Action Canada works within Canada and globally to promote health, wellbeing, and rights related to sexuality and reproduction. Building on the strong histories of our three predecessor organizations, we cover a broad spectrum that includes directly providing support, referrals, and information; working with other groups and organizations on a range of campaigns using a collaborative, movement-building approach; and policy advocacy related to sexual and reproductive rights (including abortion), gender, LGBTQ rights, comprehensive sexuality education, and more.
From partnerships with health care providers and activists on the ground to engaging decision-makers in Canada and around the world, movement building is at the core of everything we do.
Following decades of activism, three of Canada’s leading sexual and reproductive health and rights organizations saw an opportunity for a strengthened voice in policy, health promotion, and access to information and a way to engage others across Canada and around the world in the sexual and reproductive health and rights movement.
The 2014 amalgamation allowed each of the three organizations to build on one another’s histories, strengths and shared vision. Canadians for Choice (formerly CARAL) and the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health (formerly Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada) would benefit from the policy expertise of Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD) and the organization’s international partnerships, while ACPD would profit from frontline knowledge and experience in Canada. A newly bridged gap between the national and global context was made and our shared history has set the stage for an organization that works in collaboration across all levels.
Sandeep Prasad is an Ottawa-based lawyer and activist. Before co-leading the Action Canada amalgamation, he served as Executive Director ACPD for 4 years. From 2006-2011, he held the position of Director of International Human Rights Advocacy with ACPD, where he was principally responsible for advocacy activities within the UN human rights system. In this role, Sandeep established himself as a leader in efforts to advance sexual and reproductive rights within the work of key UN bodies and mechanisms.
Rosario is responsible for daily office functions and structure, along with donor relations and database management. Rosario previously worked at 25One Community and Youth Coalition for Sexual Health and Rights.
Ani is responsible for the development and implementation of achievable communications plans and strategies that take into consideration Action Canada’s programmatic goals, fundraising objectives, and organizational capacity. Before joining Action Canada, Ani was the Program and Communications Officer for the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, assuming a
Sarah oversees Action Canada’s engagement with government bodies and officials and supports the work of the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development, for which Action Canada’s is the Secretariat. Prior to joining Action Canada, Sarah worked as the Programme Officer with the Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights.
Brittany Neron is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Access Line, Action Canada’s 24-7 toll-free sexual health information line. Brittany is also responsible for the development of health information products and campaigns, maintaining Action Canada’s health information directories, and liaising with local, national and grassroots organizations. Brittany holds a degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in
Lorna is responsible for implementing Action Canada’s communications strategies and promoting its domestic and global campaigns and programming. She is also in charge of maintaining and developing the organization’s social media presence. Prior to joining Action Canada, Lorna has worked in Communications and Fundraising. She holds a degree in History
Sarah supports Action Canada’s campaign and global policy work related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. In her role, she contributes to and leads on the development of policy tools, materials, and analysis, and engages with stakeholders on files related to Canada’s official development assistance and foreign policy. Previously, Sarah worked as the Interim Executive Coordinator and
Tara Henderson is an experienced fundraising and community development professional committed to resourcing and advancing the work of activists and civil society organizations doing their utmost to press for positive behavioural and social change. As Director of Fundraising and Operations, Tara is responsible for building on the incredible support of the legacy organizations that form Action Canada and increasing resources to advance sexual health and rights in Canada and globally through individual and
Frédérique is responsible for the development of information products and resources, including public awareness tools, as well as identifying research, policy development and engagement opportunities in the domestic context. She also acts as a liaison with local, national and grassroots organizations in Canada. Prior to joining Action Canada, Frédérique worked at the AIDS Committee of Ottawa as the Women’s
Meghan has over a decade of experience advocating for sexual and reproductive rights in Ireland, Canada and international fora. As Action Canada’s Policy & Advocacy Officer (Global), Meghan is responsible for a variety of research and policy engagement activities designed to advance sexual and reproductive rights in Canada and globally, with a particular focus on the UN Human Rights
Makeda is responsible for the development of sexual health resources and information products in the domestic context. Specifically, she is responsible for overseeing the completion of Beyond the Basics, Action Canada’s sexual health education resource for teachers and community educators. She also collaborates with other team members to research and develop health promotion programs including public
Darrah Teitel is currently the campaigns officer for Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Previously, Darrah worked on Parliament Hill as a legislative assistant for the official opposition critics for the Status of Women and Indigenous Affairs. Later, she worked as the Director of Advocacy for the Canadian Artists Representation. Darrah is a lifelong socialist feminist and activist,
Cathy is the executive director of Health in Common, a not for profit organization that provides planning and evaluation services. In addition to planning and evaluation, Cathy has expertise in organizational effectiveness, making effective presentations and creating healthy organizations. She has worked at the local, provincial and federal level and held the position of associate director of the Sexuality
Katherine McDonald, LL.B, LL.M, was the first Executive Director of Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD, now part of Action Canada) from 1997 until her retirement in 2010. ACPD’s recent amalgamation with the Canadian Federation for Sexual Health and Canadians for Choice into Action Canada is a remarkable achievement and Katherine is delighted to have played a role in the merger as a board member of all
Shiv Khare, Former Executive Director of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population & Development (AFPPD), has been associated with ACPD (now part of Action Canada) since its inception and helped to form the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians on Population & Development (CAPPD). Shiv worked with the CAPPD to organize the International Parliamentarian Conference on Population & Development (IPCPD) in Ottawa and worked to develop a regional and global parliamentarian’s movement on Population & Development,
Dr Pierre M. LaRamée, Executive Director of Medical Education Cooperation with Cuba (MEDICC), has more than 30 years experience in NGO programming and administration with overlapping expertise in academic research, policy analysis/advocacy, strategic communications/publishing and resource development. In his non-profit career, Dr LaRamée has also developed strong
Jennie Abell is a lawyer, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Common Law, and former Director of the Institute of Women’s Studies at the University of Ottawa. Her research and work are engaged with questions of social justice and equity, including strategies for gendering international human rights and critical feminist analysis of criminal law and procedure. She teaches in the areas of criminal law, poverty law and women’s studies. She also works closely with
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Action Canada is absolutely NOT involved in the organization of any such conference.
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