Youth Engagement

Youth Perspectives Matter

By Melissa Berkshire Like many young people from rural Newfoundland and Labrador, I moved to “town” after graduating high school. Once my degree from Memorial University was complete, I was fortunate to find a rewarding career in St. John’s and I’ve continued to live and work here since.

Even though I’d been a resident of St. John’s for nearly a decade, I hadn’t given much thought to how I might be able to influence the projects and developments being considered by our City Council or why I should.

In 2019 I saw an open call to join the City’s Youth Engagement Action Team (YEAT) and I was happy to be one of the 15 people, aged 35 and under, selected.

YEAT has been helping the City better understand young people’s experience and perceptions of civic engagement and how to make those opportunities more attractive and accessible.

I was disappointed to learn that young people are the least engaged in our City’s decision-making process, as we have so much to gain by being actively involved. It’s time for youth to step up and change that, and it’s starting!

Recently almost 900 young people completed a survey on youth engagement and the data is being used to make recommendations that can improve the experience of youth involved in City matters.

Without youth input it’s difficult, if not impossible, for City Council to make decisions aligned with what we the youth want to see for the future.

From bike lanes and sidewalk snow clearing to green space and commercial developments, the decisions made by the City often directly impact our lives and our decisions to live here.

It’s important to give feedback. Whether you’ve been living in St. John’s for a few months, a few years, or your whole life, take the time to engage - it’s our town, too!

Melissa lives in downtown St. John’s with her dog, Touton. She is a graduate of Memorial University’s Bachelor of Commerce Program and works in the home and community care sector.

Some ways youth can get involved:

Follow @CityofStJohns on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube) for opportunities to provide input.

Register at engagestjohns.ca to provide input on featured projects. Signing up means you will get notifications about upcoming projects that may impact you.

Sign up for e-updates at stjohns.ca/eupdates and check the calendar of events stjohns.ca/calendar for engagement opportunities.

Follow members of Council on social media (see p.2) as they often share and provide perspective on topics being discussed.

Look for opportunities to put your name forward for a City committee that interests you.