• Stouffville’s Youth Advisory Working Group (YAWG) will kick off its Youth Movie Nights series this Friday, March 7.
  • Open to younger residents in Grades 7-12, a free screening of Godzilla vs. Kong will start at 8 p.m. at 19 on the Park.
  • Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and no registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks.
  • Additional movie nights will be held on Friday, April 11, and Saturday, May 3.
  • YAWG was initiated by Council last year to give younger residents a direct voice in shaping local initiatives.
  • The group has 11 members, representing two elementary schools and five high schools, and meets monthly at the Stouffville Leisure Centre.

 

Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Youth Advisory Working Group (YAWG) was established following a February 2024 resolution from Mayor Iain Lovatt. His motion noted that the Town lacked a formal process for younger residents to provide input on local initiatives. The creation of YAWG gives youth a direct role in shaping and expanding opportunities within the municipality.

YAWG members must be Stouffville residents in Grades 7 through 12. Terms align with the school calendar, running from September through June. The group has held five meetings so far, convening monthly at the Stouffville Leisure Centre.

Eleven members currently serve on YAWG, though the group allows up to 12. They represent two elementary schools and five high schools serving Stouffville students. Town Staff manage and chair meetings for now, but there are hopes to transition to a youth-led format in the group’s second term.

Tailored to local high school students, YAWG’s first social initiative launched drop-in study sessions for this year’s winter exam season.

This Friday marks the start of YAWG’s Youth Movie Nights series, offering Stouffville students in Grades 7-12 a free theatre experience at 19 on the Park. Godzilla vs. Kong will screen at 8 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks.

Additional movie nights are scheduled for Friday, April 11, and Saturday, May 3. No registration is required, and details—including movie selections—are posted on the Town’s website ahead of each event.

Looking ahead, YAWG is helping organize activities for Youth Week, which takes place May 1-7. Inspired by member ideas and proposals, the week is expected to feature a Board Game Café, a youth talent show, and swimming, skating, and crafting events.

During Council’s discussion of Lovatt’s motion last year, Councillor Sue Sherban highlighted another possible benefit of YAWG: providing participants with a window into municipal governance. She noted that the group could give youth a more direct voice in local decision-making.

As dictated by the group’s 2024 Terms of Reference, YAWG’s primary focus is on recreation and social events. However, its mandate allows members “to work with various departments across the Town to provide advice and input on issues of concern to youth.”

“The Working Group shall act as an advocate to provide new ideas and views to Staff with respect to youth programs, initiatives, plans, and strategic direction…within the Town, and evaluate and promote current initiatives,” the Terms of Reference adds.

The group has already taken advantage of related education opportunities through engagement with the Town’s communications and planning departments. As members gain insight through these discussions, they will be able to offer more youth-centred feedback on municipal projects and services.

For young residents interested in joining YAWG, the Town’s application process will reopen ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

Cover image by Alex Litvin on Unsplash