Why Young Canadians Must Engage in Elections - Our Future Depends on It!
Youth engagement in elections is essential for a strong and representative democracy in Canada. As young people, our voices matter, yet historically, voter turnout among our age group has been lower than older demographics. In 2011, only 45.1% of eligible voters aged 18–24 cast their ballots, but by 2019, that number increased to 58.4% - a sign that more of us are stepping up to shape our future.
Voting gives us the power to influence decisions that directly impact our lives, from education and job opportunities to climate policies and mental health support. The earlier we get involved, the more likely we are to stay engaged in civic life long-term.
NACY's recently hosted its first mentorship session for the Emerging Leaders Roundtable! A huge thank you to Alex Armanious, Director of Advocacy, Public Policy, and Youth Engagement (former) at Jack.org (#NACYMember), for volunteering her time and sharing her expertise on government relations.
Your insights were invaluable, and NACY is grateful for your contribution in engaging and inspiring our young leaders. By getting informed, speaking up, and voting, we can ensure that our generation’s priorities are heard at every level of government.
We are seeking speakers who can share their expertise on topics such as advocacy, building online communities, policy engagement, and other areas that align with leadership development, empowerment, and healthcare. If you’re interested in speaking, please send your availability for 2025 and topics you'd like to cover to communications@nacy.ca
Thanks to everyone who joined the 'Young People Are Not Okay' Campaign! We're extending the initiative to keep raising awareness about key issues like mental health, poverty, and systemic inequities leading upto Federal Elections on April 28th. Access daily posts HERE and share them. Customize and share the press release HERE.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
- Few days left! NACY and The Students Commission of Canada need more youth voices for the State of Youth report. Email Parul to get involved!
- MyBGC.com has programs to help young people build their skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Learn more here.
- Preventable injuries are a major concern in Canada. Parachute’s course equips you with strategies to keep people safe. Enroll here.
- Hear from DN Colleges Group on how Duke of Edinburgh's Award enriches students' experiences. Know a young person who could benefit or a college interested in offering DofE? Get in touch here.
- Experiences Canada covers the cost of group travel! Apply by March 31st to secure funding for your Summer 2025 Youth Exchange. Learn more.
- Girl Guides of Canada is seeking leaders with expertise in law, governance, HR, finance, or strategy to join our Board. Passionate about championing girls' voices? Apply here! Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Join The Students Commission of Canada on May 14, 2025, at the Toronto Reference Library for a Youth Leadership Knowledge Exchange. Register here.
- Join Starlings Community on April 13 from 1-3 PM MST at the Calgary Central Library, Patricia C Whelan Hall, for an afternoon of storytelling, art, and community. Book your tickets here.
- United Nations Association in Canada Building Young Professionals programme. Only two days left to apply for our! Apply here.
- Only 1 day left to apply for United Nations Association in Canada Building Young Professionals programme! If you're ready to kickstart your sustainability career with workshops, mentorship, and real-world experience, apply now! Apply here.
Join The SDG Unit for the 2025 Together Ensemble Conference on May 26-27 in Calgary, hosted by the University of Calgary and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Students register for $10 here.
YOUNG PEOPLE WINS!
- The best way to predict the future is to build it. Shad Canada's 2016 alum Michel Bourgeois saw a barrier in healthcare and used AI to create a solution. Full story here.
13 YWCA representatives joined national delegation at #UNCSW69 in NYC, uniting with global changemakers to advance gender equity. In the face of rising challenges, YWCA Canada's commitment remains stronger than ever.
Welcome, Carrying Forward – Centre for Inner and Relational Growth! As a new Award Centre in Metro Vancouver/Richmond, BC, they’re empowering youth through holistic well-being, mentorship, and community connections.
Chinazam Igwe, last year’s Children First Canada "Future is Now" award winner, was featured on CBC News! Her Empowering Black Youth Summit united students and community leaders to inspire change. So proud of her impact!
Tracy Karuhogo, a Kids Help Phone Black Advisory Council member, advocates for Black mental health and community empowerment with her Psychology and Women & Gender Studies background.
UNICEF Canada Youth Advocate Harantxa pens a powerful blog reflecting on the discrimination many children and youth face. Read here.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Youth and Community Wellness Grants: The focus of this stream is to fund projects that center around engaging youth in programming that focuses on wellness, health and the land. Projects must be led by two or more Indigenous youth aged 15-29. Deadline March 31, 2025
- InMotion Network: Go Girl Event Grants: InMotion Network provides Go Girl grants up to a maximum of $2500. Deadline: April 1, 2025 for programs running between June and December
- Helping Hands Canada: Are you a young Canadian (15-29) with a community project idea? Apply for a micro grant up to $5,000! Deadline: August 25, 2025.
- Cathy Lane Goodfellow Empowerment Fund: Provides financial bursaries for individuals living with FASD and/or their caregivers or families In The Calgary Area. Deadline June 30, 2025
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & RESOURCES
Voters head to the polls on April 28! Now is the time to make your voice heard. Check out our election toolkit by Results Canada for everything you need to take action this month.
Call for Presenters! The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) is hosting the Urban Indigenous Summit on December 9-11, 2025, in Ottawa. Submit your presentation proposals on urban Indigenous capacity building, knowledge sharing, and action planning by July 6, 2025. Learn more.
Get Involved!
Stories from our Frontline Workers: A first-hand narrative about the program, the volunteers, and/or the frontline staff supporting young people directly. It can be written by a young person about their experience, a staff, a volunteer or another team member i.e. communications person, policy person, etc. Contact Parul to learn more.
NACY Welcome Meetings!
We’re interested in scheduling site visits with our member organizations. This is a great opportunity to connect in-person, introduce your team to NACY, share insights, and strengthen our community bonds.
Reach out to Parul at communications@nacy.ca
