Youth Advisory Council Application – Audio/Video Submission

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.

If you haven’t already, please review our Youth Advisory Council information page for further details on this opportunity before recording a voice note or video for us: https://peelyork.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/youth-advisory-council/

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Application Instructions

Before you start, here are a few important things to know:

* Be yourself — Please don’t use AI to answer these questions. We want to hear your real thoughts and ideas! No perfect spelling or grammar required, and there are no right or wrong answers.

* No experience needed — You don’t need leadership or council experience to apply. Your lived experience matters just as much as formal skills.

* Keep it simple — You can write/record a little, write/record a lot, or use bullet points — whatever works best for you.

* Youth voices only — We’re building this Council to hear directly from young people. Parents, caregivers, and other adults should not fill out this form on your behalf.

* Your privacy matters — Your answers will be kept confidential. Only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

* We’re here to help — If you have questions or want support filling this out, please reach out to us!

Thank you for your interest in being a part of our Youth Advisory Council. We’re excited to hear from you!

Application Deadline: April 3rd, 2026.

Name and pronouns:(Required)
Preferred contact method:(Required)

Everyone participates in group settings differently. Which options feel most like you? Please select all that apply.(Required)
Meetings will happen once a month and will be scheduled around Council members’ availability. Does this feel manageable for you right now?(Required)
Please answer the following in your voice note or video:

1. Tell us about your previous and/or current involvement with BBBSPY programs.

2. What excites you about joining the Youth Advisory Council?

3. How do you think your voice could make a difference in this group?

4. Is there anything you want us to know to best support your participation?

(Ex. Transportation needs, accessibility requirements, scheduling considerations, comfort with virtual vs. in-person meetings)

5. We’re looking to put together a Council that reflects the diversity of the youth we serve. Is there anything about your identity or lived experience that feels important to share? You do not have to share anything personal if you don’t want to. 

(To us, diversity means including people from a range of social and ethnic backgrounds, family structures, cultures, and life experiences, as well as people with different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.)

6. Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Max. file size: 100 MB.

NEXT STEPS

1. After the application deadline (April 3rd, 2026), our team will review all applications with care. We’re not looking for “perfect” answers. We’re focused on building a Council that reflects the diversity, experiences, and voices of the youth we serve.

2. Some applicants will be invited to a short, informal conversation (about 15-20 minutes) in a relaxed and supportive environment. This is not a formal interview, and you won’t be judged on your answers. It’s a chance for us to get to know you, answer your questions, and make sure the Council feels like a good fit for you.

3. After conversations are complete, we’ll reach out to all applicants to let them know the outcome. If you’re selected, we’ll share next steps, meeting details, and what to expect as a Youth Advisory Council member. If you’re not selected this time, it does not mean you weren’t a strong applicant. We have limited spaces, and we’ll share other ways to stay involved with BBBSPY where possible.

I understand that submitting this application form does not guarantee me a spot on the Youth Advisory Council and that additional steps will be required in the selection process.(Required)