Can people outside the GTA or Ontario participate in this program?
The learning sessions are hybrid, with an opportunity for participants to join virtually or attend in person. However, for the Community Climate Action Project component of the program, it may be hard to coordinate working with your group if you are unable to meet in person. Additionally, you would also miss out on participating in the community events, which are all located in the GTA. Therefore, we would not recommend joining the program if you live outside of the GTA, but all are welcome to participate nonetheless.
What if you apply but later find out that you can no longer participate?
No worries! Simply send one of us an email letting us know that you can no longer participate. You can reach us at jagueci@skillsforchange.org.
What would a week within this program look like?
At the start, a week in the YCAI program would entail one 2hr evening learning session from 6:30pm-8:30pm, where participants will learn a variety of topics related to sustainability and climate change issues in the GTA. After the first few weeks, participants will begin using this time to work on their climate action projects with their groups and with our support. Participants also have the option to attend community events such as discussion panels, tree planting, workshops at the ROM, educational tours at a community farm, and forest therapy sessions to supplement learning sessions each week.
How are the groups made for the Community Climate Action Project?
We are aiming to group participants based on the shared interests they’ve indicated in their application form, and by age. The groups will ideally be diverse in terms of age and experience. However, if you know anyone else in the program, feel free to request being in the same group as them! Approximately 3-5 participants will be in each group.
How do you apply to be a Project Leader?
The application form to apply to be a general participant and a Project Leader are the same. When filling out the form, just indicate “yes” under the question that asks if you are interested in becoming a Project Leader. Positions are available for all three cohorts (Spring, Summer and Autumn).
What does the Project Leader role entail?
Participants will be placed into groups to work together on a Community Climate Action Project, in which the Project leader will take the lead in planning by suggesting project ideas, defining project problem statements, and assisting in connecting with community partners. To help with the skills needed to fulfill this role, Project Leaders are required to attend an in-person orientation before the start of their cohort where they will receive leadership, conflict resolution, and project management training.
Can you apply for the Project Leader role but decide to be a General Participant later?
Yes, however, please ensure you let us know before groups for the Community Climate Action Project are made. As a Project Leader, you are responsible for leading your group’s Community Climate Action Project. Deciding to be a general member after groups are made will leave your group without a leader, and it may be difficult to find someone else to fulfill this role after orientation dates have passed. If you are unsure about whether or not you’ll be able to fulfill the additional commitments required for this role, attending the orientation session will help you with this decision.
Take Action for the Planet with the Youth Climate Action Initiative