Student Leadership Initiatives
While studying in the MGA program, you will be able to participate in a range of Student Leadership Initiatives (SLIs), case competitions, and conferences. From publishing journals and hosting podcasts to serving as consultants on real-world problems, the Munk School's student leadership initiatives offer the chance to get involved, gain experience and apply your skills. This year, we have the following initiatives in place:
Student Leadership Initiatives
L’Association de la francophonie de l’école Munk
L’Association de la francophonie de l’école Munk (AFEM) est une initiative qui vise à aider les étudiants à acquérir de nouvelles compétences linguistiques (ou à les développer) en français. Nous comprenons que le français est un atout sur le marché du travail, surtout pour les emplois de la fonction publique et souhaitons équipper les étudiants de notre cohort avec les outils nécessaires pour améliorer leur CV et entreprendre des opportunités de développement professionnel en francais. De plus, l'AFEM offre des événements sociaux qui vous donneront la chance de mieux comprendre la communauté francophone de Toronto et du reste du Canada.
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The Association de la francophonie de l'école Munk (AFEM) is an initiative that aims to help students acquire new (or develop existing) French language skills. We understand that French is an asset in the job market, especially for public service jobs, and want to equip the students in our cohort with the tools they need to improve their resumes and undertake professional development opportunities in French. In addition, AFEM offers social events that will give you the chance to better understand the francophone community in Toronto and the rest of Canada.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the Headlines is a weekly one-hour current affairs radio show & podcast airing on Mondays at 11AM on CIUT 89.5. Through discussions with leading Canadian and global experts, we aim to capture the essence of important public policy and global affairs issues. By taking a “deep dive” into a new subject each week, our objective is to take listeners beyond the immediacy of our daily news. We aspire to create content that is accessible to a wider audience, not simply those who have an academic background in policy. We have ambitions to become Canada’s premier venue for informed & non-partisan policy discourse. We are looking to recruit producers who are creative, full of initiative, and value working closely with teammates. No journalism or audio editing experience? Don’t worry - we’ll teach you all you need to know! If this sounds like you, look out for applications in September! In the meantime we invite you to listen to one of our past episodes, check out our social media and get in touch with our executives if any questions arise.
Email | Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook| LinkedIn
Consulting Careers Initiative
The Consulting Careers Initiative (CCI) provides students pursuing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) degree an opportunity to develop and enhance the skills necessary for a career in consulting.
In addition to providing important career development resources for students, CCI aims to showcase MPP and MGA students’ skills and abilities to prospecting consulting firms. We strive to be innovative in our approach to expand CCI’s network while supporting the prestigious brand of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
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Environmental Working Group
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a student leadership initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy that aims to raise the profile of environment, sustainability, and climate-related issues at the Munk School while providing a platform for students to explore the intersections of sustainability, environmental policy, and climate change as they relate to other pillars of public policy and global affairs. EWG is a platform for students to research and build knowledge on emerging topics in the climate sphere, collaborate with like-minded peers, and learn about careers in climate and sustainability while networking with alumni and industry professionals.
Equity, Diversity and Public Policy Initiative
The Equity, Diversity, and Public Policy Initiative (EDPP) promotes the adoption of an intersectional lens in policy analysis. EDPP is a graduate student-led organization at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and encourages the discussion of gender and identity-based inequalities in the realm of public policy in collaboration with Munk School student initiatives, faculty and administration, our alumni advisory group, and other networks within the University of Toronto landscape.
Ford + Munk Conference
Ford+Munk is an annual policy case competition hosted by the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. Ford+Munk provides a unique opportunity for students to tackle pressing policy issues affecting both Canada and the US. The annual three-day event consists of workshops, an expert speakers panel, time for teams to develop their proposed solutions, and presentations to judges.
Global Conversations
Global Conversations is a media organization run by MGA and MPP students at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. GC seeks to engage the major events and trends impacting our world by offering the opinions and analyses of students, accredited experts, and practitioners. In doing so, GC offers students the opportunity to write, research and publish content through analytical pieces, op-eds, blog style articles, and podcasts.
We at GC believe that ideas are meant to be shared. It is through the promotion of discourse and the exchange of ideas that we can better understand the world in which we live and, in turn, change it. With this vision, GC has shaped its mandate of analyzing news stories that we feel are underreported or deserving of a fresh angle. We hope that you will engage with us and join the conversation.
Global Development Initiative
The Global Development Initiative is a community and career driven SLI dedicated to providing a space for open-ended and engaging discussions about development issues. We believe development is a multidisciplinary aspect of global affairs that impacts much of the international sphere, such as policy, security, markets, and innovation. By forging connections between these disciplines, rather than treating them as separate problems to tackle, we hope to create a more just and equitable future for those in the global affairs and public policy fields. We believe development starts at home in Canada and expands to other countries as we all grow.
We aim to develop a broader understanding of the international development field through networking opportunities, general discussions, and career panels.
