Build skills and gain experience while making meaningful impact on climate change in your community!
Dufferin County invites youth ages 16 - 25 to apply to the 2024/2025 Youth Climate Activation Circle. The Youth Climate Activation Circle (YCAC) is a 10-month volunteer program designed to empower Dufferin youth with the knowledge and skills to champion climate solutions in their community.
As a Youth Climate Ambassador, volunteers will receive climate change training, build skills, explore green career pathways, and develop community networks, leading up to the creation of a local climate action project.
Program at a Glance
As a Youth ClimateContinue reading
Build skills and gain experience while making meaningful impact on climate change in your community!
Dufferin County invites youth ages 16 - 25 to apply to the 2024/2025 Youth Climate Activation Circle. The Youth Climate Activation Circle (YCAC) is a 10-month volunteer program designed to empower Dufferin youth with the knowledge and skills to champion climate solutions in their community.
As a Youth Climate Ambassador, volunteers will receive climate change training, build skills, explore green career pathways, and develop community networks, leading up to the creation of a local climate action project.
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
- Build skills, connect with local experts and discover green career pathways
Between September 2024 and June 2025, members of the Youth Climate Activation Circle will move through 3 program phases:
1. Training
Time Commitment: 5 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
Time Commitment: 40 Hours
With the support of the County, alongside your fellow volunteers you will create a local climate action project.
3. Knowledge Mobilization and Program Evaluation
Time Commitment: 10 Hours
After completing your project, you will share their success story with the community and participate in program evaluation.
Additional Program Activities
Team Building Activities (Approximately 6 hours)
In addition to the program’s three phases, Youth Climate Ambassadors will be invited to participate in team building activities throughout the duration of the program, such as hikes, community events, or workshops.
In the Field: Job Shadowing (Approximately 4 hours)
As part of the program, Youth Climate Ambassadors can explore green career pathways through a brief job shadow placement. Program staff will support participants in coordinating a job shadowing opportunity with a local, green focused organization of their choice. During a placement, Youth Climate Ambassadors will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about career pathways, and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the role.
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
- Note: No previous experience is necessary!
- You are able to commit to 60 hours (inclusive of training) to the Youth Climate Activation Circle between September 2024 and June 2025
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 barriers, including Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, women, and persons with disabilities will be given priority (See FAQ).
What We Can Offer You
- $500 stipend or community service hours recognition
- 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
