Two women sit at a table in an office environment, engaged in a conversation. The women on the left is wearing a purple blouse. She is holding a smartphone in her hand and wears earbud headphones. The woman on the right has long braided hair and is wearing a red blazer. Both have laptops in front of them on the table. In the background are computers and different workstations. To the left of the photo is an illustration of a megaphone and the text: CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network.

CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network

Join a community of advocates and build your advocacy skills with the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network!

Advocacy is a powerful tool to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discrimination and create change by raising awareness, influencing policies, and mobilizing community members to get involved. But finding your voice and learning how to become an advocate can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming. That’s why we created the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network, and after a successful first cohort, we’re now opening applications for our second!

Discover the tools and techniques you need to channel your frustrations and concerns into constructive advocacy efforts by joining the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network!

This innovative program pairs aspiring advocates with experienced mentors, fostering a supportive environment where knowledge, resources, and guidance are shared. Through monthly workshops and skill-building sessions, you’ll:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the legal rights of people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision and how to advocate for and exert those rights. 
  • Build your advocacy skills and strengthen your confidence to speak up for your own interests and needs.
  • Receive personalized mentorship from seasoned advocates in diverse fields.
  • Learn how to identify and address discrimination, propose solutions and influence change. 
  • Have opportunities to collaborate on real-world advocacy projects.
  • Meet a supportive community of advocates for ongoing support and growth.

Participants from our first cohort shared that the program helped them to rebuild lost confidence and appreciated how the monthly sessions kept advocacy “at the forefront of their thoughts.” Others realized that while they’d been advocates all along, the program gave them the tools and skills to refine their approach and advocate more effectively.

With only 15 spots available for our second cohort, don’t miss your chance to learn how to advocate for yourself and others! The second cohort runs for 10 months beginning in October, with participants meeting for one hour a month (minimum). To participate in this program as a mentor or mentee, participants must be blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.

Register for the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network as a mentee by completing the CNIB auto-registration form or calling 1-800-563-2642.

For more information, contact Tracey Johnson, Executive Lead, Mentorship and Talent Development at advocacy@cnib.ca.