Join the Y Youth Engagement Team!

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed childcare in Canada, offers settlement services to newcomers to Canada, operates 2 overnight camps and 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario, and we have been making a positive difference in the communities we serve for over 50 years!

Position: Youth Advisory Council Co-Chair

Location: Virtual, Association-wide Start Date: October 2026-October 2027

In this role, you will:

- Attend Youth Advisory Council meetings twice a month
- Attend 1 planning meeting with the Youth Engagement Team each month
- Facilitate and participate in group discussions and activities
- To share your unique knowledge and experience as a YMCA staff, member, or volunteer
- Comfortable with virtual Teams meeting/chats, Webcam/microphone access
- To collect others’ unique knowledge and experiences

- Facilitate Icebreakers, discussions, activities and introduce guest speakers
- Occasionally participate in conferences, webinars, or youth-to-youth meetings by invitation
- Be available for 1-2 in-person events per term
- Be committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
- Embrace and exemplify the Y’s core values
- See our YMCA of Southwestern Ontario YAC Term of Reference (Link to Terms of reference)

Education and Skills Qualifications:

- Have at least 1 year of experience as a member of a youth council or group
- Examples: YAC member, School Council, Student Parliament, Action Teams

- Communication skills:

- The ability to share their own opinions and perspectives on issues, opportunities and challenge, inside and outside the YMCA
- Willing to listen to peers and YMCA Youth Engagement Staff respectfully
- Able to share ideas clearly





- Leadership Skills

- Can show initiative or willingness to step up to start projects and conversations
- The ability to encourage others and contribute to group decisions
- Open to learning leadership skills

- Commitment and Responsibility

- Attends meetings consistently
- Follows through on tasks
- Respect timelines and group agreements

- Public speaking, event planning, social media and outreach skills is an asset
- The ability to log onto Microsoft Teams meetings to participate in monthly meetings
- Have a robust connection with the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario (examples: staff, volunteer, member, or participant)
- Be between the ages of 15-30
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Original Criminal Reference

Why The Y? The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to the development of healthy communities and welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Top Employers. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.

To Apply:

- Submit your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents through Dayforce
- Include in your submission your specialized experience, and why you are the best candidate for this role
- We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.

📌 Youth Advisory Council Co-Chair (Sarnia)
🏢 YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
📍 Sarnia