Last updated: January 30, 2024
About YPP
The LEVEL Youth Policy Program (YPP) brings together Indigenous and racialized immigrant and refugee youth from across BC to provide training to shape and advocate for public policy that addresses issues impacting their lives.
KEY DATES
Applications for YPP 2024 are now closed. We look forward to announcing applications opening for the next cohort in due course.
- October 1, 2023: Applications open.
- November 15, 2023: Applications close.
- December 2023/January 2024: Final decisions communicated via email.
- Program begins February 2024
- Policy Presentations: September 26, 2024
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The LEVEL Youth Policy Program will offer you the opportunity to:
- Understand key concepts about public policy
- Understand the different levels of government and learn about Indigenous governance structures
- Identify key public policy issues impacting your communities in British Columbia
- Identify and gain support to work towards influencing public policy and system change
- Understand the different stakeholders involved in public policy
- Engage in a trauma-informed and culturally conscious learning environment enriched by the presence and guidance of elders, mentors and counsellors.
- Draft a policy ask to advance a policy issue that impacts your community as part of your final project
By the end of the program, you will also have a professionally designed and printed policy project portfolio, as well as a strengthened capacity to influence policy change at multiple levels.
SCHEDULE
YPP is a six-month program from February to September except July and August. During those two summer months, you will be working on a final policy project that you will have the opportunity to present to your cohort and community.
In-person modules will take place between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, three days a month. Online modules will take place between 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, four days a month. Optional virtual socials to connect with your peers in the evenings.
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Module 1: Introduction to Public Policy and Each Other (online) – February 14 & 15 and February 21 & 22 2024
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Module 2: Public Policy in BC – (online) – March 13 & 14 and March 20 & 21, 2024
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Module 3: Stakeholder Analysis and Budget Cycles – (online) – April 11 & 12 and April 17 & 18, 2024
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Module 4: Canadian Government and Indigenous Governance – (in person, Victoria, BC) – May 1 & 2 & 3, 2024
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Module 5: Storytelling and New Narratives in Shaping Policy (online) – June 12 & 13 and June 19 & 20, 2024
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Module 6 Prep (online) – September 18 & 19
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Module 6: Reflecting and Moving Forward (in person, Vancouver, BC) – September 25 & 26 & 27, 2024
We hope to deliver YPP as a blend of gathering in-person and online, but the delivery methods and dates of the modules may change depending on public health orders.
If you have any questions, email us at ypp@vancouverfoundation.ca.