March 29, 2025

How the Idea Friendly Method Empowers Young Changemakers in Rural Communities

When students, newcomers, or young professionals bring fresh ideas into rural communities, they often face a common challenge: resistance to change. But what if there was a better way to turn those ideas into reality—without needing permission, funding, or a title?

In the March edition of the International Youth in Canadian Agriculture (IYCA) Webinar Series, we had the pleasure of hosting Becky McCray, rural entrepreneur, cattle rancher, and co-founder of SaveYour.Town. Drawing from her global experience and local roots, Becky introduced participants to the Idea Friendly Method—a practical and powerful framework that helps everyday people bring change to life in their communities.

What Is the Idea Friendly Method?

The Idea Friendly Method is about more than brainstorming. It’s about doing. It gives people a path to take action even in the face of resistance or limited resources, by focusing on three key principles:

1️⃣ Gather Your Crowd

Instead of going it alone, find others who are curious or passionate about your idea. Start small—talk to classmates, colleagues, or neighbours. “Even if they don’t completely agree, invite them into the conversation,” Becky shared. “You’re not looking for permission. You’re creating momentum.”

2️⃣ Build Connections

Relationships are the real infrastructure of a thriving community. The Idea Friendly Method encourages collaboration, not control. Becky highlighted that newcomers, especially international students, are often natural bridge builders. Their unique perspectives help spark connections that wouldn't otherwise exist.

3️⃣ Take Small Steps

Rather than waiting to launch a perfect, fully funded project, just start. “Small actions show people what's possible,” Becky said. “It lowers the fear factor for others and invites participation.”

A Message to Students and Newcomers

Becky encouraged young people—especially those new to Canada—not to wait for permission to lead:

“You don’t have to be the expert, the leader, or have a title to start making a difference. Start small, stay friendly, and your idea will grow in ways you never expected.” – Becky McCray

This message resonated with many IYCA attendees, who are navigating life in new communities and often face barriers to having their voices heard.

Real-World Applications for Students

Some practical ways participants were inspired to use the Idea Friendly Method included:

• Launching a student-led rural beautification project

• Hosting a cultural food night to connect with the community

• Starting a WhatsApp group or campus network to support youth-led ideas

The message resonated strongly with IYCA’s diverse audience. Many students—especially those coming from international backgrounds—shared how they often feel their ideas are overlooked in rural settings. Becky’s approach gave them a new, empowering lens:

• Start a student-led rural beautification project with peers and locals

• Host a cultural food night to gather your crowd and celebrate agricultural diversity

• Create a WhatsApp group to connect others passionate about youth-led rural innovation

"You don’t need a title. You don’t need funding. You just need to invite people in and try small things," Becky reminded attendees.

About Becky McCray

Becky is a lifelong entrepreneur, rancher, and co-founder of SaveYour.Town. Her Idea Friendly approach has been shared at over 300 events in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. Her work, including the Survey of Rural Challenges, helps communities better understand and support rural people and ideas.

Learn more about Becky’s work and access free rural resources at SaveYour.Town.

Missed the Webinar?
You can now listen to Becky’s full session here on Spotify.

Stay connected with IYCA for more insightful conversations that equip young leaders to shape the future of agriculture and rural life.

October 26, 2024

Unlocking Opportunities in Canadian Agriculture: Join Us for Next Month's Webinar!

As we reflect on the insightful experiences from our recent International Youth in Canadian Agriculture (IYCA) webinar held on October 26, 2024, we are filled with excitement for the future. Our vibrant community is coming together with a shared passion for agriculture and a commitment to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

During this month's webinar, we were honored to hear from two remarkable speakers — Dr. Timi Ojo and Dr. Olufemi Babatunde — who inspired our audience with their profound insights and personal journeys.

Dr. Ojo delivered a captivating session on "Entering the Government Space for Agricultural Students." His emphasis on the various pathways available within the government sector resonated deeply with attendees. With practical advice on skill-building, networking, and effectively positioning oneself for success, Dr. Ojo's stories of perseverance and determination ignited a newfound enthusiasm in many aspiring agricultural professionals. His passion for fostering youth engagement in government roles is not only commendable but essential as we look to future leaders to advocate for sustainable agricultural policies.

Similarly, Dr. Olufemi Babatunde's presentation, "From Classroom to Careers: Opportunities in the Field of Agriculture in Canada," provided invaluable insights into navigating the agricultural landscape. By sharing real-world experiences and emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and networking, Dr. Babatunde inspired participants to explore career paths across diverse sectors of agriculture. His connection to the audience, driven by a sincere love for the field, served to motivate students to pursue avenues they may not have previously considered.

The discussions that followed were lively and engaging, a testament to the positive impact of their presentations. Feedback from participants highlighted how both speakers invigorated their passion and clarity regarding their career aspirations in agriculture.

We are thrilled to announce that our next IYCA webinar will feature other exceptional speakers, each sharing their insights on various aspects of Real Canadian Agriculture and Industry. Whether you are a student, young professional, or even a seasoned expert in the field, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with others who share your passion for agriculture.

Join us in continuing this journey of discovery and growth in the Canadian agricultural scene. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming webinar, where we will celebrate the vibrancy and innovation of our industry together!

Let’s inspire one another to explore the boundless opportunities that lie ahead in agriculture. We look forward to seeing you next month!

#CanadianAgriculture #IYCA #YouthEngagement #Webinar #AgricultureCareers #Networking #Sustainability #Inspiration

Celebrating A Visionary SCHOLAR in Agricultural Science

October 22, 2024

On a momentous occasion for the International Youth in Canadian Agriculture (IYCA), we take pride in celebrating the recent graduation of Dr. Kenneth Eteme Anku, who has been awarded his Ph.D. for his groundbreaking research in agricultural science. Supported by the expert mentorship of Dr. David Percival, Dr. Anku's work is poised to make significant contributions to the wild blueberry industry and sustainable agriculture in Canada.