The program is now running on a seasonal basis with Spring and Fall programming. See below for the details of the upcoming Fall program and sign up today to join.
This program delivers an immersive training experience for youth aged 14 – 29, equipping them with the tools and community support to become effective leaders in the climate movement. Through interactive sessions, hands-on volunteering, and direct activism, participants will leverage their unique strengths to drive real-world change.
Beyond strategy and advocacy, the program directly tackles climate anxiety and burnout giving youth the practical, psychological tools needed to sustain any form of activism. Across 13 intensive sessions, participants will move from isolation to impact, mastering healthy, solutions-focused collective action built for lifelong activism.
Want to know more? Read the reflections from our 2026 spring cohort.
Key Details
Program Dates: September 14th 2026 – November 16th 2026
Time Commitment: Around 20hrs including 10 core sessions & various optional volunteer opportunities
Receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.
Not sure yet? Attend our introductory session to find out more. RSVP here.
Core Engagement Schedule
Monday, September 14 2026 | | 1 Hour | 4 – 5 PM
Meet & Greet: Introductory Session
In-person session to meet the program participants, run through questions about the upcoming program
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Monday, 21 September 2026 | 1 Hour | 4 – 5 PM
Workshop: Know Your Power
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Thursday, September 24 2026 | 1 Hour | 4 – 5 PM
Workshop: Municipal Elections 101
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Monday, September 28 2026 | 1.5 Hours | 4 – 5.30 PM
Workshop: Power of Questions & Conversation
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Thursday, October 1 2026 | 2 Hours | 6 – 8 PM
Event: All Candidates Meeting
Maury Young Arts Centre
Monday, October 5 2026 | 1 Hour | 4 – 5 PM
Workshop: Event Planning 101
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Monday, October 12 2026 | 1.5 Hours | 4 – 5.30 PM
Collaboration: Event Development
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Thursday, October 29 2026 | 1 Hour | 4 – 5 PM
Collaboration: Event Preparation
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Friday November 13 2026 | 2 Hours | 6 – 8 PM
Event: Youth Led & Attended
Location TBA
Monday November 16 2026 | 1 Hour | 5 – 6 PM
Session: Reflection & Evaluation
AWARE Office, 1011 Cheakamus Lake Rd, Whistler, BC V8E 0S6
Total Commitment: 13 Hours
Additional Engagement Schedule
These additional opportunities have a more limited capacity and will be allocated on first-come first-served basis. We encourage participants to participate in at least two of the below opportunities.
Tuesday, September 22 2026 | 1.5 Hours | 6 – 7.30 PM
Community Crew
Join members of the GROW program and other gardening enthusiasts to take on a project at the community gardens
Cheakamus Community Gardens
Saturday, October 3 2026 | 3.5 Hours Slots | 10 AM – 4.30 PM
Circular Economy: Repair Café
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our first Circular Economy month Repair Café
Whistler Public Library
Thursday, October 8 2026 | 2 Hours | 6 – 8 PM
Green Drinks
Attend our monthly green drinks, join climate conscious folks from Squamish to Pemberton to chat climate action, build connections, and meet like minded people
Whistler Racket Club
Tuesday October 13 2026 | 4 Hours | 4.30 – 8.30 PM
Circular Economy: Clothing Swap
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our Earth Week Clothing Swap, it’s all hands on deck welcoming guests, weighing and sorting clothes as well as pack in and pack out
Nita Lake Lodge, Nita Room
Sunday, October 18 2026 | 3 Hour Slots | 7 AM – 3 PM
Circular Economy: Community Garage Sale
Be a part of one of Whistler’s iconic events – the Creekside garage sale! Help guide sellers to their spot, do some traffic control, and coordinate what can be sold or donated
Creekside Underground Parking
Thursday, October 29 2026 | 2.5 Hours | 4 – 6.30 PM
Circular Economy: Repair Café
Volunteer for on the day support and running of our second Fall Repair Café
Whistler Public Library
The Young Voices, Big Impact Program is made possible through generous support of our partners GFL and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW).
