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In 1951, the Rotary Club of Ottawa established its annual "Adventure in Citizenship" Program in which some 200 senior high school students from across Canada spend four days in Ottawa experiencing tours, lectures, discussions and social events designed to enhance their understanding and appreciation of Canadian citizenship. Public figures including former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, the Right Hon. Joe Clark, and the Hon. Ed Broadbent participated in the program as students. Even facing the Covid-19 pandemic, the program was delivered online with participants from across the country.
This annual event provides a unique opportunity for a select group of young Canadians to come together and gain a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and others, they learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, they learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
A consistently positive response to this program is the value attached to the opportunity to meet their peers from across Canada. The discovery that Canadians hold much more in common than the matters that divide us.
WHO PARTICIPATES?
The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program is for students aged 16-18 years who are leaders in their community and reflect the broad spectrum of religious and cultural communities that comprise Canadian society.
The Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program is for students aged 16-18 years who are leaders in their community and reflect the broad spectrum of religious and cultural communities that comprise Canadian society.
They are also Canadian citizens or they have landed immigrant status. Many are past or future participants in a Rotary International Exchange program abroad.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The program evolves from year to year in response to the changing political agenda of the country. Normally, the program will include a presentation from the Speaker of the House of Commons and a visit in the Chamber, meetings with aboriginal and local leaders and motivational speakers. Other typical activities include a special sitting of a Citizenship Court, a visit to the Canadian War Museum and local universities, discussions with topical experts, a talent show and a French-Canadian meal. Participants are encouraged in fellowship among themselves and an appreciation of the cultural diversity in Canada.
The program evolves from year to year in response to the changing political agenda of the country. Normally, the program will include a presentation from the Speaker of the House of Commons and a visit in the Chamber, meetings with aboriginal and local leaders and motivational speakers. Other typical activities include a special sitting of a Citizenship Court, a visit to the Canadian War Museum and local universities, discussions with topical experts, a talent show and a French-Canadian meal. Participants are encouraged in fellowship among themselves and an appreciation of the cultural diversity in Canada.
Our past supporting partners include:
Canadian Heritage - Exchanges Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Centre for Conflict Resolution International
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Elections Canada
National Capital Commission (NCC)
Parliamentary Page Program
Speaker and Clerk of the House of Commons
University of Ottawa
Young Citizen’s Foundation
Canadian Heritage - Exchanges Canada
Canadian Human Rights Commission
Centre for Conflict Resolution International
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Elections Canada
National Capital Commission (NCC)
Parliamentary Page Program
Speaker and Clerk of the House of Commons
University of Ottawa
Young Citizen’s Foundation
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