The SDG Accelerator Program is a national initiative for youth aged 12–18 who want to make a difference in their communities while helping Canada achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This free program equips young people with the knowledge, skills, mentorship, and funding needed to design and launch community projects that support Canada’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Through a combination of virtual and in-person workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning, participants will explore the 17 SDGs and take action by developing youth-led initiatives that create meaningful change.
Youth aged 12 to 18 from anywhere in Canada are invited to apply.
We especially encourage applications from youth who identify as part of equity-deserving communities, including but not limited to:
Check out the 2023-2024 youth report HERE!
Are you ready to turn your ideas into action and create real change in your community? The SDG Accelerator is more than a program. It’s a national call to action for youth to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.
Apply by June 6!
“We have arrived at the place in time where the rights of children matter now more than ever. We are seeing a paradigm shift across the world in regards to the elevation of the voices of young people…”
“I believe that standing up for what is right is the most valuable thing you can do with your life. As humans, we have a moral obligation to make the world a better place than it was before we came along, and I believe that it is my responsibility to stand up.”
Our YCP program has 5-star reviews from our alumni!
Learn to take action on issues YOU care about by joining YCP today!
You can register using the link in our bio!
#ChildrenFirst #childrights #cdnpoli #8millionstrong #youngcanadiansparliament #ycp2023 #youthvoicesmatter #jointheconversation
Words have the power to shape minds, and reading gives us access to a world of wisdom. This International Literacy Day, we're empowering our children through the magic of books. Join us in fostering a love of reading. #ChildrenFirst #InternationalLiteracyDay #ReadingIsPower
Are you under 18 and eager to build a better Canada for kids?
Join our next cohort of the Young Canadians’ Parliament and work with young leaders from coast to coast to coast to build a better Canada!
#ChildrenFirst #childrights #cdnpoli #8millionstrong #youngcanadiansparliament #YCP
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Avez-vous moins de 18 ans et désirez-vous bâtir un Canada meilleur pour les enfants?
Joignez-vous à notre prochaine cohorte du Parlement des jeunes Canadiens et travaillez avec de jeunes leaders d’un océan à l’autre pour bâtir un Canada meilleur !
#droitsdesenfants #cdnpoli #8millionstrong #jeunesparlementcanadiens #PJC
As kids head #BackToSchool 📚✏️🚌 you may be hearing the news about our #RaisingCanada report on the state of the nation’s children.
It’s making headlines in national and local news 📢
The report highlights the top 10 threats to childhood and calls on our Prime Minister and Premiers to take urgent action to improve children’s mental and physical health.
Spoiler alert ‼️ #thekidsarenotalright
As a parent, you may be wondering what this means for your child and what you can do to make life better for them and for their peers.
Our founder and CEO @saralaustin has a message for you!
Check out the 3 simple daily practices recommended @lby @drshimikang and learn how you can speak up for kids and help them speak up for themselves!
We all have the power to make life better for the kids we know and love 💕 and for all 8 million kids in Canada 🇨🇦
Will you join us?
#childrenfirst
#raisingcanada
#kidsofcanada
#mentalhealth
#righttoplay
#childrights
#8millionrising
#8millionstrong
🚨The #RaisingCanada 2023 report is now available! 🚨
As kids head #backtoschool, the #RaisingCanada report couldn't be timelier. The report sounds the alarm on the state of the nation’s children, shedding light on the top 10 threats to childhood.
Among the key findings:
- 1/2 of Canadian youth experienced depression during the pandemic
- Rates of violence, poverty and racism have increased significantly
- Food insecurity among young people increased by 29%.
Climate change 🌎 is a persistent threat in 2023 due to rising rates of climate-related illnesses, deaths, and massive disruptions caused by wildfires and floods.
And for the first time, the report identifies technology misuse as an emerging and cross-cutting threat 📲.
Let's stand together and demand action.
It’s time for the Government of Canada and every province/territory to put #ChildrenFirst
Dive into the report to learn more about the challenges facing children and how we can make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up!
Read more about the top 10 threats by using the link in our bio!
🎒🍎✏️The pencils are sharpened, the notebooks are new, and our hearts are full of anticipation. A brand new academic year is here! Wishing everyone a spectacular journey of discovery, filled with new friendships, inspiring lessons, and unforgettable moments. Let's make this a #SchoolYearToRemember! So, what are your goals this year? Drop them in the comments below! #ChildrenFirst #SchoolYearBegins #WelcomeBack #BacktoSchool
Simi Sahota
YCP Participant
Rae Steeves
Climate Justice Activist and member of the Young Canadians’ Parliament
YCP Participant
“I enjoyed meeting new people from across Canada, I enjoyed learning to facilitate and how technology worked. I loved speaking up to parliamentarians and having them listen. I really enjoyed meeting people with the same attitude and energy about changing the world.”
LEARN from other young activists, BUILD a campaign, PITCH your campaign. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hone your advocacy skills and make a difference!
Do you want to speak up about the issues that matter most to your generation? Join the Young Canadians’ Parliament! Registration closes September 9. Apply now
Systemic racism prevents Black children in Canada from reaching their full potential. In her latest blog, CFC's founder and CEO, Sara Austin, explains why racism must be eradicated in order to achieve our vision of making Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up.
Want to learn what they are?
Check out this poster to find out!
If you want to learn more about your rights and access helpful resources, click “GO!” now.
We’ve put together a whole run-down about the YCP!
The Young Canadians’ Parliament (YCP) is led by Children First Canada’s Youth Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Council. It is built from a rights-based approach, and one of the central tenets involves teaching children their rights and supporting their participation in decisions that affect their lives. The YCP is open to children and youth in Canada under the age of 18, and involves participants that represent the rich diversity of Canadian society. This project has been made possible in part by the Canadian Red Cross, Government of Canada, Gail O’Brien, TELUS, IG Wealth Management, and #RisingYouth, a program of TakingITGlobal. Special thanks to our partner, Wisdom2Action.
