Race and Disability Canada
Living Leadership
A free, one-year mentorship program for people who are racialized and live with a disability.
15 spots are available in our first cohort. Apply by .
About the program
Race and Disability Canada's Living Leadership Program matches people who are both racialized and living with a disability with racialized disabled leaders who have been doing this work for years.
Over one year, you'll learn alongside a mentor who shares your experience and understands the barriers you face.
- Free No cost to take part
- 1 year Of one-on-one mentorship
- No advocacy experience needed You don't need a degree, a job title, or a history of advocacy. You just need the desire to make change for yourself, and others.
Accessibility is built in
This program is designed by racialized disabled people, and accessibility is an integral part of the design process.
- All virtual sessions will have live captions.
- Meeting materials will be provided ahead of time.
- We will work with you to provide any individual accommodations you need.
What to expect
Living Leadership combines one-on-one mentorship with skill-building and community.
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Regular mentor meetings
Meet one-on-one with your mentor throughout the year to work on the issues and goals that matter to you.
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Training workshops
Take part in workshops that build practical skills for advocacy and leadership.
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Community
Connect with the other mentors and mentees building this program together.
Time commitment: About 2–4 hours a month, varying month to month.
What you'll build together
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Skills and confidence
Build the skills and confidence to advocate on the issues you care about.
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Community
Connect with others who understand your experience.
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Knowledge of your rights
Learn about your rights, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
Key dates
- Application deadline
- Mentee selection announced
- First virtual session for mentees
- Mentors and mentees matched
- Virtual Living Leadership Kick-off
How to apply
Interested? Send us a one-page note, in writing, audio, or video, whichever works best for you. There are no wrong answers, and partial responses are welcome.
Tell us:
- How has your lived experience as a racialized disabled person shaped your view of the world?
- How has your lived experience as a racialized disabled person shaped the advocacy you want to do?
- What do you hope to learn and develop over the year, and how will you know the mentorship worked for you?
You do not need to disclose any diagnosis or medical details. Share your reality in the way you choose.
Apply by .