ERCA Wants to Connect Youth and Conservation

If you're between the ages 13 and 30 and looking to be part of a dynamic group of youth who want to affect change in the environment, then the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) wants to hear from you.

"Through 2010 and 2011, ERCA worked with a team from Leadership Windsor-Essex to survey more than 500 youth aged 13 – 30 to measure their awareness of existing ERCA projects and programs, and their willingness to and interest in further engaging in conservation initiatives," explained Richard Wyma, ERCA General Manager. "In order to be involved and active in protecting their environment, young people felt that they needed to believe that their actions were making a difference to their local environment."

From this broad survey, a Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) was developed with a focus on the themes of leadership, opportunity and inclusion. It was further recommended that in order to better connect with youth, a steering committee comprised of mostly youth be formed.

"Being a member of our YES Team is a great opportunity!" Wyma enthuses. "It will give youth a chance to influence conservation efforts, and to interact with like-minded youth from around the region. Upon the completion of a one-year commitment, we may be able to provide reference letters for scholarships and university applications. Secondary Schools may also allow time with the YES Team to count towards the volunteer hours that are required for graduation."

The members of our Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) Team will meet quarterly to aid the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) in mobilizing other young people in the region to assist with exciting environmental improvement projects such as tree plantings, stream cleanups, seed collections and other special events. ERCA also hopes to call on team members to act as in an advisory capacity to help shape future conservation efforts.

"We're looking for candidates from around the Essex Region," he adds. "We want to know what youth feel are the most important environmental issues in our community." To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.