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The City of Richmond is introducing a youth civic engagement program this spring.

Photo by Chung Chow

McRoberts student leads youth into civic engagement

By Don Fennell

Published 1:06 PST, Tue February 25, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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The future of local government is in the hands of youth, and this spring they’ll have the chance to share their foresight.

Beginning in April, Richmond will introduce the Youth Civic Engagement Program. Growing out of a delegation of local students, led by Annie Lai, it will provide a free registered education-to-action opportunity for youth aged 15 to 23 to participate in three civic affairs courses in 2020.

“I initially wanted to start this program after I attended the youth parliament session,” says Lai, in Grade 12 at Hugh McRoberts Secondary. “I realized that there was potential for interest in civic engagement and politics. I have spent the last two years leading a youth-focused non-profit organization, so I have had the chance to chat with students across the district.”

During the eight-week Youth Civic Engagement Program, up to 12 youth will learn about local government, how city decisions are made, and have the opportunity to co-design projects that spark their interest and present to a mock council.

“The city sees this as an opportunity to do more than just encourage youth to understand local government and how it impacts their community,” says Clay Adams, director of communications for the City of Richmond. “It is hopefully an opportunity to build interest in municipal affairs and develop a future generation of engaged citizens.”

Lai says city staff did a “fantastic job” of taking a holistic view of the program, ensuring all aspects of the original presentation last June by a delegation of students—led by Lai—were addressed. But rather than initiate a youth city council as requested, city council instead approved the creation of the Youth Civic Engagement Program, a part of which will be a mock council session.

“I believe that youth are going to enjoy the hands-on experience while gaining knowledge about local government and procedure,” Lai says. “The Youth Civic Engagement Program offers a platform for youth to debate about issues they really care about, such as climate change. Nowadays, we can see that so many students are getting involved in affairs that they are passionate about, and this program will support them in their journeys as change-makers. I believe that youth provide a different perspective on municipal affairs and that this insight is valuable to city councillors. At the end of the program, students are required to create a final proposal to present to council. My hope is that this offers council an opportunity to connect with youth more often and take into consideration our opinions.”

Lai says she is personally looking forward to learning just as much as everyone else.

“I love to debate and listen to different peoples opinions and perspectives, and it is always valuable to understand the basis of politics,” she explains. “My goal in my involvement in this program is to gain a better understanding of what a city councillor does and help spread awareness about the importance of civic engagement to others. I am unsure about seeking office anytime in the near future, but it is definitely a possibility. I like to keep my options open so that I can explore different interests.”