Applications for the Youth Council Executive
for 2025-2026 are now open!
Got a passion for the environment? Looking to make a positive impact in your community? There could be a place for you on our Youth Council.
WATCH TESTIMONIALS
MEET THE YOUTH COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
About TRCA’s Youth Council
Are you between the ages of 16 and 30? Then the team here at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) wants to hear what you have to say about environmental issues.
TRCA’s new Youth Council is designed to give young people in the Toronto region a way to come together to identify issues that matter to you, and give you the tools to take real action.
Council members set their own annual goals, as well as continue on longer term projects started by previous Youth Council Executives and help move forward important TRCA work.
New initiatives could include organizing youth events about the environment, giving input on TRCA programs and priorities, or working on awareness-raising campaigns about specific environmental issues — the decision belongs to you.
Examples of previous events and projects include panel discussions on equity and inclusion in the conservation field, documentary screenings and Q&As with experts, and participating in the live streaming of TRCA’s work — like night-time electrofishing!
Upcoming Youth Council Events
Important Stuff to Know:
WHO SHOULD JOIN THE YOUTH COUNCIL?
If you’re between the ages of 16 and 30 and currently reside or attend school in TRCA’s jurisdiction, then the answer is simple: it’s you.
A couple of other important considerations:
- We want the Council to be diverse: Members should come from the widest possible range of backgrounds, to reflect the tremendous diversity of the Greater Toronto Area.
- We want members to be passionate: The people who join the Youth Council should be motivated, energized and committed to making real change.
WHAT’S THE YOUTH COUNCIL ALL ABOUT, ANYWAY?
The Council has a couple of big goals:
First, to build healthy communities through improved connection to greenspace and nature.
This can mean different things to different communities, but we know that a stronger connection to nature generally leads to better health and well-being.
Second, to inspire empowered and engaged youth.
Young people have an enormous stake in the long-term health of our environment, and they need a voice right now in discussions about sustainability and conservation. That’s why it’s so important for the Council members themselves to shape its direction.
There are also some major objectives that will guide the development of program activities:
- Build capacity and engage youth by creating learning opportunities for young people across the GTA.
- Build a youth network and strengthen existing networks to help connect young people across the region who share a passion for environment and sustainability.
- Identify youth perspectives so that young people’s views on current environmental issues can help inform the work of TRCA and its partners.
- Create fun opportunities for youth to explore environmental issues in entertaining and engaging ways.
Sound good?
SO WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?
Lots of reasons! You can help shape the Youth Council. Here are some benefits to joining:
- Make new friends who share your interests and passions
- Develop leadership skills
- Expand your professional network
- Enjoy new experiences
- Learn about the inner workings of an important environmental organization
- Get environmental sector experience
- Make a positive difference in your community!
Additionally, Executive members may benefit from gaining volunteer hours and references for job or school applications.
Ready to Apply? Let’s Get Started
There are two ways to participate in the Youth Council: as a general member, or as a member of the Youth Council Executive.
YOUTH COUNCIL EXECUTIVE
The Youth Council Executive is the guiding body of the Youth Council. Ten Executive members will be selected for a term of one year.
As an Executive member you’ll be expected to organize and run monthly Youth Council meetings, help set priorities for the year, and draw up the work plan – a commitment of approximately four to five hours a month.
Executive members must reside or attend school within TRCA’s jurisdiction and be between the ages of 16 and 30.
Applications for the Youth Council Executive for 2025-2026 are now open! The deadline for applications is January 15, 2025.
GENERAL MEMBER
As a general member, your level of participation is up to you. There will be opportunities for all members to take part in a variety of activities on a drop-in basis. If you have an interest in heading up a project or initiative, you’re encouraged to bring your idea to the Youth Council Executive.
TRCA Youth Council recognizes the systemic inequalities faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. We are working hard to address those inequalities through our work, and we encourage applications from the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
TRCA Youth Council Webinars
Check out the videos from our virtual events.
TRCA Career Opportunities
Virtual Town Hall – January 31, 2024
View Previous Webinars
Infrastructure Planning and Permits
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Hidden Rivers Q&A
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Electric Greg Q&A
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Barriers to Inclusion in Conservation and Outdoor Spaces
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Toad People Q&A
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Invasive Species Q&A
Questions?
If you’d like more information about the Youth Council, please contact Jessica MacDonald, Coordinator, Government & Community Relations.
