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 12–18 from anywhere in Canada are invited to apply.
Priority will be given to equity-deserving youth, including:
No previous experience is needed — just a passion for creating change.
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.”
Members of our Young Canadians Parliament were honoured to join a special #NationalChildDay event in the @sencanada today to promote the rights of 8 million children & youth in 🇨🇦
Thanks @senmoodie @kimpateonthehill @jenna.sudds & Senators Marin, Greenwood & Burey for hosting them!
They were also glad to meet @michelleferrerimp @leah_gazan @elizabethemay & many other Parliamentarians who share a commitment to stand up for kids!
#everychildeveryright
#nationalchildday
#childrenfirst
#childrights
On #NationalChildDay we are inviting children & youth to join us in claiming their rights!
Create handprints that describe the right you want to claim & share them on social media using:
#EveryChildEveryRight
#NationalChildDay
We will be delivering them to PM @justinpjtrudeau and inviting all Members of Parliament to protect the rights of children in Canada!
Our #NationalChildDay celebrations are taking place all day long!
Our founder & CEO @saralaustin kicked off our events welcoming 38,000 students who are tuning in from coast to coast to coast!
We are thrilled that Ainara Allenye @ainarasbookshelf hosting our events!
We are honoured to hear from many special guests and speakers, including:
@jenna.sudds
@telus
@raffi_music
@jessicavauthor
@humanrights.ca
@amnestycanada
@calgarylibrary
We are also thrilled to hear from young leaders and changemakers including members of the Young Canadians’ Parliament and Youth Advisory Council, and the students at the LunchLab in Vancouver and the Early Years Centre at @macewanu
Join us! 🔗nationalchildday.org
#EveryChildEveryRight#
A HUGE thanks to our sponsors, donors and partners for making #nationalchildday possible!
@telus
@cdn.heritage
@sickkidstoronto
@cheohospital
@iwkhealth
The Muttart Foundation
There are 8 million kids in 🇨🇦 and they all have something in common - their rights!
Check out these amazing videos 🎬created by children and youth to promote their rights to childhood!
www.canada.ca/nationalchildday
#NationalChildDay
#EveryChildEveryRight
A huge thanks to our sponsors, donors and partners for making our #NationalChildDay events possible, and thanks to the 38,000 students across Canada who joined us today!
#EveryChildEveryRight
@telus
@govcanhealth
@sickkidsnews
@CHEO
The Muttart Foundation
@ainarasbookshelf
@CMHR_News
@raffifoundation
@amnestynow
The Orenda Society
Jessica Vitalis, Author of Coyote Queen
Aujourd'hui, c'est la #JournéeNationale de l'Enfant !
Soyez à l'écoute des événements spéciaux qui se déroulent toute la journée pour célébrer les droits de 8 millions d'enfants au Canada!
Allez sur https://nationalchildday.org/ pour nos événements en direct pour les enfants et les jeunes de tous âges + ceux qui s'en occupent.
#ChaqueEnfantChaqueDroit
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.
