Do you want a say in what your community looks like? Curious about the role that municipalities play in shaping your day-to-day? Looking to connect with other passionate young people on the North Shore?
The North Shore Young Civic Forum is a collaboration between North Shore Community Resources Democracy Café program and CityHive, designed to improve the participation of young adults in local decision-making. In the Forum, you will learn about:
- how the North Shore municipalities operate and impact your life – from Council meetings to city planning;
- how to advocate for the changes you want to see;
- and how to present your ideas to those with the power to enact them
From Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay, young people across the North Shore are contributing to your communities in so many of ways. Maybe you’re studying at Capilano, or working at a neighbourhood cafe, or an accountant at a North Shore firm, commuting elsewhere for work or volunteering for community projects. Maybe you have a young family with children and want to stay plugged into your community. Unlike the stereotypes about young people being disengaged, we know that you have ideas and the desire to make your community better. Whether Councils are discussing transportation, public space, civic engagement, or community services – young people should feel equipped to have your voices heard on these issues.
Program Overview: The theme for the upcoming cohort is “Shaping the Shore – Elections and Engagement.” Rooted in CityHive’s “knowledge-to-action” framework, the first half of the program will focus on learning – introducing the cohort to elected officials, city staff, and community organizers who will share their experiences and expertise. In the second half of the program, participants develop their own group projects centered on the changes their want to see in their communities. The North Shore Young Civic Forum is proud to be completely free to participants, with financial and technological supports available to those in need.
Eligibility: Applications are open to any and all young adults (ages 18-39) who live, work, or study on the North Shore (including the municipalities: District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver). No previous experience or knowledge is required.
Commitment: Applicants will need to commit to attend all program sessions. Between sessions, participants should expect to commit 1-2 hours per week for sessions 1-6 and 3-6 hours per week for sessions 7-12.
Sessions: The following are the session dates for the 2022 cohort of the Forum. Sessions will be a mix of online (Zoom) and in-person (COVID-19 dependant). In person sessions are planned to be hosted in various locations across the North Shore, including Town Halls, art galleries, and community centres (transit passes are available upon request). All sessions will abide by provincial health regulations, and masks and/or proof of vaccination status may be required.
- Welcome & Community Building (Wed, Mar 16 evening)
- Municipality Presentation (Wed, Mar 23 evening)
- Municipality Presentation (Wed, Mar 30 evening)
- Indigenous Communities Presentation (Wed, Apr 6 evening)
- Voter Engagement Presentation (Wed, Apr 13 evening)
- Advocacy Presentation & Panel (Wed, Apr 27 evening)
- Project Creation (Sat, Apr 30 daytime)
- Project Working Session (Wed, May 4 evening)
- Project Working Session (Wed, May 11 evening)
- Project Completion & Dry-run (Wed, May 18 evening)
- Presentations at Council (Mon, May 30 – TBC)
- Plan of Action, Wrap-Up & Celebration (Sat, Jun 11 daytime)
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to either of the program coordinators Rowan Gentleman-Sylvester (rowan@cityhive.ca / 778-232-9615) or Faiz Jaffer (faiz.jaffer@nscr.ca).
The North Shore Young Civic Forum (formerly the North Shore Young Citizens’ Forum) is a deep partnership and collaboration with North Shore Community Resources. CityHive is grateful for their continued support and collaboration.
The North Shore Young Civic Forum is only possible with the generous support of:
