“In a world full of Indigenous systematic oppression and colonialism, FINDING OUR POWER TOGETHER co-founder Nicole Ineese-Nash and her team are empowering Indigenous youth to take their power back by connecting them to their culture and land.”
In February 2022, Finding Our Power Together (FOPT) was the first recipient of iPlume Writing’s Change Program. The founder of iPlume Writing Inc., Amanda Rogers, developed and launched the Change Program to give back and make the world a better place.
“We’re proud to give back to amazing charities and communities through our Change Program,” says Amanda. Through iPlume Writing’s Change Program, the company has donated approximately $50,000 in services this year by providing discounts or free services to charities and underrepresented and underserved communities.
The Change Program includes reduced fees for prospecting and grant writing services. “We also pledge at least 1% of our services to communities and charities to create new possibilities that are sometimes life-changing. We help organizations secure funding to serve the people who need it most,” says Amanda.
“Our work has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people, and we are excited to continue to make a difference for people worldwide. Everything we do is based on a profound interest in serving our communities. Our first recipient, Finding Our Power Together, is so compassionate and incredible; they are the reason we do what we do!”
What does the Change Program mean for FOPT?
iPlume pledged prospecting and grant writing services to FOPT to help them provide critical services to Indigenous youth across Ontario and Canada.
“I think iPlume’s Change Program is a great idea. FOPT is a charity, and it takes a lot of resources from our staff to prepare and write grants. Having iPlume’s help gives our staff the time to work with our youth and has been helpful in FOPT’s growth,” says Nicole.
Finding Our Power Together’s ultimate goal is to end preventable death by suicide in Indigenous communities and support young people to thrive. Nicole explains how FOPT came to be, “FOPT came together in 2016. We were doing work with Indigenous in Northern communities. There were several suicides. We worked with the group and realized how people are being left behind. It was then that a group of us mobilized and founded FOPT. We started with a video and raised $10,000 in funding.”
Since 2016, FOPT’s team has created mentorship programs, provided mental health counselling, offered skills training opportunities, and revitalized Indigenous cultural traditions.
With grants, FOPT’s programs continue to thrive and make a difference for Indigenous youth. Programs are culturally based and include mental health services and programs.
What’s new with FOPT?
FOPT secured its first office space in Toronto and is currently seeking donations and materials for the office. To contribute, visit their website.
As the organization’s co-founder, how does your work with FOPT make you feel? “It’s pretty much a way of life. It’s a way of doing the work our communities do to help each other out. We collectively understand the value in bringing young people and community members from various communities together to share resources and maintain connection; we know we can find our power together.”
Thanks so much!
Cheers