Build skills and gain experience while making meaningful impact on climate change in your community!
Dufferin County is creating a Youth Climate Activation Circle and is looking for youth volunteers ages 16 - 25 to help drive climate action in our community.
The Youth Climate Activation Circle (YCAC) is a volunteer program to empower Dufferin youth to advance local climate solutions.
Program at a Glance:
As a Youth Climate Ambassador, you will:
- LEARN about climate science, causes, solutions, engagement, and justice
- COLLABORATE with fellow volunteers to create and execute a local climate action project
- TAKE meaningful action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Dufferin
- CONNECT with local experts and discover green career pathways
Between October 2022 and October 2023, members of the Youth Climate Activation Circle will move through 3 program phases:
1. Training (November – December 2022)
Time Commitment: 6 Hours
Foundational training on climate change will be delivered by Climate Division staff and guest speakers to empower you with the knowledge to advance climate solutions.
2. Project Design and Implementation (January – August 2023)
Time Commitment: 28 Hours
With the support of the County, alongside your fellow volunteers you will create a local climate action project that advances solutions in the transportation, home energy, or agriculture sector.
3. Knowledge Sharing and Program Review (September – October 2023)
Time Commitment: 6 Hours
After completing your project, you will share your success and story with the wider community.
The Right Fit
You should apply to the Youth Climate Activation Circle if:
- You are between 16 – 25 years of age
- A resident of Dufferin County
- You are passionate about and driven to advance solutions to climate change related to transportation, home energy, and/or agriculture
- Note: No previous experience is necessary!
- You are able to commit to 40 hours (inclusive of training) to the Youth Climate Activation Circle Between October 2022 and October 2023
Equity-deserving and vulnerable communities, who have been historically excluded, must take part in shaping the solutions to the climate crisis. This is why applications from communities experiencing social, economic, and other barrier, including people of colour, newcomers, 2SLGBTA+ persons, women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities/disabled will be given priority. (See FAQ)
What We Can Offer You
- A $500 stipend or volunteer hours
- Reimbursement for eligible participation expenses (e.g. transportation or childcare)
- Official “Youth Climate Ambassador” certificate
- A letter of support and/or reference
- Exposure to ‘green’ career pathways and connections to local experts
How to Apply
If the Youth Climate Activation Circle sounds like the right fit for you, send us your application by one of three submission options:
- Digital Submission via Join in Dufferin
- Video Recording via Join in Dufferin
- Mail in Submission: Access under "download the application' or contact us at climate@dufferincounty.ca to request a print application
County of Dufferin, Climate and Energy Division
30 Centre Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 2X1
Applications will be reviewed an Advisory Team and scored according to application criteria. A maximum of 8 applicants will be accepted into the YCAC and will be notified within 2 weeks of the application deadline.
If you require assistance or accommodation, kindly contact us at climate@dufferincounty.ca
Climate change is an issue of justice. This is why applications from youth from communities experiencing social, economic and other barriers, including people of colour, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, women, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities / disabled will be given priority.