Our Newsletter
Find out what’s been going on with the TRCA Youth Council by checking out back issues of our newsletter:
Youth Council Executive
The 10-member Youth Council Executive takes the lead in in organizing community events for the Youth Council and the general public.
Working together with TRCA staff, Youth Council Executive members plan events focused on the issues that young people in the Toronto region are most passionate about.
MEET YOUR EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
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Fatima Abidi Hello! My name is Fatima and I’m so grateful to be a part of the Youth Council for another year. Through joining TRCA’s Youth Council I’ve gotten more chances to explore the realm of wildlife diversity and environmental action and have grown my interest in pursuing environmental and life sciences in university! I also enjoy being creative, reading, tending to plants, and spending time outside with my sister! Watershed: Don River |
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Lamin Darboe Hello, I’m Lamin Darboe, formerly of TRCA’s Newcomer Youth Green Economy Project and now part of their alumni. I’m excited to be joining another great TRCA youth program to continue fueling my passions for climate advocacy, social entrepreneurship, and making positive impacts in society! In my pastime, I love playing soccer or just seeking adventure on a nice day, as seen in my photo canoeing on the Humber River! I’m thrilled to join the Youth Council Executive and look forward to many exciting activities and making impactful contributions. Watershed: Humber River |
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Julia Duguid Hello everyone! I’m Julia, a recent graduate from University of Toronto, with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Evolutionary Anthropology. I enjoy going on hikes, practicing yoga, and walking my dog. These activities have deepened my passion for environmental conservation. That’s why I’m thrilled to join this council, where I can make a meaningful impact on the environment and our community. Watershed: Lake Ontario Waterfront |
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Adam Mawani Hello, I’m Adam, and I’m excited to be serving as a TRCA Youth Council Executive Member. I’m a student at University of Toronto Schools, and I’m passionate about protecting our environment, preserving biodiversity, and environmental advocacy. I’m also interested in applications of data analysis and policy work in preserving the climate. I believe that youth have a major role to play in protecting the natural world, and I aim to do my part and empower youth to take action. Watershed: Lake Ontario Waterfront |
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Dhara Parsania Hello there! I am in the second year of my undergraduate degree in the Integrated Sciences program at McMaster University, concentrating in Biology. I am very passionate about the environment, climate education, and enjoying nature, with my favourite outdoor hobbies being hiking, camping, and canoeing. I am excited to return to the Youth Council for the upcoming events and opportunities! Watershed: Humber River |
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Malhar Patel Hello! My name is Malhar, and I am ecstatic to be part of TRCA’s Youth Council for a second year! I am an Environmental Science graduate from McMaster University, and I am extremely passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment. I have a keen interest in exploring innovative solutions and raising awareness about pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource conservation. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog and experiencing everything nature has to offer. I look forward to the amazing events that lie ahead again this year! Watershed: Humber River |
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Sarvesh Sekar Hi everyone! My name is Sarvesh Sekar and I’m a grade 11 student pumped to be a part of this year’s Youth Council! I have loved wildlife and nature for as long as I can remember, which first started with an interest in reptiles. I hope to bring our community closer to nature and create opportunities for people to make a direct impact on the local species that call Ontario home. I look forward to pursuing a career in biology, where I can make a difference through education and research. My hobbies include gardening, playing sports, and reading! Watershed: Rouge River |
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Lauren Smith Hi, my name is Lauren Smith and I am happy to be a member of TRCA’s Youth Council Executive! I’m currently pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University. I love getting outside, and you might see me on the weekends going out hiking at the different TRCA conservation areas. In my free time, I enjoy reading, camping, and being a leader of a Girl Guide unit. I am looking forward to my second term on the Youth Council! Watershed: Humber River |
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Evelyn Widner Hello, my name is Evelyn and I’m so excited to be joining the Youth Council this year! I graduated from Queen’s University last spring, where I studied global development and French. I’m looking forward to bringing global concepts of sustainability and environmental advocacy to a local setting, and to participate in TRCA’s impact with like-minded youth. You can find me cycling along the waterfront, hiking, reading, or hanging out with my dog Lily. Watershed: Lake Ontario Waterfront |
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Shatabdy Zahid Hello! My name is Shatabdy and I am a public health researcher who is always looking for ways to better understand the relationship between our health and the environment. I am passionate about education, data, and getting folks to empower themselves to take climate actions. Outside of environmental advocacy, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and drinking lots and lots of tea! Watershed: Lake Ontario Waterfront |