youth action to build better cities
We’ve collaborated with CitySHAPES to bring the project ‘Youth Action to Build Better Cities’ to life! The project aims to empower youth to have a voice in the future of Ottawa. The partnership also aims to make civic engagement more accessible and meaningful for youth, enabling them to effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to them.
Here are three key elements of this exciting partnership:
$1000 for the Best Socials in the City
Youth Advocacy Training
City Building Grants
This collaboration will equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make their voices heard and contribute to a brighter future for Ottawa.
$1000 for the best socials in the city
Want to make your voice heard in Ottawa?
We're launching the "Best Socials in the City" contest in early 2025, where you can win up to $1,000 in prizes!
Share your thoughts on local issues like transit, housing, parks, and more through creative social media posts – memes, reels, videos, podcasts – use the hashtag #OurOttawa and tag @YouthActionNow.
Open to all youth under 30. Let's show City Hall what matters to us!
Youth Advocacy Training
Want to make your voice heard at City Hall?
Youth Action Now and CitySHAPES are partnering to equip you with the skills to effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to you – from transit and housing to environmental action.
Join us for an in-person training session on January 24th from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Impact Hub (123 Slater St, 6th floor). Best part? It’s $FREE.99! We'll cover everything from understanding the city's decision-making process to developing effective communication strategies. The training will follow CitySHAPES’ Playbook for Effective Advocacy and Workshop Outline.
Space is limited to 20 participants. Apply now and tell us why your voice deserves to be heard at City Hall!
City Building Grants
Youth Action Now has a long history of supporting youth-led initiatives through our Start-Up Now and Momentum grants. We're now excited to introduce a new funding stream within our Community Building grant category specifically for projects that aim to build a better Ottawa.
Youth aged 30 and under are encouraged to apply for funding to support their projects that address local issues like housing, transit, environmental sustainability, and more. The application process remains the same as for other YAN grants, for questions visit our FAQ or email us at staff@youthactionnow.ca.
We believe that youth have valuable insights and innovative ideas that can contribute to a thriving and equitable Ottawa. We encourage all eligible youth to apply and help shape the future of our city.