Time Commitment: 15 sessions during Day 9 mentoring blocks (plus possible involvement in additional events or activities)
About the Program
Global Citizenship in Action (GCiA) empowers students to take meaningful action on the issues they care about—both locally and globally. Grade 9–12 students are challenged to engage in a hands-on process, where they identify their passions, investigate root causes, collaborate with community partners, and develop innovative solutions. They design and pitch their own action proposals, then bring these ideas to life through sustained community-engaged projects.
GCiA also serves as the foundation for our WAB grade-level Action Buddies program, where students from different year levels collaborate to build empathy, leadership, and shared purpose. On three dedicated Action Buddy Days throughout the year, groups focus on taking action in key areas such as environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, circular economy, sustainable food systems, community belonging, and animal and human well-being.
Key Responsibilities of a GCiA Mentor
1. Project Guidance & Student Empowerment
- Support students in learning about the global issue/cause that they are passionate about
- Facilitate brainstorming and project proposal development during the early sessions
- Encourage student ownership while guiding them through goal setting, action planning, and reflection
- Provide ongoing feedback and encouragement to help student teams stay focused and motivated
2. Community Partnership Support
- Help maintain communication and coordination with assigned community partners
- Ensure that student projects are respectful, reciprocal, and aligned with the goals of the partner organization
- Facilitate opportunities for student interaction with partners, including communication, site visits, or interviews
3. Activity & Event Involvement
- Collaborate with students to design and lead activities for DAY X Action Buddy Teams, which pair students across grade levels for shared impact
- Support student participation in volunteering activities with community partners, which may occur after school or during additional Day 9 blocks
- Assist students in planning and running school-based events, campaigns, or fundraising initiatives as part of their action plans
4. Documentation & Reflection
- Encourage students to document their process and engagements using Toddle, aligning their reflections with the WAB Profile of Alumni
- Provide timely and constructive mentor feedback on Toddle entries, including project updates, reflections on challenges and breakthroughs, and evidence of collaboration and growth
- Guide students in preparing for the final storytelling session (Session 15), where they will present their project’s impact, key takeaways, and personal development
5. Team Collaboration & Communication
- Communicate with the Global Citizenship Coordinator to share updates, needs, or concerns
- Attend PD sessions and mentor check-ins (if scheduled) to share best practices and receive additional support
Qualities of a GCiA Mentor
- Committed to student agency and empowerment
- Enthusiastic about global issues and social impact
- Skilled in facilitating group collaboration and creative problem-solving
- Willing to engage with community partners in a spirit of partnership and learning
