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ACTS YAT

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About ACTS YAT

What Is ACTS YAT?

The ACTS Youth Advocacy Team (ACTS YAT) is a youth-led space within the Alberta Community Togetherness Society. We bring together Black, Indigenous, and Minoritized youth in Alberta for self-advocacy. Our work is centered on nurturing curiosity, building leadership pathways, and shaping programs that reflect real needs and lived experiences of youth and young adults we serve. We remain rooted in advocacy, centering youth voices, cultural integrity, and collaboration. It is the youth that know challenges that affect them, therefore, it makes logical sense for them to a lead in identifying solutions that are relevant to their needs.

Aim

To strengthen leadership, civic engagement, and advocacy skills among minoritized youth in Alberta through structured participation, mentorship, and real community involvement.

Mantra

Stronger together, nothing for us without us. We are leaders today, shaping a better tomorrow.

What We Believe In
01

Inspire Curiosity

Empower Minoritized youths to question, explore, and discover with confidence.
02

Develop Leaders

Equip youths with skills and experience to lead in their communities.
03

Shape Programming

Empower youths to contribute towards how ACTS programs are created and delivered.
04

Advocate for Change

Amplify youths voices through advocacy and meaningful community action.
05

Embrace Cultural Integrity

Center identities, cultures, and lived experiences of diverse youths.
06

Build Collaboration

Work with organizations to strengthen connected youths communities.
Meet the dedicated team

working together to support, empower, and inspire youth across our community.

Programs & Activities

What We Do

ACTS YAT runs a growing portfolio of youth-led initiatives designed to develop leadership, amplify voices, and drive meaningful change across Alberta.
Being part of ACTS as a volunteer has been an incredible experience. The impact they create in the community is real, and I’m proud to contribute to such meaningful work.

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Leadership Development Workshops

ACTS YAT members take part in workshops on advocacy, public speaking, project management, and community engagement.

Youth Podcast Series

ACTS YAT is launching a youth-hosted podcast platform where members share their stories, explore topics like cultural identity.

Community Action Projects

ACTS YAT members design and lead their own grassroots projects, addressing local issues like mental health awareness.

Melanin Excellence Awards

ACTS YAT leads the flagship Melanin Excellence Awards an annual ceremony celebrating the achievements, resilience, and leadership of Black, Indigenous.

Who Can Join

Is ACTS YAT for You?

ACTS YAT is open to Black, Indigenous, and Minoritized youths across Alberta who are ready to connect, grow, and lead. Whether you’re driven by justice, culture, community, or creativity — there’s a place for you here.

You're a fit if you:

  • Are a Black, Indigenous, or minoritized youth in Alberta
  • Want to develop your leadership skills in a culturally safe space
  • Are passionate about advocacy, mental health, culture, or community change
  • Want to connect with other youth who share your values and experiences
  • Are ready to take on real responsibilities and create real impact
about us
ACTS YAT Cohort Structure

ACTS YAT Cohort Structure

ACTS YAT is structured into three progressive cohorts designed to support growth, leadership development, and mentorship pathways.

Sprout

Ages 15–17

An entry-level leadership stage focused on:

  • Identity development
  • Self-advocacy skills
  • Foundational leadership training
  • Early exposure to community engagement

Flourish

Ages 18–25

A development stage focused on:

  • Active leadership participation
  • Program co-design and implementation
  • Community engagement projects
  • Peer leadership development

BIPOC Mentors

Ages 18–35

A mentorship and leadership support stage focused on:

  • Guiding and mentoring younger cohorts
  • Supporting program development and evaluation
  • Sharing lived experience and cultural grounding
  • Strengthening leadership continuity within ACTS YAT
Future Activities

Upcoming Youth Initiatives

E1094ROW
ACTS YAT is launching a range of future activities including the Melanin Awards 2027 community action projects, and youth-led initiatives. 

ACTS YAT will host a series of leadership development workshops focusing on advocacy, public speaking, project management, and community engagement. These workshops are designed to equip youth with the confidence and skills to lead initiatives and advocate for change.

ACTS YAT members design and lead grassroots projects addressing key social issues, such as mental health and addiction challenges, racism, discrimination, inequalities of access to supports, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. These hands-on initiatives will offer youth the opportunity to create tangible community impact.

Launching a new podcast platform, ACTS YAT will amplify youth voices, share personal stories, and explore topics such as cultural identity, systemic change, and youth activism. This platform will be youth-hosted and produced, providing real-world experience in media creation.

ACTS