The Ignite Experience is a peer-facilitated 10-week skill-building program open to survivors, thrivers, and caregivers across the cancer continuum. Through Ignite, you will explore a variety of themes designed to help you build skills and resilience to more effectively cope with the emotional challenges of cancer.

Apply before May 31, 2024 for the chance to participate in our October – December Season of Ignite.

Ignite is a U.S.-based program that is open to people all over the world. In addition, the Ignite Experience has been adapted for the African culture and the Africa Ignite program is led by and for Africans.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, AFC offers scholarships to ensure that people from the U.S. and around the world can participate in Ignite at no personal cost.

No matter which version of the program you participate in, the 10-Week Ignite Experience includes:

• Skill-building: Attend weekly facilitated one-hour zoom calls filled with new perspectives and thought-provoking discussions.
• Connections: Build new friendships with a diverse group of people representing all types and stages of cancer through group calls and 1-1 discussions.
• Personal Growth: Engage in weekly individual activities, including guided readings, journaling prompts, and more.
• Volunteering: Access resources to support you in engaging in an onsite or online volunteer project.
• Support: Connect with AFC Facilitators during 1-1 calls.

In addition, alumni of the Ignite Experience gain access to:

• AFC Leaders: The opportunity to apply to participate in our 6-week foundational leadership and professional development program that addresses the human side of leadership through offering skills to build emotional intelligence, compassionate leadership, inclusion, and resilience. Additional modules available for Facilitation and Advocacy. 
• AFC Amplify: After successful completion of the Facilitation Track of the AFC Leaders Program, alumni can apply for a multi-step peer facilitator certification program that blends curriculum and practical experience facilitating Ignite (and/or Mizizi in Africa). If selected to participate in Amplify, you will have the chance to strengthen your leadership and facilitation skills, while offering AFC’s programs to a group of your peers.
• Cross-Cultural Onsite Opportunities: Ignite or the AFC Leaders program are an eligibility requirement for anyone interested in applying to the Africa Elevate program — an immersive cross-cultural volunteer and leadership development experience.
• The AFC Community: A vibrant, ever-growing global community and the opportunity to continue to grow alongside new friends.

For this upcoming season of Ignite, we have an opportunity for a select group of people to not only participate in Ignite, but also be involved in our 2024 I.D.E.A. into Action Team. Fostering diversity, inclusion, and health equity while building connections across cultures is an integral part of our mission. The focus of our 2024 project will be to take a critical look at all aspects of our North American Ignite Experience to ensure we are considering I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) in every facet of this program. Those selected to be part of the I.D.E.A. into Action Team will share their perspectives on the content, activities, and resources with an eye to suggesting any ways in which the program could be made more inclusive. This will be done through short weekly surveys as well as 3 x 90 minute focus groups held throughout the program period.