• Youth Access →

    Hart House Youth Advisory Council

    A program that aims to help youth in grades 9–12 strengthen their leadership skills by taking on key roles in an advisory council setting.

About

In this unique program, youth will get to guide their own activities – designing and executing projects relating to their interests – and build genuine connections along the way.

Members of the Hart House Youth Advisory Council will have the opportunity to gain useful experience as they hone their personal and professional skills by participating in fun, interactive workshops and meetings. 

While it’s a casual space to learn and grow, youth will have real opportunities to shape the future of Hart House by sharing their thoughts and insight – we value it very much! The group meets both in-person and online, with meetings taking place either on Discord or at Hart House (7 Hart House Circle & Discord).

Time dedicated to Council activities can be counted towards volunteer hours.

Youth will get to engage in learning opportunities that can cover a range of topics, such as:

  • Leadership development

  • Community building

  • Written and oral communication

  • Civic engagement and advocacy

  • Teamwork and collaboration

  • Event planning

  • Identity & anti-oppression

  • Arts and wellness

  • Decision-making

  • Governance structure

  • Mentorship

  • Mentorship

Registration is closed!

  • Registration Deadline: Tue, Sep 3, 2024
  • Target Audience: Grades 9-12. Prioritizing Black, Indigenous, racialized, queer, transgender, non-binary, low-income, precariously housed, and/or disabled youth.
  • Program Cycle: Bi-weekly starting in Sep 2024
  • Fee:

    • FREE

  • Program Contact:
    • Alphonse Daniel

      Program Associate, Community Access & Outreach

      .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
      picture of Alphonse Daniel

Here’s your opportunity to get some great life skills!

“YAC is reimagining what a learning environment could be. It completely balances out the formality of school because it’s not super structured, and it’s fun that we learn and practice the skills we actually want.”
– Grade 12 student 

“The comfortable space is what makes this program so appealing and valuable. Everyone is relatable – even the guest presenters are cool.”
– Grade 12 student

“I can mess up here and know it will be okay.”
– Grade 12 student

Available positions

Chair (2 positions): a member who is in a key leadership role on the council, coordinating the work of the group and working closely with the Hart House staff advisor.

Treasurer: a member who is responsible for tracking the council’s budget, writing finance proposals for projects, and reporting to Hart House staff advisor.

Communications officer: a member who connects the council with Hart House partners and/or community partners through outreach in order to collaboratively develop council projects and opportunities.

Secretary: a member who is responsible for taking minutes at meetings, ensuring that documents are properly stored, and notifying members of tasks and/or general reminders.

General member: a member who participates in or assists with council events and campaigns in a smaller capacity, providing general support and sharing ideas.

students collaborating together in a workshop at Hart House.

Registration period

Accepting applications until September 3, 2024.

The program runs from September to May. 

But don’t worry if you missed the sign-up deadline – if you’re interested, you can still get involved!

Fill out this general interest form or email Alphonse to get started.

And follow @harthouseyouth on Instagram!

Past activities