Seeking youth to join Youth Advisory Council
By Kazzy Toledo
Are you keen to lead? Interested in the environment, health and physical activity? Apply now to join Youth en Route’s new Youth Advisory Council and help foster positive change in your community. No experience is necessary!
We’re looking for students in Grades 8 to 12 who want to take on a leadership role helping set YER’s agenda for the next school year. No experience is necessary, but are looking for students keen to learn about cycling, active travel, urban planning, communications, social media, engagement, and the City of Calgary.
Students who take part in this council have the chance to get a reference letter for colleges or potential employers. Participating youth are paid $25 per meeting. This is a great role to add to your resume.
Why you should join
You’ll help set the direction of an innovative charity working in the Calgary area. Participants will Attend scheduled online meetings and provide input and ideas on a range of topics around Active Travel. There may be other opportunities to represent Youth en Route at community events or other meetings. You’ll learn about communication and event planning, urban design and cycling advocacy.
Please apply by June 14th using this online survey. There are two short essay-type questions and we will ask for some personal information including your Grade and school. If you are under 18, you will need to check with a parent or guardian BEFORE you apply and provide the parent’s contact information.
Our scheduled first meeting is on June 25th.
The task ahead
Council members will set their own agenda and work plans. YER wants council members to help tell our story by creating and sharing with social media posts, create new program initiatives, get peers to consider active travel and whatever else the council thinks will help YER to its goal of more kids with the freedom to choose a bike as transportation. One goal may be to find funding and plan a city-wide active travel summit to get more Calgary students wheeling and walking places.
Students should be willing to attend eight to 10 council meetings over the course of the 2024-25 school year. Don’t worry if you have plans to work or be away for the summer, work will begin in earnest in late August.
How to apply
Take a look at our website to understand a bit more about what we do and how you think we can get more students to consider active travel.
The three short essay questions are:
- Why do you want to be on the Youth Advisory Council? ( 250 words )
- How do you think YER should encourage students to consider active travel and biking to get where they are going? ( 250 words )
- Is there anything you would like to add to your application?
Take some time to craft your answers and put them into this Survey link here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/youthcouncilYER
We will respond to all applicants before June 22.
Kazzy Toledo is a Grade 12 student at Forest Lawn High School