Indigenous Policy Initiative
The Indigenous Policy Initiative is intended to enhance Munk School students’ awareness and interest in Indigenous issues, encourage the consideration of Indigenous perspectives in policy, support and collaborate with Indigenous organizations, and provide meaningful educational opportunities for students. The projects are diverse in their approach to provide students with self-learning and research opportunities and instructor-led training, suiting different learning styles and providing maximum benefit for the students and broader Munk School community.
Mental Health Policy Initiative
The Mental Health Policy Initiative is a student-led organization whose mission is to bring together aspiring policy professionals who are passionate about applying their skills to the mental health domain. We have twin goals: first, we wish to actively foster a “culture of care” at the Munk School through community-building, raising awareness, and holding events for students. Second, we aim to provide students with a space where they can try applying a mental health lens to some of the policy questions they may encounter in both the MPP and MGA programs. We are building on the successes of our two years in operation and we’d be delighted to welcome interested individuals to our inclusive and growing team!
Munk School Academic, Policy, and Projects Symposium
The Munk School Academic, Policy, and Projects Symposium (MSAPPS) provides students with the opportunity to prepare for and lead conference-style presentations on topics of their choice, relating to thematic areas of the MGA and/or MPP programs. Students who are passionate about specific global issues or academic topics are strongly encouraged to participate, but all students who are open to greater engagement in academic research and methods are welcome. MSAPPS will also host workshops and seminars, led by Munk faculty and fellows, in support of students' training and experience-building.
Munk School Black Students' Association
The Munk School Black Student Association (MSBSA) is a student-led initiative that seeks to empower Black and racialized students through advocacy, anti-racism initiatives, promoting allyship and breaking down academic and/or professional barriers. We provide guidance, support, and direction for Black Students in their academic, social, and professional endeavours. This initiative offers inclusive opportunities for leadership, community engagement and networking for racialized students and their allies at the Munk School, while committing to tackle anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination. As a promoter of allyship in the Munk School community, the MSBSA welcomes all people willing to support the success of our mission.
The MSBSA has four main objectives:
- Foster inclusion of Black and racialized students within the Munk School - building safe spaces.
- Provide opportunities for, mentorship, academic and professional development.
- Ensure allyship is fostered across all student-led Initiatives, the student body and wider Munk School community.
- Advocate for more inclusion and diversity within the Munk School including in the student body, staff, and faculty.
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PATH: Career Introduction and Exploration Series
PATH consists of a series of events throughout the course of the year, focused on supporting Master of Global Affairs students as they navigate their career journeys. Each month will feature a different sector relating to the field of global affairs, bringing together working professionals, MGA alumni and current MGA students. Through engaging panels, networking opportunities, and workshops, students understand the value of their degree and gain exposure to the diverse opportunities available during the program and after graduation. Through PATH, students make valuable connections, learn how various sectors intersect and gain insight into emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in their desired fields.
Munk School Politics Society
The Munk School Politics Society (MSPS) provides students in the Master of Global Affairs and Master of Public Policy programs with an opportunity to engage with and develop a deep understanding of the connection between politics and public policy. MSPS’ interactive speaker and panel series provides students with an opportunity to engage with and learn from political figures and civil servants, who have worked closely with the political side of government. The polling case competition and First Minister’s Conference will also give students a chance to discover the relationship between public opinion, electoral politics, and policymaking in democratic societies.
Policy Innovation Initiative
The Policy Innovation Initiative (Pii) is a student-led think tank focused on generating innovative strategies and solutions to a vast array of policy issues. Pii’s aim is to assist emerging public policy professionals to develop their understanding of how policy-making is impacted by political, economic, social, cultural, technological, and environmental forces, and gain practical professional skills along the way. At Pii, analysts not only choose to research, analyze, and propose a solution to an issue that they are passionate about, but produce a deliverable of their choice in presenting their solution to expert policy professionals at an established forum.
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Public Good Initiative
The Public Good Initiative (PGI) is a student-led pro bono consulting organization whose goal is to build capacity in Ontario’s non-profit sector through partnerships & policy consulting services. Our graduate student consultants are matched with non-profit organizations and play a vital role in supporting projects from beginning to end. Consultants gain real-world experience working with clients while learning valuable skills to help prepare them for a career in public policy.
PGI's mission is to make a positive contribution to the policy capacity of the not-for-profit sector. Consultants provide a variety of services including project design, management, and implementation of policy, internal governance and regulations, and research to support not-for-profits as they navigate complex issues.
Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter
Public Policy & Governance Review
The Public Policy and Governance Review (PPGR) is a student-led digital publication that showcases writing on public affairs by students, academics, and leaders in the policy world. PPGR is a platform for bold and thoughtful analysis, and for diverse perspectives on contemporary policy debates and discussions.
Spectrum
Spectrum is a student-led initiative at Munk School that provides a place of community for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and their allies. We offer resources, networking, and leadership opportunities while increasing awareness and advancing understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ and intersectional issues in the public policy and global affairs spheres. Our activities for 2023-2024 will include panels, workshops, and events within the Munk school and in collaboration with local 2SLGBTQIA+ community groups in the Greater Toronto Area.
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