What is united for youth?
What is united for youth?
United for Youth aspires to empower and support the youth of our region as leaders and change-makers. Children and youth, equipped with a unique perspective, perceive community issues through distinct lens, fostering innovative and diverse solutions to community issues.
Youth impact Pitch Party
Want to see first hand what a year of training in compassion and innovation looks like when youth are given the chance to solver real community issues? Join us for the Youth Impact Project Pitch Party! Drop in and hear young people’s ideas — then youth judges will decide which projects receive up to $70,000.
Date: Saturday, June 8
Location: Communitech (151 Charles Street West, Kitchener)
Time: 1–6 PM (drop-in)
Register early to save your spot! Registration closes on Friday, June 7 at 11:55 PM.
The Youth Impact Survey
Data from the Children and Youth Impact Survey identified a deficit in belonging and engagement from our youth. United for Youth was inspired by the idea to better serve our youth.
The Solution
Children and youth see through a different lens which leads to different creative solutions. This framework empowers youth to be leaders and change-makers.
Youth have the answers. Through multiple community wide surveys, they have identified 63 actions for what they want and need within the community.
The Approach
United for Youth will function in a multiphase approach:
- Training and capacity building for youth serving non-profits; Global Innovation Training (GIMI) and organizational capabilities (technology, data capturing, etc.)
- Seed funding for youth inspired projects that address critical issues
Youth Testimonials
Student - GIMI Impact
“We see problems in our community every day, but teens aren’t usually given an outlet to fix them. But this gives us an opportunity to do that, and that’s really important.”
Xander - WCDSB Enrichment group
"I felt very valued and heard when talking to Grayson and other people at Communitech! It felt motivating to know that if I'm very devoted to an idea it could become a reality. I was also inspired by the design of Communitech to re-design my room."
Vihaan - Student at Groh Public School.
“The project helps people, it’s not just about a test. It brings something to the community.”
Program Partners
A leader in community collaboration, United Way WRC works within a network of national United Way partners and brings local workplaces and individuals together in support of local non-profit organizations.
CYPT is a community-wide partnership of 68 Waterloo Region organizations that serve children, youth, and families. They work to improve child and youth well-being and move the needle on their well-being.
SWRIL’s goal is to make Waterloo Region the best community in Canada for children and youth. They support and fund youth-led projects, experiments, and ideas.