Mayor’s Youth Council

Amplify youth voices in Calgary by working with like-minded peers to kickstart youth-led initiatives and events.

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Your Voice. 
Your City. 
Real Change.

The Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) brings youth perspectives directly to City Hall. Members work alongside the Mayor and city leaders to explore real issues impacting young people in Calgary. Through four subcommittees—Civic Engagement, Careers & Opportunities, Health & Well-being, and Current Issues—youth collaborate, research, and share ideas that help shape local conversations. It’s leadership in action—right now, not someday.

Why should I join?

  • Work with the Mayor

    Gain insider insight into how municipal government works by working closely with the Mayor and city officials.

  • Make an impact

    See the direct impact of your efforts and discover how you can make a difference in our city.

  • Learn new skills

    Each volunteer project offers an opportunity to build confidence, improve communication, and gain leadership skills.

    What’s the commitment

    Consistency is key

    You’ll meet weekly from October to June, spending about 6 hours a month on meetings and additional project work. 

    What’s it like?

    Weekly check-ins

    Meet with your committee group once a week throughout the school year. 

    Brainstorm

    Work with your committee to identify relevant issues you’d like to tackle. 

    Connect & learn

    Hear from expert guest speakers and meet with the local government council, gaining hands-on experience in local politics. 

    Activate

    Work with your committee to plan events or set up initiatives related to your chosen issue.

    Curious about past initiatives? See our 2025–2026 Report below to learn what the Council worked on last year.

    read the report

    Where is it?

    Most committee work happens at Youth Central’s office, but hybrid sessions mean you can participate online if you can’t be there in person.

    Office location

    Hear it for yourself

    “This whole year has been an amazing experience being in a Youth Central committee. I’ve made so many friends and and gained tons of valuable skills.”

    Aiza, Mayor’s Youth Council Participant

    “The past year with MYC has been nothing short of a wonderful experience.”

    Chelsea, Mayor’s Youth Council Participant

    Get started

    get notified

    Applications are currently closed. Sign up to get updates on the next application cycle. 

    Sign up for updates

    Apply

    Once we notify you, complete our simple written application. 

    Interview

    If you’re selected for an interview, you’ll meet with some legacy committee members and the program coordinator to see if it’s a fit!

    • “I was able to use the experience to get a position at the Canadian Law Review and conduct research in the field of constitutional law.”

      Mayor’s Youth Council Participant

    • “I came out of MYC more confident than I had been before, with a belief that I could do what I set my mind to… I felt so support[ed] and felt like I was making a difference in my community”

      Mayor’s Youth Council Participant

    • “I loved the sense of community, the council accepted me with open arms. I loved the diversity of opportunities I was granted, allowing me to explore a variety of initiatives.”

      Mayor’s Youth Council Participant

    FAQ

    Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on the next application cycle.

    You submit a written application, then staff and current committee members carefully review it, as well as ward representation, age, grade, school, and additional community involvement. 

    *We do our best to form a council with diverse representation from youth across Calgary who are passionate about making Calgary an even better place to live.

    Members are expected to commit about 6 hours per month. 

    That includes:

    • Additional tasks or project work outside of meeting times—the time commitment varies depending on the projects you’re working on
    • Subcommittee meetings (once a week after school, about an hour)
    • Full council meetings (about every two months) where we all come together, hear from guest speakers, meet with the Mayor, and share updates on our work

    Check out other programs

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    Applications open every fall

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