Ziyang Li, an advocate for equality for all immigrants and marginalized populations.

As the Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Regina Students' Union (URSU), Zeo works with his team members to carry out successful campaigns and programs that benefit students. These include a Mental Wellness Campaign for students from diverse communities (domestic, international, LGBTQ+), designing a Community Service Month for supporting students to initiate their community projects by providing micro-grants, as well as promoting dialogue by organizing a Next Gen Leaders Debate during the 2020 Saskatchewan election. 

With a keen interest in food security for students at the University of Regina, Zeo helped to expand the URSU Cares Pantry and volunteered at the Public Interest Research Group’s (RPIRG) Green Patch. Together, Zeo and the volunteer team maintained the daily operation of the garden, which produced 2700 pounds of vegetables that were donated to the University community. 

Zeo’s passion for volunteerism started soon after arriving in Canada. At Revera Retirement Living, he assisted the event manager with event setup and organizing. At the Regina Open Door Society, he volunteers with the Youth Program and the Interpretation Program. He also contributes his efforts to mentorship with newcomer youth and organized a Chinese Culture Workshop in Regina to educate and share his passion, culture and knowledge. At the Regina Public Library, he tutors newcomer English, and learns about cultures and diversity at the same time including increasing his knowledge about the cultures of Indigenous Peoples.  

Zeo is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Regina, as well as a Certificate of Non-Profit Organization Management.

What does Global Citizenship mean to you?

Global citizenship is the idea that people from diverse communities start their initiatives with strong passions and want to benefit the larger community in different ways. 

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration from my experiences interacting and working with different organizations that aim to build bridges in order to support local and global communities.  My first inspiration in Canada started at the Regina Open Door Society, and I have become empowered and gained passion to volunteer in their programs to this day. Their inspiration keeps me encouraged to support different communities through many non-profit organizations in Saskatchewan.  

What do you see as one of the most encouraging or innovative trends that is creating positive change in our world right now?

Food security is one of the major concerns during this pandemic, and that is why I believe increasing the amount of community gardens as well as indoor gardens will contribute to the availability of more convenient food supplies to people in need. In 2021, the two student groups I am with are planning to initiate a new garden space in order to increase food security in Regina.