Through Youth Challenge International’s Innovate MY Future program, Canadian youth across the GTHA have the opportunity to take action on local climate issues and design youth-led projects to make a real difference in their communities.
ABOUT INNOVATE MY FUTURE
Catalysts participate in unique climate action and design-thinking trainings and workshops and are eligible for grant funding, awards and prizes.
Catalyst teams consult their communities and meet local experts and policy makers to understand the region’s unique climate needs.
Catalyst teams design and implement a climate action project that addresses urgent climate issues facing their communities.
Catalysts network with influential partners, municipalities and local youth throughout their experience, creating a support system for life.
Catalysts connect with YCI’s network of 100+ like-minded youth across the GTHA to learn from, collaborate with and support each other.
Be the first to know about Innovate MY Future updates and how to get involved!
MEET YCI’S
CLIMATE ACTION CATALYSTS
Click on Catalyst teams below to learn more about their innovative climate action projects.
The Sustainable 6ix 
The Peel Halton Climate Collective 
EcoBorough 
Sustainable Durham 
CanSustain 
Green Undertaking 
Current Leaders 
Environmental Community of Hamilton Students (ECHS) 
Greener Spaces 
A Better Tomorrow 
Greenmark 
Climate ChangeHERS 
Seedlings 
Halton Hustlers 
The Renewables 
Sustainable Scarberians 
Fashion for Futures 
Get Re-Used To It 
Catalysts of Change 
Earth Ambassadors THE LATEST
Check out what’s happening:
YCI’s commitment to climate action expands with a new solutions accelerator program
Youth Climate Action Catalysts tackle local GTHA climate issues
“There’s hope for the future” – Young climate change activists to hold showcase event in Toronto on February 27, 2020
Confronting the hidden costs of sustainable living
Promoting gender inclusivity in STEM through Innovate ME
Protecting Gabon’s Forests: Striking a Balance between Development and Deforestation
Starting your once in a lifetime journey overseas
News Archive
Home of all YCI news
Working in collaboration
Inspiring today’s young climate leaders and innovators
About Innovate MY Future
What do Climate Action Catalysts commit to as part of the Innovate MY Future program?
This is an 8-month volunteer program with participants volunteering approximately 4 hours a week to attend virtual training sessions, collaborate with peers, conduct research and implement climate action projects.
KEY PROGRAM DATES:
- Team Lead training, including leadership development in July (for Team Leads only)
- Virtual training sessions in August and September
- Climate action project implementation from October to February
- Final Climate Action Catalyst Summit event in February 2021
How can I apply to be a Climate Action Catalyst?
Apply online on our website. You are invited to submit your answers in the “about you” section in a short video or you can fill out your answers in the form provided. Successful applicants will be invited to a short interview via Zoom.
Deadline to submit your application to be a Climate Action Catalyst Team Lead is June 21 at 11:59 pm EST
Deadline to submit your application to be a Climate Action Catalyst team member is July 26 at 11:59 pm EST
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so be sure to apply early to secure your spot in the Innovate MY Future program.
What’s the difference between being a Climate Action Catalyst Team Lead and team member?
Each Climate Action Catalyst team will have one Team Lead position, and approximately four team members. The Team Leads will take on additional responsibilities to keep the team on track and will receive additional leadership development training before the team is formed. Other than that, the whole team of Climate Action Catalysts will work together collaboratively throughout the program to design and implement a climate action project.
How do I know if I’m best suited to be a Team Lead or a team member?
We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds with all levels of experience in volunteering for both roles. The only prerequisites are an interest in climate action, the ability to work well with a team and an eagerness to make a difference in your community.
If you’re 18-24 and already have some leadership experience working on projects and initiatives with teams, as well as a strong interest and knowledge of climate change, climate action and climate justice, you might consider applying to be a Team Lead.
If you’re 16-24 and want to start to build skills and become a climate action leader in your community, but don’t have that much experience yet, you might consider applying to be a team member.
How can I volunteer in my community safely with social distancing measures?
The Innovate MY Future program has adapted to operate in a virtual context as long as necessary and will adhere to all recommendations and social distancing measures advised by local health authorities. Our trainings, meetings and team collaborations will occur virtually until gatherings of small and large groups are appropriate. All climate action projects will be designed with social distancing measures considered.
While we can’t be together face-to-face, climate action momentum must continue. We will work together to design creative community-based climate action projects while keeping safe.
Innovate MY Future!