The District of Muskoka is launching its inaugural Muskoka Youth Climate Advisory Council (MCYAC) this fall. This District is committed to climate action through our Community Climate Energy and Emissions Reduction plan (CEERP). The CEERP provides a pathway for hope and a call to action for everyone in Muskoka to act for a healthy economy, environment, and community. Student representatives from three of the area high schools contributed their thoughts to the plan. Several of the CEERP actions are to engage youth in understanding about how climate change is impacting our environment here in Muskoka and how they can be empowered to act.
Our watershed and environment department wants youth to also be part of the discussion by allowing them to share with us how they would want to make an impact when it comes to climate and engaging their peers in this work. As Muskoka is generally an older community, youth don’t typically have as many opportunities to participate in shaping the conversation, especially in government spaces.
Through establishing the MCYAC – made up of approximately 12-15 members from across the five area high schools - we hope to allow those voices that are underrepresented to be heard.
The MCYAC will be a 10-month volunteer program from September to June – where the students will meet once a month as a whole to learn about the climate work being done in the District, share their ideas/concerns and brainstorm how they can make an impact.
The MCYAC’s main project for the year will be to develop and execute a climate change focused program or workshop for other youth in the region. We want youth to support other youth to take climate action and think that if the ideas come from their peers, they will be more receptive and interested in engaging in climate action. Some examples of possible projects could be a youth summit on climate change, a climate change fair for students, a community environmental action day or workshops.
Youth Councils are vital for fostering civic engagement and leadership skills among young people, while also providing a platform for their voices to be heard in decision-making processes. They empower youth to become active citizens, contributing to their communities and shaping policies that affect their lives.
As the generation who will live longest with the impacts of climate change, like hotter summers, changing wildlife patterns, and more frequent storms, youth have a unique perspective. Having their voices and ideas heard will allow youth in Muskoka to be part of the conversation and develop climate action programs for their friends, classmates, teammates, and other peers.
Benefits of Joining the Council:
• Youth have their voices heard and are part of a hopeful space for to see that you can make a positive impact in the community and act on climate change.
• They receive training and learning opportunities about municipal careers and skill development
• Volunteer/community service hours awarded for graduation requirements (40-hour minimum commitment)
• Develop programming for their peers on climate change
• Receive Certification recognizing participation in activity addressing climate change
• Receive potential references and support for future employment and/or academic opportunities.
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Providing opportunities to engage youth in issues they are facing is a critical step in addressing climate change.
It’s so inspiring to see climate initiatives led by students – they’re such a powerful force driving changes right now and for their future.
This proposal will benef young people and policymakers by providing a platform for youth to gain skills, receive training, and influence environmental policies
A Muskoka Youth Climate Advisory Council would empower young voices, drive innovative solutions, and help shape climate policy today!
This is a great initiate to get youth involved in spearheading climate action and will give them an opportunity to meet and work with environmental leaders.
Youth will help make positive change! New ideas and perspectives from a younger generation will help drive positive change!