About Youth In Action
Youth in Action (YIA) is a vibrant and inclusive federally incorporated, youth-serving not-for-profit organization based in Kitchener, ON, Canada. It is dedicated to empowering youth to become catalysts for change locally and globally. Empowering youth is a dynamic and impactful approach to youth development and social justice. It not only benefits the young people involved but also leads to broader community and societal improvements.
We focus on nurturing citizenship, leadership, and social responsibility among young individuals. Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for youth to engage in decision-making processes at all levels, fostering leadership skills through mentorship, training, and opportunities for youth- led initiatives. We will guide youth to develop a sense of purpose and direction preparing them to be healthy, happy, and successful adulthood encouraging youth to set clear, achievable goals helping them focus on their future and understand the steps required to reach their aspirations.
Our purpose is to cultivate a culture of empowerment, inclusivity, and positive youth development (PYD), nurturing every aspect of their lives to help them reach their full potential and contribute positively as global citizens. Youth in Action is dedicated to a transformative mission that seamlessly integrates its mandate including championing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aka Agenda 2030 into its initiatives, fostering collaboration, global citizenship, inclusivity, and solidarity among youth to address these challenges creating a sustainable future. The YIA empowers young individuals to become leaders and catalysts for societal transformation, preparing them as the architects of future leadership. YIA engages youth in diverse activities and initiatives designed to foster goal setting, resilience, and perseverance. We are committed to building a future where young leaders drive progress and innovation, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. We equip youth to lead with confidence and integrity.
Our Guiding Principles
Guiding principles provide Youth in Action with a clear framework for decision-making and program development, ensuring alignment with our mission and values. They focus on empowering youth and adapting to their evolving needs. Our commitment to national and international youth policies enhances our impact and credibility by aligning our efforts with broader movements aimed at improving youth outcomes.
Youth-Centered Approach
We prioritize the needs, interests, and voices of youth in all programs and initiatives. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among young people.
Creating Space for Intergenerational Dialogue
The YIA fosters successful intergenerational dialogue by emphasizing respect and openness to learning from each other’s experiences. Our goal is to create a space where every voice is heard and valued. We continuously test, iterate, and improve our approach to become better leaders.
Embracing Uncomfortable Conversations
We will create spaces where ideas can be openly heard, questioned, and challenged. Embracing challenging dialogues promotes personal growth, deepens understanding, and strengthens relationships.
Commitment to Youth Policies
The YIA is committed to the Canadian Youth Policy, which seeks to improve youth outcomes and engage young people in federal decision-making. This policy emphasizes six key areas: Truth and Reconciliation, Environmental Action, Health, Leadership, Employment, and Skill Development. Additionally, we support the United Nations’ Youth 2030 Strategy, a global framework addressing youth challenges.
Promoting Reconciliation
Youth in Action firmly upholds the belief that every Canadian has a role to play in the journey towards reconciliation and decolonization. This shared commitment must be deeply rooted in Indigenous experiences and propelled by everyday actions. The realization of reconciliation depends on the active participation of every inhabitant of this land. It’s important to remember that this is not just an Indigenous issue - we are all intertwined in both the problem and its solution.
Partnerships and Collaborations
We foster a culture of collaboration and partnership that enhances our programs and services. We strongly believe diverse viewpoints drive innovation and problem-solving, enhancing our mission, credibility, and visibility, ultimately benefiting the youth we serve.
Continuous Improvement & Iterative Process
Regularly evaluate and improve programs based on feedback from youth and other stakeholders, including funders. We promote and adopt an iterative approach to program development. Continuously test new ideas, implement changes, and refine methods based on what works best for youth.