Student Leadership Initiatives

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.

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The AI Policy Group is a student-led initiative at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, dedicated to advancing student knowledge in AI policy and regulation. Our speaker events bring together experts from various disciplines to engage with students on AI policy’s most current issues. Members write well-researched think pieces in our column, with topics at the intersection of AI and education, work, cybersecurity, climate change, healthcare, innovation policy, and much more. Our mission is to help students develop a deeper understanding of the risks and policy opportunities surrounding AI, positioning them for careers in this fast-growing sector.

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Beyond the Headlines is a weekly one-hour current affairs radio show & podcast airing on Mondays at 2pm ESTon CIUT 89.5. We aim to capture the essence of important public policy and global affairs issues through discussions with leading Canadian and global experts. 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 if any questions arise.  

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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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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. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

The Global Development Initiative (GDI) is a student-led organization that fosters a vibrant community for career-oriented and open-ended discussions on development issues. We recognize that development is a multifaceted element of global affairs, influencing policy, security, markets, and innovation. Our goal is to bridge these disciplines rather than address them in isolation to promote a more just and equitable future for professionals in global affairs and public policy. We believe that development begins at home in Canada and extends globally as we progress together.

We are excited to introduce a new branch of GDI: the State Fragility and Displacement Index. This initiative aims to broaden GDI's scope by creating a comprehensive research hub and online observatory. Policy advocacy is a key objective here, empowering students to convert their research into actionable policy proposals.

Our mission is to enhance understanding of international development through networking opportunities, open discussions, and career panels.

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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.

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The Mental Health Policy Initiative is a student-led organization whose mission is to bring together aspiring policy professionals passionate about applying their skills to the mental health field. We have two pillars: first, we wish to actively foster a “culture of care” at the Munk school through community building, raising awareness and events for MGA & MPP students. Second, we aim to provide a space where students can explore policy issues and questions in the mental health sphere, by providing professional development and learning opportunities, as well as networking events. We are building on the successes of our three years in operation, and we’d be delighted to welcome you to our inclusive and growing team! 

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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.

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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:  

1. Foster inclusion of Black and racialized students within the Munk School - building safe spaces. 
2. Provide opportunities for, mentorship, academic and professional development. 
3. Ensure allyship is fostered across all student-led Initiatives, the student body and wider Munk School community. 
4. Advocate for more inclusion and diversity within the Munk School including in the student body, staff, and faculty. 

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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 deeper understanding of the interplay between politics and public policy. MSPS hosts several events for students to interact and learn from political figures, civil servants, diplomats, business leaders, and faculty members on various domestic and foreign policy and political topics. With MSPS, our directorship team receives exposure to political and policy experts and benefits from leadership, networking, and public speaking opportunities.

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The Policy Innovation Initiative (Pii) is a student-led think tank dedicated to generating innovative strategies and solutions for Canadian policy issues. Our aim is to encourage analysts to approach problems in creative, unconventional ways, while developing a broader understanding of the factors that shape policy decisions. Pii provides analysts opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for careers in both the private and public sectors. At Pii, analysts not only research, analyze, and propose solutions to challenging policy issues, but are given the opportunity to present their solution to an expert panel. 

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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.

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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. 

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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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