Voices for Change

Calling youth performers, writers and creatives

Applications for Voices for Change 2026 are now closed. Thank you to everyone for applying.

Each year, high school students (grades 9-12) who have a passion for writing and performance are encourage to apply to participate in the Voices for Change project.

With the guidance of talented Manitoba-based spoken word poet Steve Locke, students participate in two weekend workshops to develop an original spoken word poem about a global issue.

To wrap up the project, students create a performance piece that will be professionally filmed and debuted during International Development Week in February.

For more information on the Voices for Change program, get in touch with us by email youth@mcic.ca.

Reflections

Linnaya Boyer and Fawwaz Al hassan (Ali) spoke at MCIC's 2025 Annual General Meeting in June (shown here). They reflected on their experiences in the program:

"[Voices for Change] gave us a way to speak from the heart about things we lived through, things we felt, and the things that are often left unsaid. And you know what? It was fun. All the laughter, all the conversation, all the moments in between. They were full of energy, full of life. And every moment we spent together was powerful, memorable and real." - Linnaya.

"We had a chance to say this is what we've been through. This is what we carry, and this is who we are. We weren't just writing a poem. We were reclaiming space. We were raising our voices for those who couldn't. For those still fighting, and for those who feel invisible... So, to everyone who made this possible, to my fellow poets and to our mentor, and for those who have listened. Thank you. Thank you for creating a space where truth, art, and healing could come together." - Ali.

Be Inspired

In 2025, MCIC partnered with Resilia (formerly Aurora Family Therapy Centre) for a special Voices for Change.

Four high school students were selected to create a spoken word poem on the theme of displacement–an experience that they share. Ali, Linnaya, Tetiana and Merek each bring a unique perspective and personal story that were woven together in their poem, Fight for Home. We are grateful to them for their courage in sharing their stories.

To help kick off International Development Week 2025, Ali, Linnaya, Tetiana and Merek debuted Fight for Home live at the Manitoba Legislative Building (photo above).

Watch and share their poem, Fight for Home.

Past Performances