Dufferin County invites youth ages 16 to 25 to apply to the 2024/2025 Youth Climate Activation Circle. The Youth Climate Activation Circle is a 10-month (September 2024 to June 2025) 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.

In 2023, the first cohort of the Youth Climate Activation Circle hosted a Climate-Friendly Landscaping workshop series, inspiring residents to implement nature-based solutions at the property-level.

This year, the Youth Climate Activation Circle will welcome eight new volunteers into the program, who will become climate leaders in Dufferin County. Volunteers can expect a $500 stipend or community service hours recognition and reimbursement for eligible program expenses.

Dufferin youth who are passionate about climate action and can commit 60 hours to program activities are encouraged to apply, but no previous experience is necessary. Applications can be submitted through Join in Dufferin by Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Because climate change is an issue of justice, applications from youth 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.

• Youth Climate Activation Circle Program application
• Reflections from past program participants

“The Youth Climate Activation Circle is an incredible opportunity for young people to develop the skills to become climate leaders and drive real change in our community. We are excited to see the new ideas and projects the 2024/2025 Youth Climate Ambassadors will champion.”

– Darren White, Warden, Dufferin County

“It is our hope that through the Youth Climate Activation Circle, volunteers will cultivate a lifelong commitment to climate action, in which they advocate for and integrate climate action into their future personal and professional lives.”

– Sara MacRae, Manager of Climate and Energy, Dufferin County

 “As young people growing up in a world grappling with rapid climate changes, we all felt a mix of uncertainty and worry about what the future might hold, wondering how climate change would hit our community. Here, we were able to learn with like-minded peers to support climate action and make a real tangible difference in Dufferin County.”

– Emily Payne, 2023/2024 Youth Climate Ambassador

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca