News
CanStudyUS Home and Away
Nov 8, 2024
A four-city tour in U.S. swing states for an on-the-ground experience in politics and policymaking.
By: Nina Rafeek Dow
Many Canadians watch more American-based news than they’d like to admit. But what happens behind the headlines? What are the behind-the-scenes stories about politics and policymaking that don’t make it in the news cycle?
The CanStudyUS Home and Away Fellowship, held from October 14 to 19, 2024, took a selected group of dedicated young Canadian leaders on a week-long, immersive journey through four pivotal U.S. “swing state” cities ahead of the U.S. Presidential election—Detroit, Ann Arbor, Akron, and Pittsburgh.
The 20 Fellows come from a range of backgrounds, from private and public sector changemakers, to students and recent graduates just getting started in their leadership journeys.
This experience was designed to provide an in-depth look at U.S. public policy through diverse interactions with thought leaders, civil servants, academics, and activists, cultivating a better understanding of Canada-U.S. relations.
Through interactions with a wide range of speakers from diverse professional backgrounds—from environmental advocates to cybersecurity experts and political organizers—the fellows gained firsthand insights into the pressing issues shaping U.S. communities and policy decisions.
The CanStudyUS Home and Away Fellowship offered a transformative experience, immersing Canadian fellows in the complexity of U.S. public policy and the nuances of cross-border relations. Fellows engaged in a packed itinerary, tackling pressing issues and gaining insights they will bring back to their Canadian communities.
Day 1: Detroit, Michigan – Setting intentions
The program began on October 14, as fellows gathered at Hostel Detroit for icebreakers, introduced their roommates, and shared their aspirations for the week ahead. This initial gathering set the tone for the fellowship, encouraging the fellows to reflect on their goals and prepare for the community projects they would undertake back home.
Day 2: Ann Arbor, Michigan – Exploring political polarization on campus
The next day, fellows headed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The agenda highlighted the contrasting approaches of Campus Democrats and Republicans, showcasing different strategies for student outreach and engagement.
Ian Moore, representing Campus Democrats, shared insights on dorm storming and social events, including an appearance by RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star, Trinity the Tuck, while Riley Garliauskas, a Campus Republican, discussed the challenges of reaching younger voters with conservative messaging.
Later, a panel discussion titled “What’s at Stake in the 2024 Election” included perspectives from Yanna Krupnikov, a media expert, Alan Deardorff, an international trade professor, and Melinda Billingsley from Voters Not Politicians, sparking discussions on media fragmentation and trade policy. This was followed by a powerful fireside chat with Ann Arbor Council Member Ayesha Ghazi Edwin, who offered practical advice for women in politics, urging them to “Get shameless” and “Count your assets.”
Day 3: Detroit, Michigan – Corporate responsibility and environmental justice
Back in Detroit, fellows dove into corporate responsibility and climate action with Planet Detroit Executive Director, Laprisha Daniels and Senior Associate, Sustainability & Climate Transformation Consulting, Amelia Brinkerhoff. They led a discussion on how corporations can and should address climate change. Fellows then explored workforce readiness with Senior Reporter, Michigan Chronicle, Ebony JJ Curry and City of Detroit Legislative Policy Director, Esmat Ishag-Osman, whose charismatic presentation captivated the group. Fellows rounded off the day with an afternoon tour at the Boggs Center, where they learned about Detroit’s legacy of community-driven urban farming and art installations. Sites such as the Heidelberg Project, a renowned community art installation, showcased Detroit’s resilience and creativity in transforming vacant spaces into vibrant expressions of community pride.
Day 4: Akron, Ohio – Civility, cybersecurity, and community development
October 17 brought fellows to Akron to learn about civility in politics, local economic resilience, and cybersecurity. Assistant Professor of Computer Science, University of Akron, Dr. Nadhem Ebrahim and Director IT Technology Resilience at the Mayo Clinic, Heather M. Costa led an eye-opening session on public sector cybersecurity, addressing essential issues such as data privacy and safety, which resonated particularly with attendees from healthcare fields.
The LeBron James Family Foundation was a highlight. Fellows learned about the inspiring journey of this unique community effort. They explored the evolution of the Promise School, a program developed to support Akron’s most vulnerable students and their families. This initiative has expanded over time to address root causes of poverty and educational challenges, including family housing, food security, and job training. Fellows left with a deep appreciation for the importance of holistic, community-centered approaches in education.
Day 5: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Tech policy and economic revitalization
On October 18, Pittsburgh offered a glimpse into the future of tech policy with a panel titled “AI Avenue and the Future of Tech Policy”, featuring tech experts Jessica Kuntz, Brian Kennedy, and Ketaki Desai. Discussions covered AI’s societal impact, with a specific focus on Pittsburgh’s economic development and a national security perspective.
The day continued with Oliver Beasley of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, who discussed Pittsburgh’s journey of revitalization. His talk detailed initiatives to connect neighborhoods, provide incentives for business growth, and foster inclusive economic development. Fellows were intrigued by Pittsburgh’s multifaceted approach to urban transformation, especially in light of its unique geography and industrial history.
Later, a session on mobilizing the Gen Z vote with the University of Pittsburgh President of College Republicans, Joshua Minsky took a lively turn, engaging fellows in a heated debate about misinformation and political discourse. The candid discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for engaging younger voters, particularly in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
Day 6: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Reflections and goodbyes
The final day centered on reflections and action planning. Fellows participated in a workshop on strategies to catalyze policy impact, facilitated by leadership coaches Anjum Sultana, Dianna English, and Dais Executive Director, Karim Bardeesy, who provided guidance on translating their learning into meaningful community projects in Canada. A final wrap-up session encouraged fellows to consolidate their experiences, setting the stage for continued impact upon their return home.
As this year’s CanStudyUS Fellows embark on their respective community projects, these young leaders carry with them a renewed sense of purpose, equipped to foster positive change both locally and on the international stage.
The community project will focus on creating change on an issue relating to their emerging expertise or community interest. Past projects have included creating spaces for youth in digital policy advocacy, improving food bank options for multicultural groups, and incorporating health and wellbeing in Canada’s prosperity index. Fellows will receive mentorship and coaching from experienced Dais leaders and networks.
Some of these projects will be presented at Canada’s annual democracy summit, DemocracyXChange, taking place April 3-5, 2025 in Toronto. Get an early bird ticket at: democracyxchange.org.
A special thank you goes to our Dais staff who helped make this trip possible: Camara Chambers, Jillian Gonzales, Tanya Coyle, Catherine Amburgey and Fahmida Kamali.
