CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program (YLICP)
Youth lead the fight for climate and for nature. We want and deserve to shape the world we will live in and save the planet we will inhabit.
Youth have the vision and passion to transform and heal our relationships with the earth and each other – but we need more opportunities to be heard. Young people are often excluded from accessing the resources, skills and opportunities to shape environmental policy. Too many feel that their voices and concerns are not being fully represented in Canadian political discussions and decision-making spaces.
That’s why we’re backing youth – the conservation movement recognizes the need to change course and leverage the knowledge, expertise, and lived experiences of community members on the frontlines of the nature emergency, especially those who are oppressed and disadvantaged.
This program is an opportunity for youth to connect with like-minded, passionate people who care for nature and wish to make meaningful connections, network with youth leaders and conservation experts across BC, get coaching for skills relating to conservation advocacy in BC, and co-create ways of catalyzing change. We know that by bridging a network of like-minded peers, we’ll have a stronger impact, together.
About the program
The 2024 Young Leaders in Conservation Program (YLICP) provides youth with knowledge, skills and opportunities to advocate for conservation issues in BC.
Key topics include:
- Advocacy and lobbying skills.
- History of conservation in BC.
- Indigenous-led conservation and knowledge.
- Government, community and media relations.
- Strategic campaign planning and management.
- Radical self-care in the environmental movement.
Participants are also coached and supported.
Program structure
Delivered over six months (August 2024 – February 2025), the YLICP consists of the following:
- Webinar Workshops: ~Six virtual webinar workshops over three months taking place on weekday evenings in Fall 2024.
- Provincial Election Townhalls: in-person conservation and youth-focused election townhalls and candidate Q&As in strategic ridings ahead of the 2024 BC provincial election.
- In-person Summit: A multi-day, in-person summit on the Traditional lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations (Victoria, BC).
The in-person Summit will consist of a Lobby Day with the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, where participants will get training and the opportunity to speak with government officials about conservation. Accommodation, travel expenses, and meals are provided at no financial cost to participate.
Opportunities
- Make meaningful connections with like-minded youth who care deeply about stewarding BC’s beautiful natural spaces.
- Gain skills and knowledge to understand and advocate for conservation issues in BC.
- Receive training and engage with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and other government officials about conservation.
- Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.
Who should apply?
YLICP seeks young leaders—ages 18-30, who permanently reside in BC and are connected to environmental issues. Our goal is to bring a diverse group of young folks together to build meaningful connections and provide skills training.
CPAWS-BC believes that Indigenous, Black, and Racialized people of the Global Majority, people from working class backgrounds, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities must be centred in conservation. As such, we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other oppressed communities to apply.
This program has room for up to 25 participants.
*Applicants must be a resident of BC and be between the ages of 18-30 when applying*
Advisory Committee Members
Joanne Nellas
Brennan Strandberg-Salmon
Lucero Gonzalez
How to apply
Applications for 2024 are now closed and under review. Questions? Email youth@cpawsbc.org.
Photos by Adam Combs