ACTS – Youth Advocacy Team

Aim

To create space for our youth to meet others, engage in meaningful conversations and contribute towards shaping services and programs that seek to address their needs. ACTS-YAT seeks to advocate for a just, inclusive, and equitable Alberta where all Black, Indigenous, and racialized youths thrive, lead, and shape the future.

Objectives

  • Inspire curiosity
  • Offer leadership development opportunities
  • Influence programming and service delivery
  • Engage in Advocacy work
  • Embrace cultural integrity
  • Collaborate with other youth serving organizations

Mantra

Stronger together and nothing for us without us. We are not leaders of tomorrow but leaders of today contributing towards shaping the desirable tomorrow.

Future Activities:

ACTS YAT is thrilled to announce the upcoming Melanin Awards 2026 — a flagship, youth-led event designed to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth across Alberta. The Melanin Awards will spotlight outstanding youth who are making positive contributions in their communities, providing them with a well-deserved platform for recognition and inspiration.

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.

YAT members will design and lead grassroots projects addressing key local issues, such as mental health, anti-racism, 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.