Rural Change Makers

 Introducing the 2026 Rural Change Makers

ROI is pleased to announce the 24 young leaders from rural and northern Ontario selected to take part in this year's Rural Change Makers program. 

MEET THE 2026 FACES OF CHANGE

The Rural Change Makers program shapes emerging leaders in rural Ontario to lead community development solutions with their communities. Young leaders are critical to the future of Rural Ontario. Their community involvement is key to feeling a sense of belonging, value and relevance. Communities become stronger when youth are leading and making a difference.

This program helps young adults gain confidence, build their preferred futures and their networks to mobilize action with their community on an issue of priority. The aim of the program is to: 

• Provide professional development for young adults
• Build rural youth leadership capacity
• Catalyze impactful rural development outcomes for communities and regions
• Broaden public engagement in rural development initiatives.

Motivated young adults, between the ages of 18-35, from across Ontario are selected by application to address community identified priorities in their region. Regional partners set the stage for local youth recruitment to the RCM program, leadership skills training and hyper-local community economic development projects. Over 20 regional partnerships and champions are coming alongside emerging leaders in the upcoming program. These partners are championing youth engagement and leadership throughout rural and northern Ontario including more than 8 rural municipalities and organizations, and 24 First Nations served by Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP). 

As a group change makers will undertake a learning journey together, participate in a series of developmental learning labs and come together for face-to-face experiential gatherings supporting them to take action on a challenge/opportunity they have identified in their community, life or career. Changemakers are supported by coaches, mentors, partners and each other.