The Westlock Community Foundation (WCF) is looking for new members to join its Youth in Action Committee.
The Youth in Action Committee is a youth volunteer initiative which encourages community engagement from youth in the Westlock area open to all youth ages 12 to 25. The committee typically as between six and 10 members.
Applications to join the committee must be submitted by Aug. 31.
The committee helps determine which youth-led projects receive funding through the WCF’s Youth in Action grant program by reviewing applications, making funding recommendations, and championing initiatives that benefit local youth and the wider community.
The committee funded two new projects last year including a new shelter at the off-leash dog park and a student well-being initiative at R.F. Staples.
“These initiatives were designed and led by youth, for youth, and addressed real needs in our community.,” said Laurie Hodge, Operations Assistant at the WCF.
The committee helps give youth valuable hands-on volunteer and leadership experience in decision making, teamwork and community engagement.
The committee operates year-round with their busiest times typically being during the fall and winter during the Youth in Action grant cycle.
Applicants to the Youth in Action grant can apply to grants of up to $5,000 for youth-led initiatives which help support the Westlock community. Applications for the Youth in Action Grant are scheduled to open in September.
Last year the youth committee explored what a better community looks like. The things identified by the committee included abundant living (thriving small businesses, cleaning up derelict spaces and affordable housing), connection and belonging (support for culturally diverse communities and safe spaces for youth), recreation (spray park/outdoor pool, trampoline park, track and more competitive sports for older youth), more outdoor activities and greater cultural awareness.
The WCF recently announced more than $200,000 in grants to organizations throughout the Westlock community in July with the largest grant recipients being the Fawcett Senior Centre, Westlock & District Tractor Museum Foundation, Westlock Gators Swim Club and Westlock and District Food Bank who each received grants of $25,000.
