At YSB, we value what you say about issues that are important to you. We also look for ways to help you reach your full potential. Our youth engagement programs will help you develop confidence, leadership skills and a strong, independent voice — while educating the community about youth issues.
Spectrum
(2SLGBTQIA+ Community Youth Group)
Looking for a safe, social and fun group where you can chat with 2SLGBTQIA+ people your own age? Do you want to meet new friends, supports and community in a casual space located in Downtown Ottawa? Are you interested in having discussions about sexuality, gender identity, strengths & barriers and your own personal experience? YSB is proud to offer Spectrum, a program for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their allies in Ottawa!
Youth Advisory Committees:
QYAC (Queer Youth Advisory Committee)
This group is striving to empower young queer and trans people to have a strong and active voice within our community.
EYAC (Ethnocultural Youth Advisory Committee)
This group works with community leaders and youth services organizations to ensure that the needs of immigrant youth and their families are met and that their transition to Canadian society goes smoothly.
Learn more
Purple Sisters
This group brings attention to the needs of young women in the community — such as help addressing abuse or inequalities in the workplace, legal and school systems. It makes sure that those needs are not overshadowed by more recent or better publicized issues.
Learn more
Associations:
Youth Tenant Associations:
Youth Tenant Associations are vibrant weekly meetings that run in 3 of YSB’s long-term housing buildings. Tenant Associations create safer communities, promote youth leadership, and support tenants to advocate for the issues and ideas that are central to them. BBQs, seasonal celebrations, art activities, guest speakers, open youth-led discussions, information sessions, and life-skills empower young tenants and improve YSB building communities!
Adult ally: Sumayyah Bunche sbunche@ysb.ca