03 Oct Youth Central Alumni Make their Mark
Youth volunteers are more important than ever. Young people are answering the calls to action in their communities, and are stepping up to make a difference. Youth Central welcomes this enthusiasm and has many different pathways to help youth find their passion, and develop their skills and understanding.
But what happens when our youth volunteers age out of our programming? Where do they go and what do they take with them?
Azaad Gill and Alex Stevenson, were active Youth Central volunteers while they were in high school and they recently became amazing alumni. Saying yes to volunteering gave them each meaningful experiences and friendships. But one of the underrated things about getting involved as a youth, is the connections it can lead to as an adult.
Alex and Azaad were both interviewed for a recent episode of Canadaland’s The Backbench podcast with Mattea Roach. They spoke candidly about youth and apathy, and the assumptions that often go with it.
Check out the episode here:
Read more about Azaad and Alex’s volunteer journeys and where they are now as alumni below.
Azaad’s Journey
Azaad wanted to help others and get more connected to his community. He joined Youth Central’s Mayor’s Youth Council, which is a group of youth who meet with Calgary’s Mayor to provide insight and amplify youth voice on current local issues. Azaad enjoyed working with like minded peers to ensure that youth voices were heard on local policies.
Azaad also volunteered with the Youth of Distinction Awards program at Youth Central, where he found a calling. Not only did he learn about promotion and awards selection, but he played a crucial role in creating an engaging online ceremony when the pandemic hit, weeks before our award ceremony. Azaad had incredible empathy while recognizing others, and yet was hilarious and charismatic as our first virtual ceremony emcee.
Where is he now?
After his time at Youth Central, Azaad began his studies in Political Science at the University of Western Ontario. He is currently pursuing a dual degree with an Honours in Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business. He says “I loved my experience on YODA so much that I continued working in recognition. I now manage a scholarship fund and sit on various award committees at the University of Western Ontario.” When he is not doing school work, extracurriculars or looking for a summer internship, Azaad spends his time trying new recipes, gaming, and making memories with friends.
Alex’s Impact
Alex was a remarkable volunteer who continues to passionately advocate for social change. The Mayor’s Youth Council not only provided a platform for Alex to express her opinions but also encouraged her to contribute actively to the decision-making processes that affect the youth. Through her participation, Alex realized the importance of youth representation in decision-making and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of his peers were heard. Her dedication and hard work earned him the respect of his fellow council members and the wider community.
Alex is currently studying History and Political Economics at King’s College in London England.
It’s amazing what youth can do when given the chance to make their mark. We are grateful to Canadaland for reaching out to engage young people in important conversations. And we are so proud of Alex and Azaad for sharing their experiences and knowledge, and most importantly, for inspiring youth to take action.