Callout for Youth Advisory Council Members

Are you between the ages of 15 and 25? Have you been involved in a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York (BBBSPY) program as a Mentor or Mentee, or are you currently on the waitlist to access our mentoring programs? Then we want to hear from you!

At BBBSPY, we believe that youth are valuable partners in addressing issues that are important to them, which is why in 2026, we will be creating a Youth Advisory Council! This Council will aim to amplify the voices of young people in Peel and York Regions and ensure BBBSPY programs meet the needs of today’s youth and reflect their experiences and ideas. Council members will have meaningful opportunities to share feedback, offer insights, and help guide how we support youth through our mentoring programs.

As a member of the Youth Advisory Council, you will have the chance to:

• Help BBBSPY understand what today’s youth need (not what adults assume)
• Share your thoughts and feedback on BBBSPY mentoring programs and offer input on how they can be improved
• Act as an ambassador for BBBSPY in your local community and at agency events.
• Plan and run youth-focused events and community engagement initiatives
• Have a say in the direction and tasks of the Youth Advisory Council

We are looking for 10-12 young people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

To be eligible to join the Youth Advisory Council, you must be:

• Between the ages of 15 and 25
• A current or former participant in a BBBSPY program, either as a Mentor or Mentee, or be on BBBSPY’s waitlist

Note: You do not need leadership or council experience to apply! If you are passionate about improving services for other youth and have thoughts, ideas, or experiences you want to share, you belong here.

• Term: 1 year
• Meetings: Approximately once per month for 1-2 hours, to be scheduled based on Council members’ availability. Meetings will primarily take place virtually, with 1-2 meetings per year happening in person.
• Additional Opportunities: Optional involvement in agency and/or community events as they arise

In forming a Youth Advisory Council, BBBSPY is committed to:

• Creating a virtual and physical space that is welcoming, inclusive, and youth-centered
• Respecting your time, voice and lived experience
• Providing support and accommodations so you can participate in ways that work for you
• Sharing how your ideas and feedback are being implemented at BBBSPY and where they are reflected in programs, services, and/or decisions

As a Youth Advisory Council member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Build leadership, teamwork, public speaking, event planning, and project management skills
• Participate in BBBSPY workshops for young people aged 15 – 25 on a variety of topics
• Collaborate with BBBSPY’s Board of Directors
• Receive mentorship from BBBSPY staff and community leaders – meet local Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament
• Influence real programs and decisions
• Attend BBBSPY agency and community events
• Make new friends and connect with other young change-makers in your community

You will also receive:

• Food and transportation support for in-person meetings
• BBBS swag
• Volunteer hours (if required – for high school students)
• A certificate of participation at the end of your one-year term
• A personalized letter of recommendation for future school or job opportunities (at the end of your one-year term, and based on demonstrated performance)

Have other ideas? We’re all ears! We want to offer perks that are meaningful to you.

Youth Advisory Application

Interested in joining? Submit an application in your preferred format below. Applications will be accepted through April 3rd, 2026.

Have questions first, or need support submitting an application? Please email sophie.mercer@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.