Climate Connection Retreat (CCR)
Share. Nourish. Mobilize.
What is ccr?
Offered by the University of Toronto Climate Hub, CCR aims to support BIPoC students in building a climate community and mobilizing community-engaged climate work. The retreat is open to BIPoC-identifying emerging researchers, artists or creatives, campus activists, and others engaged in climate-related studies or climate-related work on or off campus. We aim to recruit at least 10-15 CCR ‘animators’, with at least 5 undergraduate students and 5 graduate students. Through workshops, lectures, social gatherings and peer support, we anticipate hosting a dynamic learning retreat to support pathways for students to become strong, community-engaged climate actors.
CCR animators are asked to bring an idea or a project they wish to work on during the retreat. This could be a thesis, a creative project, a campus campaign, as examples. Note the project does not have to be fully formed, nor does it have to generate tangible outcomes; rather, it is something you wish to “think with” during the retreat. It must be something you are willing to discuss with others. You will be provided dedicated independent and peer support time during the retreat to work on your idea/project. CCR has three objectives:
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We know that the climate field is very siloed; rarely do students get an opportunity to meet and learn from experts and peers in other fields. CCR is an opportunity to foster interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
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Given the dire underrepresentation of BIPoC communities in various climate sectors, we hope for this retreat to be a safe space to build connection, friendship, networks and solidarity.
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A key focus of this retreat will be training on how to effectively communicate your ideas and identify strategies for your work to support underserved communities. We want to support you in translating your work to non-specialist audiences to maximize impact and community engagement. To support this goal, CCR animators will be invited to support the Hub’s Youth Climate Fellowship program that will take place in 2027.
What will CCR animators learn?
By the end CCR, animators should be able to:
Identify the strengths of engaging in interdisciplinary perspectives
Develop a compelling narrative to communicate your climate-themed research/project/ideas to diverse community audiences
Identify ways your climate project could support underserved communities
When and where will CCR take place?
All CCR activities will take place at the downtown campus (exact location TBD). The dates of CCR will be: Friday November 20, November 27, and December 4 from approx. 10-2pm. Lunch will be provided. Selected fellows will be expected to attend for the full duration of the retreat. Note this retreat is only open to UofT students.
WhY join?
You are looking to connect with other BIPoC students engaged in climate-related studies/work
You want to explore how your work can positively affect change in local communities.
You want dedicated time to workshop or think through an idea that excites you
*About the Youth Climate Fellowship program
CCR will offer novel pathways for students to mobilize their projects and learning in acommunity setting, via one of the Hub’s program offerings, ‘The Youth Climate Fellowship’ (YCF), to be delivered in Scarborough in early 2027 (exact location and duration TBD).
YCF is a youth-focused climate education program aimed at BIPoC high school students. YCF offers engaging, culturally responsive climate learning experiences while introducing youth to climate-related postsecondary and career pathways. Fellows participate in community gatherings, off-site climate excursions, and hands-on learning opportunities to deepen their knowledge and engagement with climate justice and local climate action.
Throughout the program, fellows are connected with UofT student mentors and racialized role models working across the local climate sector. The program builds skills, confidence, and community, supporting youth leadership in climate education and beyond. Following the CCR retreat, animators can choose to participate in the YCF program via one of two knowledge mobilization activities: 1) become a peer mentor for the YCF program; or 2) deliver a skill-based learning opportunity for high school youth registered in YCF. For example, you may wish to translate your CCR project into a workshop or learning activity for high school students. In either option, students will be paid for their time and labour. Students interested in participating in YCF must be able to commute to Scarborough during YCF. More information about this opportunity will be provided at CCR. Note, this is an optional activity; students interested in joining CCR do not have to participate in YCF.
application instructions
Send a brief statement of interest to Preeti Nayak (preeti.nayak@mail.utoronto.ca) by October 22, 2026.
Your statement of interest must contain the following information:
A short blurb (100 words) on why you are interested in joining CCR;
Ashort blurb (100 words) describing ‘the project’ you will bring to the retreat. As a reminder, this does not have to be a finished idea but rather something you are committed to developing during the retreat and after.
Your name, program/year and campus
The above information will be used to tailor the retreat to the group and ensure we build opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. We encourage students of all levels to apply; we are not looking for expertise or qualifications to be eligible but rather a passion for connection and climate learning!
Questions?
Contact Preeti Nayak, Youth Climate Fellowship Lead