Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Aka: "The YAC"
The YAC is a diverse group of about 15-20 youth ranging in age from 16-26. Since 1995, the YAC has initiated its own projects as well as participating in other McCreary programs, and in activities sponsored by other agencies. Two members of YAC serve on the Society's Board of Directors. A McCreary staff person serves as a resource for the group and attends meetings and events.
The YAC provides a "youth-friendly" forum for young people to develop skills needed for effective participation as well as providing opportunities to make real contributions. Skills are developed through participating, hands-on, with projects (such as the annual Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Youth Conference) and through employment opportunities in youth projects.
How do we work?
The YAC works under full group consensus at all times, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and respected. As far as structure goes, flexibility is the key, and there is never any pressure to participate but the opportunities are always there.
Why do we do it?
McCreary's YAC all share an underlying common goal which is to promote youth health. The benefits of volunteering and being part of a youth advisory council are endless. There is always much personal growth as well as exciting new opportunities. And don't forget, it looks great on the resume!
Join the YAC
Contact us at mccreary@mcs.bc.ca or call 604-291-1996
Hints & Words of Wisdom
Here are some ideas about how to run a youth council, how to organize meetings and what everyone's responsibilities are. We also have a sample of McCreary's youth participation projects. McCreary has engaged youth in a variety of projects over the years. All of them had youth staff involved and youth input into the planning and/or reporting of the project. Meaningful youth participation is a critical component in all McCreary youth projects.
