On Sunday October 19th, student leaders from across the GTA had the opportunity to engage and interact with each other and hear from experts and community professionals at a leadership training day called Impact the Outcome. The event, which was hosted by Hillel of Greater Toronto, at the Wolfond Centre, was cosponsored by AEPi, CIJA, and CJPAC. The training day was organized to equip students with the tools and resources they would need to work with student government, other student groups, and if need be address adversity on campus. The day was an informative and rewarding experience for all involved.
As a 4th year student at University of Toronto, past president of Hillel, a CJPAC fellowship alumnus, and a former CIJA intern, I have had the opportunity not only to experience Jewish life on campus but also to learn from the
wonderful professionals our community and communal organizations have to offer us. Impact the Outcome was an extremely successful event in that it gave students the opportunity to network with each other and learn from professionals involved in the Jewish community and Canadian politics from across the country. I had the opportunity to meet and discuss key issues with student leaders involved in Jewish campus affairs from across the city. Furthermore, not only did the CIJA, CJPAC and Hillel staff impart important skills and best practices with us but there was the opportunity for students to share their experiences, too—and this in turn created a camaraderie that I know can be counted on in times of need.
The sessions were stimulating and instructive; we heard from Parliament Hill speech-writers, networkers-extraordinaire, and student leaders from other campus groups. We collaborated in teams to discuss and prepare methods of working with student government and organizing around an important issue or a proposal at an AGM and we discussed successful campaign tips.
While my student experience has been stellar thus far, I know how important it is to be proactive so that we can react more effectively when challenges arise. Impact the Outcome was an excellent opportunity for students to engage with one another and the professionals in our community who can impart essential leadership skills and information with us. It allowed us to engage with issues and ideas before it’s too late and, furthermore, to attain the necessary tools to be proactive on campus. I know that the day will have an impact on how student leaders approach issues on campus and on how we can utilize the resources available to us through Hillel, CIJA, and CJPAC.
Bailey Fox is a 4th year student at the University of Toronto majoring in Political Science and Jewish Studies with a minor in Canadian Studies. Passionate about working in the Jewish community and Israel, Bailey is the past president of Hillel at UofT, and has been a CJPAC fellow and a CIJA intern. Currently, she manages Harvey’s Table, a nightly dinner program at Hillel, works at the Centre for Jewish Studies at UofT and is the vice-president of the Jewish Studies Student Union. She is also a card carrying member of the foodie movement and in her spare time you may find her whipping up some chocolate chip banana loaf.