Ledge envisions a world where people lead relationally and share power
Lead Yourself...Change the World!
Leadership begins with you and extends into the relationships around you.
Ledge is a charity that inspires young adults, ages 18–30, to lead themselves and thrive in teams through team experiences and training. When you take part in our adult training, you’re also helping provide financial support to our youth and young adult programs.
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We believe that young leaders can learn to share power and experience transformative team leadership practices as they navigate post-secondary education, volunteer opportunities, and employment.
Ledge's work extends into the systems and settings in which young people live, work and learn.
our journey
1974: Where It Began
Denis Bell and Lynda Rees began experimenting with an innovative, team-based approach to developing young leaders. Young adults lived in intentional community, trained through challenge and reflection, and then travelled across Ontario building relationships and resourcing youth groups. Leadership wasn’t taught. It was lived.
2002: A Home Base
A generous benefactor purchased the Clarksburg Retreat to support this growing vision. Under the Centre for Student Leadership, Mike and Melri Wright continued training teams for 15 years. In 2011, the organization rebranded as Ledge Leadership. In 2013, the Clarksburg Retreat was gifted to Ledge. This work unfolded on the traditional territories of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples.
2017: Listening & Reimagining
Through strategic planning and research led by young adults, Ledge asked: How do we best serve emerging adults today? During the pandemic, we had expanded into virtual training and workplace team development. In 2021, the Ledge Research Team helped clarify a new direction, one that prioritized accessibility, flexibility, and connection beyond a single location.
2023: A Bold Shift
To reflect this decentralized vision, the Clarksburg Retreat was sold in 2023. Ledge transitioned to a model that serves multiple communities in person and online. Our offices now operate from Northern Bruce Peninsula, within the Territory of the Anishinabek Nation and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
Letting go of one place allowed us to reach many.
Today
Ledge Leadership equips emerging adults to lead relationally and share power. Through workshops, research, volunteer initiatives, and transition programs, we support young adults as they grow in self-awareness, strengthen communities, and lead with purpose.