Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) 2020-21
In spite of the challenges presented by COVID-19, the 2020-21 YAC worked diligently and creatively to offer guidance into the EcoSchools program while also leading environmental projects and campaigns in their schools and communities. We are so inspired by this group of committed youth leaders.
Boluwatife
SCDSB, grade 12
“YAC is a wonderful leadership experience for youths to get involved in environmental advocacy in their school and community. YAC has been able to provide me with transferable leadership skills that I know will definitely help me through other community involvements.”
Cara
SCDSB, grade 10
“My experience with the YAC gave me new ideas and leadership skills that I can use both in school, and everyday life. It was amazing to talk with other like-minded youth about perspectives on the climate crisis, and learn about different ways on how to run campaigns and events in schools. The YAC was a safe and supportive place for me to grow, in addition to learning from the experiences of others. Being a member in the first year of the YAC was an incredible honour, and it was a great opportunity to make a difference in my own school, and schools across Ontario.”
Catherine
YRDSB, grade 12
“Because of the constraints and limitations to supporting conservation at the high-school level, the YAC serves as a great opportunity for students to learn and help one another. Stay connected with us!”
Edward
YRDSB, grade 12
“The YAC was an incredible experience to guide me in my journey in running my school’s ecoclub but also a wonderful opportunity to participate in spreading awareness and contributing to make an impact regarding climate.”
Ga-in
YRDSB, grade 12
Jasmine
SCDSB, grade 10
“I am so grateful for the opportunities YAC has given me to learn more about how I can take environmental action, help build my school’s Eco Team, and meet people who are just as passionate about helping the environment as I am. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is interested in helping their communities, or even just themselves, become more sustainable.”
Jeanette
YRDSB, grade 12
“The YAC was a unique experience where I was able to meet an amazing group of like-minded individuals and collaborate with them. It was a productive environment (haha pun) to develop public speaking and leadership skills, as well as exchange ideas.”
Julia
YCDSB, grade 12
“The YAC was an amazingly positive and inspiring experience for me. Not to mention a great way to meet people who also care about the environment and want to inspire others to do the same.”
Keona
YRDSB, grade 11
“The YAC has helped me come out of my shell, and has helped me foster my confidence, initiative, and work ethic. Despite COVID-19– because of COVID-19– this experience has taught me so much about what it is to be sustainable, what it is to be a leader, and what it is to be part of a community that cares so deeply for the environment.”
Rico
YRDSB, grade 12
“I enjoyed my experience with the YAC. From brainstorming sessions to Among Us, I learned of a wide variety of EcoSchools initiatives, was introduced to a number of new friends, and learned a number of new skills. I genuinely believe that the YAC has provided me with a toolkit to better protect the environment, and I think it was a very wonderful experience overall.”
Umaira
SCDSB, grade 12
“I joined the YAC because I saw it as an opportunity to do more for my community. I am part of a few environmental clubs at school but I wanted to do things for my town, as well. I really want to make a difference in the world, and this was just step one to achieving my goals.”
Maggie
Post-Secondary Advisor
Maggie is a poet, writer, and photographer currently completing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. She started her environmental journey in first grade and is particularly passionate about building an intersectional environmental movement.