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Youth Advisory Committee of the Board

Program Description: 

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a small group of committed volunteers who review, advise and make recommendations to the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Board of Directors about issues of importance to young people living in the GTA. It provides young leaders aged 21-30 years old an opportunity to engage in the governance of a charity. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. For over 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. 

Y Join:

  1. Opportunity to give voice to issues that concern young people in the GTA.
  2. Network with other young leaders, YMCA senior staff and Board members.
  3. Develop important employability skills such as leadership, governance, fundraising, communications, etc. 
  4. Access to personal or professional development opportunities.
  5. Participate in community events with senior staff and Board members.
  6. Some YAC members have gone on to join the YMCA Board, other charities’ boards and advisory groups and travelled nationally and internationally on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
  7. Each year, YAC develops a work plan. Some examples of what YAC has done in the past include:
  • Creating the Behind the Y Podcast (research and interviews with YMCA and industry experts on a range of topics including mental health, housing and harm reduction)
  • Supporting fundraising efforts (2024 YMCA Charity 5K + 2025), and hosting their own (2025 Aquafit for Youth fundraiser for newcomer youth programs)
  • Conducting research to advise the YMCA of Greater Toronto Board of Directors (on topics such as the future of AI, advocating for childcare and DEIB) 

  • Support the 2026 World YMCA World Council

Location: 

This is a hybrid role which requires at least monthly travel to a YMCA of Greater Toronto Centre and regular virtual meetings.

Major Duties (may include):

  • Attend monthly meetings, up to bi-annual Board Retreats, and annual YAC Retreat;
  • Gather research and insights on the needs/wants/experiences of young people in the GTA, acting as advocates as the Association continues to serve as many young people as possible in the best possible way;
  • Provide strategic advice to the Board of Directors based on research or insights gathered and from the perspective and lived experience of young people living in the GTA, whether they have or have not participated in YMCA programs and services;
  • Represent and advocate for the YMCA of Greater Toronto at international, national, provincial, and local forums as well as community events;
  • Develop and host programming or events.

Time Commitment:

  • Approx. eight to ten meetings in a year, 1st or 2nd Monday of the month from 5-8 pm. A schedule of in-person and online meetings will be provided.
  • Eight to ten hours of work between meetings to complete individual initiatives or sub-group projects. This may include visiting YMCA youth program sites, working with a small team on sub-group projects or attending a community event.
  • Attendance at select, scheduled YMCA GTA Board of Director meetings. A schedule of dates, times and locations will be provided.  
  • Attendance at all-day, yearly Board Retreats: YAC Retreat (date below) and up to two YMCA of Greater Board of Directors Retreats (usually June and December). 
  • Must be available to attend the YAC Retreat on Sunday, April 12th, 2025 (location TBC but most likely downtown Toronto). 
  • Position duration: Minimum of 2 years.

Committee Member Attributes:

  • Age Range: 21 to 30 years of age.
  • Volunteer Experience: Other volunteer experience within the community or non-profit organizations. 
  • Leadership: Able to demonstrate leadership abilities learned in other roles at school, work, or other volunteer experiences.
  • Governance & Learning: Interest in learning about governance of a large charity; life-long learner at heart.
  • Community Connection: Have a relationship to and/or lived experience with specific populations of young people in the GTA (particularly Indigenous communities and equity-deserving groups).
  • Critical & Strategic Thinking: Able to think critically and strategically about issues that youth in the GTA care about.
  • Teamwork: Enjoy working with peers and in groups.
  • Passion & Alignment: Passion for YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Mission and personal alignment with YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
  • People Skills: We value emotional intelligence, open-mindedness, compassion, cultural sensitivity, inclusiveness, and civic awareness.
  • Diversity Champion: Commitment to the YMCA’s DEIB mission to reduce gaps in access for communities facing discrimination and promote equitable opportunities for everyone is essential, through the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-colonialism, and anti-racism. 

All youth between the ages of 19-29 are welcome to apply. We especially welcome applicants who are between the ages of 19-22, are Indigenous and/or racialized, have a disability and/or are differently-abled, and who are 2S/LGBTQIA+.

Committee Member Skills: 

In light of upcoming vacancies, we're especially keen to bring on individuals who can contribute their knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:

  • Program participant, volunteer or employee of the YMCA. Please note that current employees of the YMCA GTA are not eligible to apply as YAC is a Committee of the Board of Directors. 
  • Residing in neighborhoods served by the YMCA GTA.

Accessibility: 

The Youth Advisory Committee is an accessible space. As a group, we aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome participation from all individuals and will work to address any perceived barriers to participation to ensure a diverse representation of the youth GTA community. Physical accommodation can be made if required.

How to Apply: 

If you feel like you are an individual who demonstrates the qualities and experience described in this profile, please complete this form with your resume attached by March 13th, 2026. 

For any questions, please contact yacchair@ymcagta.org. We are committed to an environment that is barrier-free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.