Youth Water Advocate Initiative
Project Details
The main objective of the Youth Water Advocate (YWA) Initiative service project is to build the next generation of young people that can advocate and take action for clean and fresh water. The YWA Initiative runs various projects with a number of collaborators to engage youth across the Credit River Watershed.
Project Description
The Youth Water Advocate (YWA) Initiative strives to change the perception of water as a cheap and renewable resource, while shedding light on local and global water issues. For youth, by youth – we empower the next generation of young people to advocate for clean water by training high school students to become YWAs. Our initiative began in July 2021, and since then 22 YWAs have been trained and 13 YWAs have delivered water workshops to 29 classes, reaching 550 students in grades 2-12! In 2024, we hosted a total of five stream study events with financial support from Ocean Wise, bringing together 200 youth who contributed over 800 volunteer hours while removing invasive species, planting native trees and shrubs, and conducting stream studies.
What was your biggest challenge?
The YWA Initiative faced the challenge of grant disbursement as funding needed to be accessed in larger sums than initially agreed upon. However, this need was communicated with the microgrants team and the challenge was addressed in a timely manner.
What was your most valuable takeaway?
Collaboration is key in executing effective service projects.
-Be proactive in finding, securing, and working with key collaborators.
-Work with collaborators effectively by clearly outlining and dividing up responsibilities.
-Have monthly check-ins with collaborators to hold each other accountable.
