The Metro Vancouver Youth and Education Advisory Panel (YEAP) provides input, advice, and ideas for Metro Vancouver to take into consideration as we plan for the region’s future. The panel is one way we engage, educate, involve, and empower youth.
YEAP members provide perspectives to Metro Vancouver staff on programs, projects, policies, and emergent topics of relevance to youth, and which might not be heard through typical engagement sessions. Participation in YEAP is voluntary over a two-year term (with optional two-year extension), and the panel includes six representatives from three sectors:
- High school (youth ages 13 – 18)
- Post-secondary (youth ages 18 – 25)
- K-12 educators
YEAP meets four times a year at Metro Vancouver’s head office or a relevant facility/site. Meetings are crafted to follow the Lundy Model of Child Participation, a model developed to meet Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (governments should ensure that children’s rights are respected, specifically the right to have their view given due weight).
- Space: Youth must be given the opportunity to express a view
- Voice: Youth must be facilitated to express their views
- Audience: The view must be listened to
- Influence: The view must be acted upon, as appropriate
The tone of meetings is informal, equitable, collaborative, and participatory. Panel members are invited to review information, pose questions, engage in discussion, provide comments, and present recommendations. Topics for engagement with the panel include but are not limited to the liquid waste management plan, the solid waste management plan, the drinking water management plan, water conservation initiatives, Climate 2050, air quality programs, regional planning policies, regional parks programs, and the development and delivery of sustainability education programming and resources for K-12 students and teachers.