Peterborough’s Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC) is asking residents to “think global and act local” when it comes to making a meaningful difference in the community in Peterborough and beyond.
The charitable organization is hosting a milestone anniversary celebration and fundraiser on Tuesday, October 29 called “Think Global, Act Local: 35 Years of KWIC.” The event begins at 6 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre in downtown Peterborough and will explore and celebrate KWIC’s history and provide a glimpse into the future for the organization.
Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, chair of the 35th anniversary committee and vice-chair of the board, told kawarthaNOW that KWIC has a few aspirations for the upcoming 35th anniversary affair.
“Our hope is that this event will be a celebration of the three-and-a-half decades of KWIC advocacy to make our community a better place,” said Rutherford, who is also associate professor of environment and resource studies at Trent University.
“We want this be a joyful event, where people come together to recognize our successes and recommit ourselves to making positive change in Peterborough and beyond. We also hope this event will be an opportunity for those less familiar with KWIC to learn about our work and build our community.”
The event features a keynote speech by award-winning anti-racism and Indigenous researcher and entrepreneur Larissa Crawford, addressing the importance of youth voices in the fight for social and environmental justice.
“Crawford proudly passes on Métis and Jamaican ancestry to her daughter, Zyra, and is a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher, policy advisor, and restorative circle keeper with over 15 years of experience,” a media release noted. She is also the founder of Future Ancestors Services, a social impact and sustainability consulting firm that aims to advance systemic barrier removal through anti-racism and ancestral accountability.
The event will also feature a performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin, a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in northeastern Ontario with mixed French Canadian and Abénaki heritage, and a member of Odanak First Nation.
“Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of Land,” the release said.
KWIC has been invested in creating change in Nogojiwanong/Peterborough and in the surrounding areas since 1989, and has engaged with causes such as the UN’s sustainable development goals, food justice, gender equality, and climate justice.
The centre’s work currently focuses on empowering youth to become changemakers through skill development and education opportunities such as mentorship programs, in-school workshops and placements. KWIC invites all community members to join the organization in the quest to Think Global, Act Local and share in conversation about the future of advocacy and the role of young people in creating change.
Residents can attend the event and also support KWIC’s ongoing fundraising efforts by participating in the silent auction, which features a variety of donated prizes including personal training sessions, a Yankee Candle gift hamper, and some exclusive vintage KWIC swag.
Tickets for the October 29 event are $100 and can be purchased online at markethall.org or by emailing KWIC at development@kwic.info.
Looking ahead, Rutherford provided a preview of KWIC’s future goals.
“The primary focus of KWIC will continue to be to mentoring local youth changemakers to take action on global issues, creating a more just and sustainable world,” she said. “In line with our new strategic plan, we will empower youth and community members to take action through mentorship and community education that connects global issues to local initiatives.”
“Over the next 35 years, KWIC’s focus will be expanding its network of youth changemakers while continuing to empower a new generation of young people to lead the way toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.”
For more information about Kawartha World Issues Centre, visit kwic.info.
