Amber Culley, Kyra Culp, and Dorcus Annika Yohan share their experiences of the Hunger on the Hill 2024 Young Voices program.
During Together for the Love of Creation Earth Week in April 2024, Amber Culley (Kitchener, ON), Kyra Culp (Belleville, ON), and Dorcus Annika Yohan (Norman Cove, NL) participated in the Hunger on the Hill 2024 Young Voices program in Ottawa. Through Hunger on the Hill, organized by Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), 20 youth leaders met in Ottawa to build up their political advocacy skills and use them in face-to-face meetings with Members of Parliament addressing global hunger and environmental issues.
Dorcus, how did you feel as you anticipated your trip to Parliament Hill?
I was both nervous and excited. This was the first time I’d done anything like this. I am new to Canada, and I had never been to Ottawa before either. I felt motivated to attend and be the voice of millions surrounded with hunger and poverty and advocate for a world free of hunger. I grew up in India and Zambia, and I’ve seen the potential of these countries to eradicate hunger. As well, I’m aware of the agriculture challenges they face in light of climate change.
Amber, what teachings shaped your decision to attend?
As someone of Old Order Amish and Indigenous heritages, I grew up with many teachings surrounding caring for the land, the Earth being plentiful, and having enough resources for everyone—sustainable and organic agricultural practices, hunting, fishing, and producing your own food products in contrast to the large amount of consumerism and unethical or unhealthy practices with food that we are seeing today. I believe that no person should face hunger, and I’m passionate about connecting with others on philosophies regarding land and food systems and addressing hunger.
Kyra, what was special about doing this as a group of young people?
It’s important for people of our generation to speak out for the change we want to see in the world. Sometimes our voices are not heard in the political scene. It is so important for our voices to be heard. Participating in Hunger on Hill was a chance to learn to advocate more strongly and become a stronger voice.
How was your experience of learning and advocating for a world without hunger?
Amazing. Unforgettable. Informative. Friendly. Welcoming. Creative. Enlightening.
How did you prepare for the Member of Parliament meetings?
We heard presentations from Canadian Foodgrains staff who have experience with food systems work and advocacy, and from a panel of MPs from four different political parties. As well, CFGB led us through a super helpful practice to do role-plays of what we would say to the politicians and to tailor our message to our own personal story or thoughts rather than a pre-manufactured script. We were really encouraged to understand that Members of Parliament are people just like everyone else. (Amber)
How was “Hill Day”?
Nerve-wracking and exciting. We split up into different groups, and in total the CFGB Youth Voices cohort met with 10 Members of Parliament. We raised the awareness of the leaders around food security and climate change and made them think about making wise decisions to channel Canadian resources (e.g., climate financing) to better the world around us.
The Canadian Foodgrains Bank program motivated us to be an advocate for global food security, and they awakened the leaders hidden in ourselves. It gave us the exposure to speak face to face to decision-makers and top leaders in our country. (Dorcus)
What message do you have going forward?
To young people: It is never too late to try to make an impact. There are ALWAYS chances for you to help make the world a better place. (Kyra)
To our elected officials: Thank you for your readiness to meet young people and recognize our voices. It’s time to prioritize supporting agrifood systems based on local, Indigenous knowledge and resilient to climate change for a healthy future for our Earth and one another. (Amber)
To peers in faith: We are created by God, and as children of God we need to be close to God. Let’s motivate each other so that we’ll be the future church leaders and share with good news of Christ and hope to this fragile world. (Dorcus)
—Dorcus Annika Yohan will be studying at Memorial University this fall and attends Bethel United Church in Norman’s Cove, NL. Kyra Culp is studying Fine Arts at St. Lawrence College and attends Eastminister United in Brockville, ON. Amber Culley serves as a Christian Education program leader at Forest Hill United Church in Kitchener, ON, and is beginning an MDiv program and MA in Theology.
Dorcus, Kyra, and Amber are eager to share about their experience. Please contact to invite them to speak to your community of faith or group.
Applications are now open for the October 2024 Hunger on the Hill (intergenerational) program until August 31, and a Youth Voices version is anticipated in spring 2025. You can sign up to receive regular updates on Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities.
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.