Introducing the Youth Advocate Program! 

In collaboration with the Manitoba Eco-Network, Youth Advocates will engage with the history and fundamental principles of environmental organizing and policy development through a series of weekly roundtables and seminars around the topic of environmental justice.

With the guidance of program stakeholders, Youth Advocates will be expected to virtually participate in and facilitate group dialogues, develop relational organizing skills, broaden their knowledge base, and learn additional skills through workshops, discussions, guest lectures, and individual and group activities. 

At the conclusion of the program, the Youth Advocates should have acquired skills and resources to engage in future policy development, and organizing strategies to realize environmental justice goals in their community. 

• A commitment to environmental justice.
• The willingness to learn and co-create with at least 15 peers in a digital setting.
• Knowledge of relational organizing, or the willingness to learn.
• Social media and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking skills, or the willingness to develop them.
• Fixed availability on one Tuesday OR one Thursday per month, late September/early October (2026) through mid May (2027), 6pm - 8:30pm CT.

Candidates between the ages of 16 to 24 are encouraged to apply. We will also make every effort to ensure a wide range of voices are represented, with particular focus on abilities, gender expression and identity, ELL, and socio-economic background. At this time, applicants must be equipped with the appropriate technology to engage in a virtual format.

To apply, please complete this application no later than September 22, 2026. Group interviews will be held virtually September 7 - September 27, 2026.

Participants who complete the program will receive an honorarium.

Questions? Contact Jessica at yap@mbeconetwork.org

Weekly topics will include a contextual analysis of environmental justice; grassroots organizing and advocacy; restorative/transformative practices; democracy; politics; media and storytelling; and a final in-person collaborative gathering.