Turning passion into public impact

In an era where the voices of young people are necessary for shaping a more equitable future, a recent event in Caledon, Ontario, provided a powerful example of how to bridge the gap between youthful passion and tangible public impact.

On February 3^rd, 2026, Women Focus Canada (WFC), a Black-led and women-led nonprofit, in partnership with the Town of Caledon, hosted its Youth Civic Engagement Program (YCEP). The event, themed “Turning Passion into Public Impact,” was designed as a direct conduit for young people into the world of civic action.

The program brought together about forty young people aged 15 to 29, including a significant number of newcomers, Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth, and community members in-person and virtually for a day of immersive learning and networking. It featured a keynote address from Caledon Mayor Annette Groves and insights from Dr. Oluremi Adewale, the Founder and CEO of Women Focus Canada, along with: Prince Wole Adebayo, Commissioner Domenica D’Amico, Commissioner Judith D’Souza, Christiana Oluwatobi Fashola, and Dr. Anadi Jangra. The event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to visit the Town Council chambers, offering a rare, unmediated view into the mechanics of local governance.

Mayor Groves, in her remarks, emphasized that youth engagement is fundamental to the community’s future. She explained that creating direct access for young people to participate in decision-making is about fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their community. “I strongly support youth civic engagement, because you are our future,” Mayor Groves stated, highlighting her administration’s commitment by establishing a Youth Advisory Council in Caledon.

This initiative ensures that young residents have a formal platform to influence municipal policy, moving their involvement beyond a single event to a sustained and respected role in governance. Mayor Groves further emphasized the importance of young people seeing leaders as human beings who have faced their own struggles, rather than distant figures who have had an easy path. She believes that sharing these stories of challenge and perseverance gives hope to youth who may feel overwhelmed by their own obstacles, showing them that success is possible even when the road is difficult.

Dr. Oluremi Adewale, whose organization spearheaded the program, articulated the unique philosophy behind YCEP. She described it as an initiative that treats civic engagement as a “lived experience.” Dr. Adewale noted that many young people are deeply passionate about justice and community well-being, but often lack the pathways to channel that energy into effective action. “YCEP is about closing that gap,” she explained. The program intentionally reaches out to youth who are often excluded from civic spaces by partnering with grassroots organizations and offering a hybrid attendance model to remove barriers to access. The goal, Dr. Adewale shared, is to build confidence and help youth understand that their voices not only matter but are essential.

The core message of the day was one of true empowerment and resilience. Mayor Groves offered poignant advice to the young attendees, encouraging them to be bold and to persevere through the inevitable challenges of public life. She shared a personal metaphor of having gravel in the shoe, representing the small but persistent obstacles one faces on the path to creating change. “Those challenges,” she reflected, “It’s really what shaped me to be where I am today.” This sentiment of turning adversity into opportunity resonated deeply with the event’s theme and everyone in the room.

From a community health and development perspective, programs like YCEP are vital and fundamental. Civic engagement is a critical social determinant of health. When young people, particularly those from marginalized communities, are empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives, it cultivates more equitable, responsive, and resilient communities. By investing in youth leadership, we are preparing the leaders of tomorrow, while also building healthier societies today.

The event in Caledon was a powerful reminder that the journey from passion to public impact is a path that must be intentionally built and supported. It demonstrated that with the right opportunities and mentorship, young people are more than ready to lead the way in shaping a better future for all.

Contributor Note

Ika Washington is a community health specialist, doctoral student in health, and a health and social development consultant with expertise in socioeconomic determinants of health, public policy, and community engagement.