and you have the power to make a difference.
