Youth in the Downsview Community Now Have Access to an Incredible Opportunity That Can Amplify Their Voices

BY: FARZANA ROHIT

Youth in the Downsview Community now have access to an incredible opportunity that can amplify their voices. 

Amid a pandemic, Amanpreet Chonkrian decided that there needed to be a platform for youth to voice their concerns related to their city. There needed to be a council for youth in our community, and Amanpreet turned that dream into a reality. 

The City of Toronto Ward 7 Youth Council is dedicated to youth advocacy and our mission is to create meaningful changes within the community. They are based from Ward 7 Councillor Anthony Perruzza’s office. We foster civic engagement by creating leadership opportunities for our youth and help build positive connections, through meetings and community events. 

Within the Youth Council, members are given advice on specific issues and are educated on the political processes. They are given opportunities to work on community initiatives, advocate for meaningful social justice issues, participate in team activities, learn new skills, and meet like-minded individuals! In addition, members engage in meaningful dialogues with other youth around the city and begin to build an understanding of how consensus building and municipal politics work. Our agenda includes deputations, guest speakers, mental health activities, team-building exercises, and so much more. 

The Ward 7 Youth Council has volunteered for important initiatives such as presenting deputations to City Council, running youth advocacy events, and the recent vaccination drives run alongside Black Creek Community Center provide chances to contribute and build connections in meaningful, positive ways. 

The Youth Council also meets with other groups within universities and the community. In doing so, we help youth get hired for jobs and find amazing volunteer opportunities for them. This provides members with the life skills and leadership building they need to become successful in future endeavours.

This Council is not like any other ordinary group. We are like a family who’ve come together to initiate change, and we will see it through. Together we talk about issues that need to be amplified to create that change and together we help educate one another on what can be done. 

The Youth Council has given me a platform to raise awareness on things that I feel need change. I have been mentored and taught skills that have helped me succeed and improve in school and in my other jobs. It has given me a platform and voice to make a change in my community. I have also created meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals that have helped me grow as an individual. It has been an amazing opportunity and experience that I am more than grateful for and that more youth should be a part of!  

If you are interested in joining the Youth Council, contact amanpreet.chonkrian@toronto.ca for more info.