City council approved the second phase of the Airdrie Youth Strategy designed to empower, involve, educate and value young people in the community, June 6.
“People under the age of 24 comprise 37 per cent of Airdrie’s population; that is a huge percentage,” said Robbie White, community developer with the City.
“We often hear about the negative behaviours of youth because young people don’t feel connected or that they have ownership of their community. It’s about creating relationships.”
In 2009, City council approved the Airdrie Youth Strategy to involve young people as active partners in the community. One of the main successes of the Strategy has been the transition of the Hijinx Youth Council to an advocacy and engagement group.
White hopes to implement a more inclusive youth outreach program, which will include a mayor’s challenge where young people will be able to submit ideas on projects or initiatives, they feel would improve the community.
Hijinx Youth Council would review all submissions and City council would have the final say on the winning selection.
“The Youth Strategy is based around the idea that Airdrie’s young people are passionate about their community and have ideas and opinions that many adults would not think of,” said White.
The new phase will also include volunteering and employment opportunities, a City Hall 101 program and internship, and the continuation of Youth Week, the Leader of Tomorrow Award and the YES Award. The research for the new phase involved a list of questions to local youth including: What is Airdrie to you, where do you see Airdrie in 10 years and what would you do if you were mayor?
“What the youth are saying, the concerns they have and what they see for the future of Airdrie, are the same as us as adults. They are very intelligent,” said Alderman Glenda Alexander.
White said some of the main improvements youth suggested included planting more trees, more parks and pathways, more commercial services and shopping.
“The kids aren’t far off with planting more trees,” said Alderman Kelly Hegg.
“In 2009, you planted the seed and now you’ve watered it and it is growing. Some branches are not working and you prune them off. I’m looking forward to seeing how the tree grows.”
The Youth Strategy will be rolled out during the next two years.
