A group of youth will now have huge input into where Coast Capital grants are given.
Coast Capital is creating Young Community Council, all 30 years and younger, who will review grant applications and make funding recommendations on youth issues that need the most support in their communities.
The council consists of four representatives from the local community and four Coast Capital employees.
The Fraser Valley Young Leaders Community Council follows a successful pilot Council launched in Victoria in early December 2011. To date, the Vancouver Island Council has approved $220,000 in grants to 18 Island organizations 鈥� much of it aimed at supporting youth-focused programs and services.
鈥淲e were all selected because we care about what鈥檚 happening in our communities,鈥� said David Dryden, Chair of the new Fraser Valley Council. 鈥淐oast Capital Savings is entrusting us with a huge responsibility by giving us a say in what programs and services to fund in order to do the most good for the most people.鈥�
The Young Leaders Community Council will meet quarterly. Emerging young leaders in the local community and at Coast Capital competed with their peers to be selected for a prestigious term on the Council.
鈥淐oast Capital鈥檚 Community Leadership Strategy is aimed at building a richer future for youth in our communities,鈥� said Maureen Young, Coast Capital鈥檚 manager for community partnerships and investments.
鈥淲ho better to decide what young people need than community-minded young leaders? Ultimately, this initiative is about giving back to our communities, but it鈥檚 also about realizing the leadership potential of our youth.鈥�
Young said Coast Capital is also launching a similar council for the Metro Vancouver region.
