“We strongly, strongly advocate and believe that young people are already leading in their own ways,” says Balachandran. “They just need the right tools, guidance, and recognition.”

The program empowers youth from BIPOC, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer and other underserved communities.

Building skills-based networks

Funded by the Canada Service Corps (CSC), a governmental organization supporting youth civic engagement, the province-wide program is currently accepting applications for their eight-week skill-building workshop and mentorship intiative. Participants will have the opportunity to submit proposals to win micro-grants for implementing their projects.

“By supporting youth in leading these community-based, environmental and social action [projects], we are investing in future leaders,” shares Balachandran.

Project topics will explore CSC’s themes, including reconciliation, inclusivity, environmental preservation, democratic engagement and youth resilience.

“We are honouring the leadership that’s already there, and creating space for them to thrive because they are the ones who are building the community and creating that space,” adds Balachandran.

The skill-building portion of this program includes virtual workshops on various topics: environmental literacy, leadership, storytelling, grant writing, as well as project planning and budgeting. Workshops will also feature mentors – subject matter experts, community leaders and those working in environmental protection – from DIVERSEcity’s NGO partners.

“This is culturally relevant mentorship; this is trauma-informed mentorship, giving them that flexible support,” the senior manager adds.

The senior manager sees this mentorship as “a pillar” of the program. It addresses the networking barriers faced by newcomer and racialized youth. According to Balachandran, this demographic is also vulnerable to language and cultural gaps as well as mental health challenges.

“At the end of those eight weeks, through the support of mentors, they will be finalizing their proposals,” Balachandran shares. “This is a two-year program. And 150 youth in the first year and 150 youth in the second year will get $5, 000 funding to then implement [their projects] in their communities.”

Creating a sustainable future

Balachandran shares that just over 200 youth are expected to complete the program in the first year; DIVERSEcity is expecting roughly the same number of participants in the second year. Their outreach efforts have already resulted in applications ranging from digital campaigns on climate justice to cultural revitalization projects.

“Many [applications] are already exploring ways to blend in climate action, environmental action with cultural identity, social justice and mental health awareness,” she shares. “That is reflecting a very multidimensional way in which these projects are going to take shape.”

Balachandran’s team will look at impact and feasibility when assessing grant proposals. Priority will be given to locally grounded projects that reflect CSC themes, provide collaboration opportunities and demonstrate understanding of community needs.

While DIVERSEcity’s service areas have centered around Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock, this B.C.-wide initiative creates more opportunity for geographically diverse peer-to-peer learning.

“I’m personally hoping that this is going to create a network of youth leaders from across B.C. who are empowered and driven to drive change in their communities,” the senior manager shares. “It’s going to create that ripple effect and that network of youth all across B.C. – they have the agency [to] lead these projects.”

Supporting youth initiatives is not new for DIVERSEcity: the organization’s vision for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative society – one that prioritizes people and the planet directly aligns with encouraging youth leadership. In fact, Balachandran is already thinking about the long-term impacts of this program.

“What we really would like to see is opportunities for youth where they could continue taking these projects forward in a sustainable manner,” she shares. “That is going to be very critical for us; how we can support their ideas in a way so that it doesn’t end with just this funding.”

For more information, see www.dcrs.ca/diversecity-launches-youth-for-people-and-the-planet-in-bc