What do a not-for profit program coordinator, the CEO of a bank, a politician, a technology entrepreneur and a recent graduate have in common? More than you might think. For over a decade, CivicAction has brought together senior executives and rising leaders from all sectors to tackle the biggest challenges facing the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Going beyond taking action on regional issues, CivicAction knows that we need to cultivate and grow strong civic leaders for today and tomorrow. To accomplish this, the CivicAction Leadership Foundation was launched in 2017. The great David Pecaut once said, “a city that is filled with civic entrepreneurs practicing collective leadership will be able to face any challenge and do all kinds of great things”. The CivicAction Leadership Foundation is committed to doing just that – building the collective leadership capacity of our region. Built on the belief that there is nothing more important to the future of our communities than preparing those who will lead them, the CivicAction Leadership Foundation provides high impact leadership programs that open doors, minds & opportunities for young, emerging and under-represented leaders in the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA).
“World-class cities don’t just happen—they require bold ideas and diverse voices working together. Civic leadership has the power to be a force multiplier in our communities and it’s our job today to help grow and prepare the leaders of tomorrow.”
Tim Hockey, President & CEO, TD Ameritrade; CivicAction Leadership Foundation Board Chair; CivicAction Board Member
With world-class programs and unparalleled access to the region’s most influential thinkers and doers, the Foundation is the premier destination for diverse rising civic leaders wanting to develop their networks, grow their minds, transform their communities and change the face of leadership throughout the region.
Great leaders build great cities. Let’s reach new heights together.
Hear more from great leaders across our region.
Our Vision
To unlock and catalyze the full leadership potential of our region to build inclusive cities and strong communities.
Mission
The CivicAction Leadership Foundation will deliver world-class leadership programs. We will harness the power of diverse leaders to build strong, dynamic and inclusive cities, and provide a platform that inspires, educates and empowers all voices to influence and shape our region.
Our Organizational Values
- Leadership: We lead by example and walk the talk. We demonstrate personal integrity and consistently work to achieve our vision, while motivating and inspiring those we work with to do the same.
- Excellence: We believe that there’s no such thing as good enough. We aspire to the highest standard possible and consistently seek better ways of doing things in order to grow, improve, develop and exceed expectations. We celebrate success and embrace failure as part of the learning process.
- All Together: We believe that when we work together, we multiply our contribution and become more than the sum of our parts. Our work is built on meaningful partnerships because we know that shared commitments lead to stronger outcomes and greater success.
- Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate and embrace all dimensions of diversity and seek to create an environment that values and reflects the perspectives, experiences and aspirations of all. We treat each other with mutual respect, dignity, sensitivity and trust, and value the contributions of others.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
CivicAction acknowledges that the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is situated upon traditional and current Indigenous territories that include the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabeg, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The treaties that cover these territories include the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant – an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes – and the Upper Canada Treaties. Today, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is still home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island (North America) and we recognize the historical oppression and inequalities that they continue to face. In our role as a civic convener, CivicAction is committed to rebuilding and renewing respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-indigenous people and support the important work of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.