Youth For Climate Justice
Climate-related fear, distress, and grief are creating an emergent mental health crisis among young people. Taking climate action and developing personal climate stories are proven methods of reducing youth eco-anxiety. Given that the mainstream environmental movement is often white-centric and exclusionary of marginalized groups, opportunities for inclusive climate action training, mentorship and support are needed.
Youth for Climate Justice (Y4CJ) aims to equip diverse youth with essential skills, tools, and knowledge to build the capacity of youth for lifelong climate justice and advocacy. Y4CJ will empower youth (ages 12-18) across Metro Vancouver to design and launch meaningful climate justice projects in their communities. The empowering experiences, transferable skills, and mental health strategies will serve youth long after the program’s completion.
Metro Vancouver youth vary widely in their experience, confidence, and skill sets related to taking climate action. Y4CJ will offer a flexible system of support so youth can self-identify their needs and select the most relevant supports and resources:
- Hands-on mentorship and guidance
- Training workshops
- Storytelling workshops
- Guidebooks
- Seed funding
The storytelling workshops are offered through our Youth Climate Ambassadors Program (YCAP) in collaboration with the UBC Climate Hub. If you are part of a school club or youth group and are interested in joining Y4CJ to receive support, please fill out this survey!
