Young Hatters volunteer as part of a campaign to end period poverty in this May 2025 file photo.--FILE PHOTO
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An ongoing volunteerism series explored in depth the role of young people who choose to engage within their community and give back in a meaningful way.
The hour-long webinar held Thursday, titled “Youth Engagement Matters,” was the third of five free learning sessions called “Rooted in Action,” held by the city in partnership with Volunteer Alberta and aimed at inspiring and educating individuals who work with or are interested in being volunteers.
The webinar was led by Volunteer Alberta team members who spoke about meaningful participation within the community from volunteers aged 12 to 30, and the importance of supportive volunteers and addressing any barriers.
Common themes during the online session included ways to inspire and support youth who want to make a positive change in their community by learning about their interests and strengths, actively involving them in decisions that affect them, as well as listening to innovative ideas they may have.
“It’s always so fascinating … just how creative young people are,” said Darryl De Dios, lead researcher. “I know, just with the conversations that we’ve had through research and focus groups and interviews, that a lot of them really do just want to start with understanding gaps they see in their communities and wanting to do something about it.”
De Dios pivoted discussion to focus on road blocks youth may encounter within their communities.
The biggest issue facing youth recently, says De Dios, is the constantly shifting of their social and economic conditions, and he shared research and data reporting high levels of unemployment among Gen Z.
De Dios says contribution factors include the COVID-19 pandemic and several economic recessions, as well as political uncertainty.
“I think about the things that young people have had to deal with, and it still feels pretty daunting,” said De Dios. “What’s going on in the world has really shaped to the extent they want to be engaged in their communities.”
De Dios emphasized a need to create a supportive and engaging relationship with young people showing an interest in volunteerism by providing them with opportunities, access to resources and support for challenges like isolation, anxiety or mental health issues.
“A lot of the time the support that we provide is just helping young people in their program,” said De Dios. “That they actually have a lot to offer and that sometimes the role that we play as supporters is just hearing them out and then providing them advice where we can when it’s warranted.”
Volunteer Alberta team members also shared several case studies they conducted showcasing impactful projects and strategies for effective youth engagement, collaboration and fostering supportive relationships.
The free volunteerism learning series will continue next month with a three-hour in-person session at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre.
The fourth instalment of the five-part series runs Feb. 12 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and will focus on attracting, recruiting, retaining and recognizing volunteers, and will continue to focus on young people.
Registration for the workshop titled “Mapping Youth Engagement Practices,” can be made by visiting tixx.ca.
