Three Youth-Led Organizations You Should Know About

Youth-led advocacy is key to building a better future. When young people are given decision-making power within the movements they care about, they’re able to see the direct impact of their involvement and are inspired to continue engaging in their communities. Youth-led organizations foster a generation of young people who are involved and excited about the world around them. Organizations that are led by youth address the structural barriers faced by young people that can prevent them from democratic participation — like homophobia, transphobia, racism, ageism and classism — by putting these issues at the forefront of their mission. Youth-led organizations bridge the gap between young people and democratic involvement by recognizing the complexities of being a young person today and approaching youth directly. 

There are plenty of impactful youth-led organizations in Canada. Below, we’ve highlighted three, along with the practices and structures that make them successful and allow them to sustain community.

Black Women In Motion

What is it?

Black Women In Motion (BWIM) is a Toronto-based youth-led organization that works to empower and support Black women, gender-non-conforming and non-binary survivors of gender-based violence. The platform was created specifically to generate a space for gender-marginalized Black youth who have experienced trauma, and operates from an anti-racist, trauma-informed framework.

About its structure and practices:

Black Women In Motion helps those who have experienced violence in a way that is not extractive or triggering to survivors. Led by Black youth, their practices are informed by culturally relevant resources. The organization actively partners with educational institutions, agencies, non-profit and corporate organizations to help implement their goal projects. BWIM takes a rounded approach to healing, by providing tools for survivors to thrive socially, mentally, economically, and culturally — thus addressing how all of these life aspects are interconnected. Through initiatives like their virtual Black Youth Employment Assistance Program, they offer direct employment-focused plans to help survivors economically. They utilize their social media platform by uplifting survivors and spreading important information and resources on topics like sexual health. In doing so, they make their message accessible and wide-reaching.

Youth Climate Lab

What is it?

Youth Climate Lab (YCL) is a Canada-based non-profit organization that develops projects focused on transformative climate action. The organization has partnered with civil society organizations, government institutions, Indigenous communities and international organizations to extend its reach, and has so far connected with young people in 77 countries around the world.

About its structure and practices:

Led by a team of young people, Youth Climate Lab partners with various organizations to advance its movement. By connecting organizations and institutions with young people, Youth Climate Lab is able to equip youth with creative skills that lead to climate solutions. The organization pushes for intergenerational equity via policy shifts and by partnering with organizations that can provide funding for youth to be leaders in the climate justice movement. Through initiatives that give youth opportunities to contribute to policy recommendations and fellowship programs that teach young people about being climate activists, YCL is directly helping youth develop the skills and confidence to be at the forefront of this future-focused movement. Giving young people the opportunity to be in decision-making positions is the most effective way to encourage them to be engaged in movements.

We Matter

What is it?

We Matter is a national online youth-led campaign dedicated to providing support to Indigenous youth mental health. It started as a Canada-wide multi-media campaign in which Indigenous role models, youth, and community members submitted short videos, written and artistic messages sharing their own experiences of overcoming hardships. The campaign addresses Indigenous youth directly, by connecting youth to one another and creating a space of support for those who are struggling. 

 About its structure and practices:

We Matter provides accessible resources and materials to help support Indigenous youth and those who work with Indigenous youth. The platform amplifies Indigenous voices to build community among Indigenous youth while in turn encouraging non-Indigenous allies to further understand and support Indigenous communities. The platform is far-reaching by mobilizing social media campaigns and utilizing hashtags to spread awareness for their projects. For example, with their #IndigenousYouthRise Covid-19 support fund, We Matter is offering paid opportunities for young Indigenous people to lead virtual events. The platform encourages young people to get directly involved, via programs like “National Ambassadors of Hope”, which gives Indigenous youth the opportunity to share their journeys of hardship and healing. 

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We can learn a lot from youth-led organizations. With so many youth taking on leadership roles within pressing social movements, it is clear just how determined young people are to build a world that is equitable and fair. The future is bright for Canadian youth.