Dan Hendry recently chatted with John Simmerman on the Active Towns podcast about the Get on the Bus movement that started in Kingston, Ontario and is growing national attention.

In 2018, Kingston received an award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the innovative work with youth via the Kingston Transit High School Bus Pass program which Dan Hendry helped create.

Reflecting on my journey with the Kingston Community Credit Union (KCCU), I see that it's rooted in a blend of personal values and community ethos. In 2011, I returned to Kingston, eager to find work in my field of study: sustainability, climate action, and social justice. Like many, I grew up familiar with traditional banking, but the concept of credit unions was a revelation to me.

In the heart of East London, a transformative movement is underway—an initiative led by a committee determined to make a difference to provide free London Transit Commission (LTC) passes for high school students by Fall 2024.

Picture this: a group of eager students at Calvin Park Public School, poised to become trailblazers in Kingston's sustainability movement. With No.9 as their guiding light, they dove headfirst into the world of eco-consciousness, infusing their learning with creativity and passion.

Connecting with youth and inspiring the next generation of innovators is one of the best parts of my job. Recently, as I stood in front of the eager faces at the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Science Fair (FLASF) on March 22nd, 2024, alongside my friend and colleague Cedric Pepelea, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement.

On April 15th, 2024, I had the honor of being invited to speak on the ‘Increasing Affordability Through Municipal Climate Action’ webinar. Hosted by a coalition of leading organizations committed to local climate initiatives, the event was truly inspiring.

In an interview with CBC News, TVDSB Chair Lori-Ann Pizzolato noted how she was impressed by the Kingston Model for Youth Transit that I helped create with the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) back in 2012, especially in regard to its creation of equity.

During the recent TTC board meeting, item #11 was a Notice of Motion - A Step Towards Free Transit for Middle and High School Students – by Commissioner Dianne Saxe, seconded by Commissioner Paul Ainslie (For Action). It’s incredibly motivating to hear those from larger metropolitan hubs like Toronto citing the Kingston Transit Model and my work with Kingston Transit when fighting for youth transit and equity.

The Get on the Bus program has gained considerable traction, with communities across Ontario expressing interest in implementing similar initiatives. On June 6, 2023, I presented its model to the Region of Waterloo at a Planning and Works Committee meeting as a delegation.

On Monday, June 12th, 2023, at 1 pm EST, Small Change Fund and I hosted a webinar to discuss the importance and value of empowering youth through public transit. The speakers included community advocates, government officials, school board staff, key players, and, most importantly, youth who have benefited from the free bus pass program in Kingston.

As a seasoned professional in the field of sustainable leadership and social impact, I recently had the opportunity to guest lecture for the new Advanced Leadership for Social Impact Fellowship program at Queen's University.

In March, I had the privilege of being a part of a nationally broadcasted panel for EcoSchools. The panel was part of the EcoSummit 2023, which is an annual event hosted by EcoSchools Canada that brings together educators, students, and other stakeholders to discuss sustainability and environmental education.

In the modern world, waste management has become a growing concern. We produce tons of waste every day, and the majority of it ends up in landfills. But what if we could live in a world without trash? That's the question addressed in "A World Without Trash: Designing the Circular Economy”, a documentary I hosted and organized with YourTV Kingston.

The Farm Fresh Fundraiser program is a unique opportunity for schools, sports teams, and other community organizations to raise funds while supporting a local organic vegetable farm and a non-profit organization that promotes community building around food.