Changing the World, One Youth Forum at a Time

by Marium Oishee

We’ve all probably heard the saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world” at one point or another in our lives. And while there’s some healthy debate as to how Mahatma Gandhi truly phrased those words, the sentiment remains the same.

And on the note of implementing positive change, the City of St. John’s wants to hear from the changemakers who are paving the way to a better world.

Over the past few years, the City has increased youth-focused engagement initiatives, with periodic youth forums being one of the key offerings.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the City’s Youth Engagement Working Group (YEWG) hosted its first forum for fall, with over 40 residents, aged 18 – 30, in attendance. Participants had the opportunity to meet with members of Council, along with representatives from Metrobus and relevant government offices, to voice their concerns and share feedback on the city’s transport services, sustainability initiatives and economic development strategies. The discussions in this forum, along with digital surveys conducted at Engage St. John’s, enable active youth engagement in civic matters by assisting in the decision-making process for city officials.

“Youth play an important role in the current and future economic prosperity of St. John’s,” said Councillor Jill Bruce, Council lead on youth. “Their perspectives are being considered in our decision-making and we want to ensure we are offering them equal opportunity to have a say in our community.”

As a representative on the City’s Youth Engagement Working Group, I must echo the statement of the crucial role we as youth play in ensuring and driving the prosperity of this city. Thus, I invite you, on behalf of the City and the working group behind the scenes, to join us for the next offering of our youth forums.

The final event for this year is scheduled for November 29 and will be hosted virtually. A second event is scheduled for January 26. These events are designed to be brainstorming sessions to identify areas of growth, improvement and change.