Young members in Canada have lots of different ways of having their voices heard. The programme is created and run in a way that ensures that girls feel empowered to make their own choices and have their voices heard. The initiatives we want to focus on are the National Youth Council and Provincial Youth Forums, where young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have the opportunity to contribute to events and programmes in their Province, as well as decision making across the national organisation.
The Youth Council members have contributed to many different parts of the organisation, including presenting reports to the Board of Directors, speaking at Guiding evenings, and ensuring young people’s voices are heard at a national level. They have championed key issues that impact young members of the Girl Guides of Canada, including Indigenous issues and engagement, socioeconomic bridging, how to retain members past Guides and many more! Members of the Youth Council play an active role in reviewing applications, conducting interviews and identifying candidates to sit on the Board of Directors. Ensuring that those key decision makers are appointed by young people, to drive forwards young people’s views.
Individual Provinces have Youth Forums, and young people have taken the lead on many youth-led projects. Alberta Council Youth Forum created a youth-led challenge in 2020. “You and the World” encouraged members in Alberta to dive into understanding friendship, focusing on communication and reflecting on how they interact with their community. Meanwhile the Ontario Youth Forum created the Trade Blazers Challenge this year, challenging units to learn more about different trades. Young people’s voices are at the heart of this challenge by incorporating youth leadership into the activities. You can check out these challenges here, and here.
Youth leadership opportunities have provided a wonderful possibility for intergenerational leadership, providing the opportunity for young members to learn more about the organisation, while also taking the lead on what they want to see from the organisation. Young people can grow as leaders and make an impact in their organisation at the same time. They are at the centre of their own experiences and can drive the organisation to better fit the ever-changing needs of our youth.