Youth Advisory Council Recruiting for 2021/2022 Year

Youth Advisory Council Recruiting for 2021/2022 Year

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Applications are now open for the 2021-2022 Grande Prairie Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

YAC is open for 14–24-year-olds of all experiences and backgrounds who want to inspire change and have

an impact on their community through advocacy, education, and policymaking.

YAC directly connects youth representatives with Council, City boards and committees, and community agencies in Grande Prairie. It provides an opportunity for youth to have input by engaging in community discussions around important events, policies, and issues that matter to them. Members can also expect to increase their skills in teamwork, event planning, public outreach, and advocacy. 

Meetings take place a minimum of 4 times per year and are an opportunity for members to share their experiences as they learn more about the programs and services available to youth in Grande Prairie.  Members can expect to commit approximately 4-5 hours a month.

No previous experience is necessary to join, and youth of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.  YAC members are supported by a Community Development Facilitator during their 1-year term, and the term begins with an orientation. 

Benefits of joining YAC include:

  • Boosting your resume by gaining leadership and decision-making experience with an established City of Grande Prairie committee
  • Learning new skills through activities like planning a community-wide youth event during Youth Week, and promoting the Youth Engagement Awards
  • Advocating for youth initiatives, keeping City Council informed, attending local events, creating social media posts, promoting YAC within your school, and more!
  • Receiving a certificate of participation, access to reference letters, and an annual report for your portfolio

New this year, all YAC members will receive a one-year membership to the Eastlink Center and other training and event opportunities throughout the year.

“I learned a lot about leadership, governance, and that change doesn’t happen as easily as just wanting something to change, there is a lot of work and innovation that goes into it!”, says Chair Keiran Nicholson. “YAC is a very welcoming place with a lot of encouragement and support. It’s been a great way to get involved with my community, and on top of that, it’s going to look great on the resume!”.

“Empowering youth and ensuring they have the tools to do their job is important.  The City supports the importance of YAC in being the voice for youth in the City of Grande Prairie and providing the youth perspective on our programs, services and decision-making throughout the community,” says Community Development Facilitator Nicole Hornett.

The application form is available online at cityofgp.com/YAC and the deadline to apply is September 30, 2021.

For more information on the Youth Advisory Council, please visit cityofgp.com/YAC.