We partner with community groups to host workshops designed for youth ages 13 to 30. These workshops help participants learn how the local government operates and makes policy decisions, as well as how they can take action on local climate issues and public spaces. We collaborate with various community partners, including community clubs, neighborhood houses, and advocacy organizations.

Overview

CityShapers in Communities is a community-based workshop series that explores governance, civic engagement, and city planning through the lenses of climate action and public space design. Interdisciplinary and interactive by design, CityShapers workshops support youth groups to explore the diverse pathways towards civic action in connection with the people and places they care about. Workshops are delivered in partnership with youth-serving community organizations in Vancouver and Surrey, and are designed to be low-barrier and accessible for all participants. Past partners include neighbourhood houses, settlement programs, and employment agencies.

Knowledge to Action

Our Knowledge to Action framework breaks down barriers by building skills from the ground up—no prior experience needed. Through hands-on learning and practical experience, participants gain the confidence and tools they need to take meaningful action.

Learn about the Program

A group of diverse young adults smile and make heart poses for the camera in front of trees

Climate Stream

A young man speaks animatedly in front of a screen that shows text with the words public spaces, knowledge, and skills bolded

Public Space Stream

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FAQs

We’re focused on ensuring civic education programming is as accessible as possible. There is no cost to either the participants or the partnering organizations. We provide catering, honoraria, and youth facilitators to deliver the program.
All programs are facilitated by 2 CityShapers facilitators: 1 trained CityHive staff (CityShapers in Communities Coordinator), alongside 1 volunteer CityShapers Youth Facilitator.
*As an organization, we take pride in our youth-to-youth mentorship model that supports the career development of youth participants in our programs. Bringing CityShapers into community settings showcases unique career pathways and introduces youth participants to new networks that are available to support their future aspirations.
In 2025 we have funding partnerships with the City of Vancouver and the City of Surrey. We are looking for delivery partners in either city that work closely with youth groups ages 13-30. These can we after school programs, employment or language services, leadership programs, etc. Three is no cost, and we will arrange to deliver the workshops at times that work for your group!