A Diversity, Anti Hate & Leadership Program
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Welcome to SEEDS Connections™
Engaging and empowering Canadian youth through human diversity and environmental experiential learning to create positive, powerful change in themselves, their communities and society.
SEEDS Connections™ provides educational programs with a focus on diversity, leadership, environmental sustainability, and energy literacy. We inspire youth to integrate the Gandhi quote “be the change you wish to see in the world” into their lives.
What is the Connections Program?
The CONNECTIONS Program encourages students to "be the change you want to see in the world" (Gandhi)
By expanding awareness of diversity issues and fostering cross-cultural understanding
By working together to fight ethnocentrism, stereotyping, racism, prejudice and discrimination
By empowering students to develop and utilize their personal leadership skills to affect positive change
By connecting with nature and recognizing diverse issues in the environment
The CONNECTIONS Program Journey
The CONNECTIONS Program is comprised of three main components: online pre-trip activities, an on-site program, and post-trip activities in schools and/or communities.
Pre-trip Component
The online pre-trip component of the program serves to provide all students with a common knowledge base, prior to the on-site experience. They participate in online discussions with students from other schools in Alberta, on topics related to diversity, leadership and the SEEDS Foundation project, Habitat in the Balance.
On-site Component
Students spend four days at Kamp Kiwanis, near Calgary, engaging in a wide variety of activities which develop teamwork and leadership skills. As students learn about diversity, they examine their own biases and increase their understanding of other cultures. The days are filled with opportunities to share ideas with others, and to reflect on their learning and experiences.
Post-trip Component
Following the four day experience, students participate in follow up activities and discussions related to their off campus experience and school situation. Students will also complete a final project that impacts their school in a positive manner and is shared online with other students.
Program Impact
The CONNECTIONS™ Program is a semester-long, five credit, high school Anti-Racism, Diversity and Leadership program engaging Alberta Junior and Senior High school students.
Their follow-up “Be The Change” projects have been presented to an additional 85,000 students and community members since 2011.
empowers youth to utilize their personal leadership and critical thinking skills in affecting positive change in their schools and communities related to Anti-Racism, Diversity, Environmental issues
connects students with the natural environment and cultivates environmental stewardship
initiates youth-led proactive school and community activities related to Anti-Racism, Diversity, and the Environment.
About SEEDS
Engaging and empowering Canadian youth through human diversity and environmental experiential learning to create positive, powerful change in themselves, their communities and society.
With a history beginning in 1976, SEEDS Connections is a unique, national charitable organization (CRA # 107990483RR0001), SEEDS is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, providing educational programs with a focus on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Leadership, and Environmental sustainability. We inspire youth to integrate the Gandhi quote ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ into their lives.