The Youth Advisory Council reviews, advises, and makes recommendations to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario's programs, branches, senior staff, and board members about issues important to young people in Southwestern Ontario. It provides young leaders with an opportunity to engage in charity governance. Members are committed to the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario's values while delivering on its vision and mission. The program’s overall goals are to develop leaders who can help create inclusive communities through advocating for and supporting the incorporation of youth voice in decision-making within the YMCA of SWO.
Function
Youth Advisory Council members will:
- Provide youth voice and perspectives to the YMCA of SWO as input on emerging issues, opportunities, programs, priorities and strategies
- Advocate for and increase the representation of youth/young leaders
- Develop and build their leadership skills and self-awareness
- Act as an ambassador for the YMCA in their community
Composition
Our 2024 Youth Advisory Council is composed of 11 youth members between the ages of 15 and 24.
- Members are representatives from current staff teams, volunteers, program participants, and YMCA community members.
- YAC members:
- are passionate about youth voice, engagement and leadership
- are committed to the on-going vision and mission of the YMCA
- have general knowledge of how their local YMCA Association operates
- support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the YMCA; and have an interest in, experience with, and/or willingness to gain a broader understanding of the YMCA
If you are interested in learning more about YAC, please contact maggie.calderone@swo.ymca.ca
Applications for new members will open in the fall of 2024.