Centre Wellington Youth Council

*Please note the CWYC has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are a committee of empowered youth, future leaders, who are the voice for municipal youth issues and initiatives in Centre Wellington"

The Centre Wellington Youth Council (CWYC) is committed to giving youth in Centre Wellington a voice.  They provide the Mayor and Township staff with timely updates and information on the issues and topics that mean the most to them.  They ensure that youth perspectives, concerns and matters are taken into consideration when municipal decisions are being made.  Their main objectives are:

  • Ensuring Centre Wellington is a youth friendly community
  • Educate youth and encourage them to provide meaningful input and action on local issues and municipal politics
  • Volunteer and plan for events and activities within the community (Earth Day, Infrastructure enhancements to trailways, and more)
  • Be an ambassador for youth in the Township
  • Plan, participate and promote the 2020 Mayor's Golf Tournament
Current CWYC Landscape
Youth Advisor (1)

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for scheduling meetings, agendas and minutes, and on-gong communication with CWYC.  This role ensures that current Township topics/projects are discussed during CWYC meetings so that the voice of our youth is projected on the issues and matters that are important to them.  This role educates youth on Township governance, procedures and policy-making while consulting with other staff, individuals and organizations to address issues of concern and opportunities for youth.

Youth Mentors (3)

The Youth Mentors are responsible for mentoring, engaging, building relationships and encouraging the youth of our community to have a greater interest in the decisions and need for civic engagement in Centre Wellington

CWYC Meetings
6 current youth committee members.  Recruitment is on-going.  11 committee members is ideal!  If you are interested in being a part of this exciting committee, please email us today to find out when upcoming meetings or events are taking place!  
The committee meets twice a month at the CW Community Sportsplex from 7:30-9 p.m.  Meetings are informal so come as you are, bring your friends and ideas, let's build a Centre Wellington that reflects what our youth need.  All youth between the ages of 14-19 are welcome!
Vision Statement
  • We are a committee of empowered youth, future leaders who are the voice for municipal youth issues and initiatives in CW
  • We want youth perspectives, concerns and matters to be taken into consideration when municipal decisions are being made
  • We want Centre Wellington to be a youth friendly community
 Mission Statement
  • CWYC is committed to giving youth in Centre Wellington a voice
  • Educate youth and encourage them to provide meaningful input and action on local issues and municipal politics
  • Provide the Mayor and Township staff with timely updates and information on the issues and topics that matter most to us
 Youth Driven Goals

Goal #1

A Youth Voice
We are role models in the community and a voice for CW youth

  • Mentors have taken the time to visit private schools and high schools to promote the youth council
  • We are ambassadors.  We encourage and promote opportunities on how to get involved in our community.
  • Raise awareness about the issues that youth in CW are facing.
  • Advocate for youth issues by forging partnerships with organizations

Goal # 2

Promote Student Employment & Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer hour opportunities in CW is something our CWYC is passionate about promoting and enhancing
  • Explore options to find a one-stop shop in CW where students can find employment (after school, summers and on weekends)
  • Host a volunteer fair at the sportsplex.  CWYC came up with an idea to hold a fall volunteer fair.  Organizations would be invited to set up displays on opportunities for youth to get their volunteer hours, and potential part time employment.  Invite high school kids to attend the fair to learn more about how they can get involved in their community. 

Goal # 3

Transportation

Getting from Elora to Fergus, vice versa is difficult for students without access to transportation.  Here are a few ideas CWYC has for improving the transportation network:

  • Promote the Ride-Well Program (Wellington County's Rural Transit Service) in the schools, many of the students are not aware of this new initiative
  • Bike Rentals. CWYC will work with the high school who just received a grant for bike sharing, and the Township to work toward a bike friendly community
  • Promote the trail network at the high school, and encourage active transportation methods
  • Continue to support and promote the Transportation Master Plan and it’s findings

Goal # 4

The Environment

CWYC is very committed to doing more to conserve and protect our natural resources.  In short, we strive to live a lifestyle that is better for the environment.  CWYC is working with the Township to improve the environmental impact they have on our community.  Two events will be planned to highlight this;

  • CWDHS trail to the plaza on Tower St.  This trailway has been identified as one that is frequently full of litter and there are no garbage cans available for the students, therefore garbage just gets tossed along the path. The Youth Advisor has met with Township staff and with the assistance of students a trail clean up day will be planned in the spring.  Mulch will clean up the trailway, garbage cans will be added and trees will be planted along the path. 
  • Earth Day.  Earth Day is an event celebrated yearly in April.  This year, CWYC would like to reach out to elementary schools across the Township and create a buddy earth day concept, where members of the CWYC and high school students can set up times to go to the various elementary schools and assist with earth day activities and events.  This will encourage the younger generation to get involved, and an opportunity for high school students to take on a mentorship role by planning and executing these events. 
 Contact
 Questions for CWYC?   Interested in joining?  Reach out now!  

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