VOLUNTEER POSITION

Role: Youth Advisory Council Member
Organization: the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Location: anywhere in Canada

Volunteer Opportunity: Youth Advisory Council Members
Term: July 2024-June 2025

The Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC) is seeking young leaders to join our 2024-25 Youth Advisory Council (YAC). An exciting volunteer opportunity for anyone who aspires to make a positive difference for people, animals, and the environment by joining our globally recognized organization. The YAC brings together a group of dedicated and enthusiastic youth to help shape the programmatic direction of JGIC’s Canada Programs and engage in self-directed and co-designed projects specific to the three intersecting crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental inequity.

As a member of the YAC, you will ensure both the perspectives and lived experiences of youth are at the core of JGIC’s activities and amplified across our networks. Members will develop their leadership and project management skills while connecting with passionate like-minded youth from across Canada, who are working to protect our planet and create a better world for all. Travel, professional development, and other unique opportunities are available for current and alumni YAC members.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Opportunity to lead YAC-wide initiatives that are self-governed amongst YAC members and supported professionally and financially by JGIC;
• Provide strategic guidance and uplift youth voices within our program development through collaboration with JGIC staff;
• Collaborate with other youth leaders who are actively working towards sustainability, climate justice, and reconciliation.
• Possibility of travel within Canada to YAC summits, conferences, and other special events to network with fellow members and engage in experiential learning;
• Access a global JGIC YAC alumni network after your term, to connect and network with other former YAC members.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure youth perspectives are central to JGI Canada's programs, particularly Roots & Shoots but also across all departments;
• Develop ideas for campaigns and resources related to youth engagement with biodiversity loss, climate change, environmental inequity, and anti-racism;
• Review and evaluate A.P.E. (Animals, People, Environment) Fund proposals;
• Provide feedback and youth perspectives to JGIC on the development of new programs, policies, and projects;
• Attend online meetings (once a month) and sub-committee meetings (as needed);
• Participate in capacity building and professional development workshops organized by JGIC (average at least once every quarter);
• Amplify the voices of R&S youth through networking and engaging in youth-centred provincial and national platforms;
• Represent R&S and JGIC at public engagement events as appropriate.

Full Terms of Reference can be found here.

ELIGIBILITY:

• Between the ages of 18-30 years old for the term duration;
• Able to commit to approximately 5-10 hours per month for the entire 12-month term (July 2024 to June 2025);
  • Monthly meetings will be held on a weekday (Tuesday/Wednesday) between 7pm-9pm EDT for 2 hours
  • Mid-way meetings will be held between monthly gatherings for those who cannot attend and to allow for additional project development time as required
  • If you’re interested in an executive committee position or being a project lead, expect to commit additional hours beyond this.
• Passionate about our shared environment, including (but not limited to) issues related to: biodiversity loss, climate change, environmental inequity, anti-racism, wildlife protection, habitat restoration, water/ocean conservation, environmental planning and policy development, environmental justice, sustainable and traditional food systems, ethical space, and decolonization;
• Interested in, and ability to, travel within Canada (not mandatory, all travel costs will be covered by JGIC);
  • Able to travel to Neyaashiinigmiing over the weekend of September 27-29th, 2024 for the in-person planning retreat
• Strong communication skills (oral and written), and the ability to present educational information in an engaging way;
• Demonstrated ability to act as both a leader and team player;
• Relevant lived and/or work experience that would contribute to JGIC’s mission work.

JGI Canada is committed to equity, inclusivity, decolonization, and meaningful youth engagement throughout our work. We encourage youth from all walks of life, including those from underrepresented communities such as BIPOC, living with a disability, and 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position if it interests you. If you require accessibility accommodations to facilitate your involvement in the YAC, please note them in your application or via email to rootsandshoots@janegoodall.ca (subject line: YAC 2024) so we can assist.

To apply, complete the application form and upload a copy of your resume/CV using this link: https://shorturl.at/fguS4

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

If you have any questions about the Youth Advisory Council, Roots and Shoots or JGI Canada, please email us at rootsandshoots@janegoodall.ca .

We thank all applicants for their interest, and will respond with the status of your application by May 15th, 2024. Application deadline: May 3rd, 2024