Youth Advisory Committee
About the Youth Advisory Committee
We believe in the importance of incorporating young people into all aspects of our organization, which is why we formed our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The YAC is made up of young people from across Toronto, with lived experience of the services we provide. They meet regularly to advise on all aspects of our organization, from our marketing material, our programs/services, our policies, to how we engage with our community. The YAC is also quite involved in delivering various community services of their own, on behalf of Youth Rising Above; including fundraising initiatives, program design and outreach, research and more!
Who Serves on the YAC?
Six youth, ages 16-24 years old, who reflect the communities/youth we serve, and have not used YRA services for at least six months. Youth complete an application and screening process, and attend an orientation session in order to serve on the committee.
How Long do YAC Members Serve on the Committee?
Youth are expected to serve for a 1 year commitment, meeting monthly either through in-person or phone meetings.
How are YAC Members Recognized?
Youth photos and blurbs are listed on our website as an integral part of our team. Youth are also provided with valuable training, experience, supports and supervision, and a letter of reference upon successful completion of their term. The training and experience youth members will receive will be valuable for professions in project management; community development; program design; fundraising; marketing, and more! Youth will also receive a $150 honourarium at the end of their term, along with transit tokens to get to and from meetings.
Interested in Supporting our Youth Advisory Committee?
The cost to operate YRA’s Youth Advisory Committee on an annual basis is supported entirely by donations from the general public. These donations cover the cost of food, transit tokens, supplies and participation honouraria for each youth. If you're interested in supporting our Youth Advisory Committee through a financial donation, click the button below to learn more! Thanks for your anticipated support!
Youth Advisory Committee
Ragaave Kannan
Simarpreet Kaur Parihar
Ragaave Kannan
Co-Chair
Raagave has an academic background in health studies and humanities. She has professional experience in health promotion, intake, and program support. She is interested in pursuing a career in social work to empower marginalized communities and increase accessibility to mental health and social services. She joined the youth advi
Co-Chair
Raagave has an academic background in health studies and humanities. She has professional experience in health promotion, intake, and program support. She is interested in pursuing a career in social work to empower marginalized communities and increase accessibility to mental health and social services. She joined the youth advisory committee to gain experience in youth engagement and peer support.
Michelle Lai
Simarpreet Kaur Parihar
Ragaave Kannan
Co-Chair
Hi everyone! My name is Michelle, and I am an incoming student at the University of Toronto. My hobbies include doing art, reading, biking, and volunteering. Having always loved helping others and hearing other people’s stories, community service was a big part of my high school career, and I am excited to continue volunteering in
Co-Chair
Hi everyone! My name is Michelle, and I am an incoming student at the University of Toronto. My hobbies include doing art, reading, biking, and volunteering. Having always loved helping others and hearing other people’s stories, community service was a big part of my high school career, and I am excited to continue volunteering in the future. Personally, I believe that everyone can benefit from having a community who supports them in achieving their goals, which is why I chose to volunteer with Youth Rising Above. To me, it is extremely meaningful to help another person overcome their barriers, and realize that the people around them are rooting for them too—this is something that being on the council will allow me to do."
Simarpreet Kaur Parihar
Simarpreet Kaur Parihar
Simarpreet Kaur Parihar
Member
I believe that working towards empowering youth and creating platforms for them to follow their passion is what drove me to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. I've been involved with various youth organizations both locally and internationally, such as United Nations (UN) India and Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sci
Member
I believe that working towards empowering youth and creating platforms for them to follow their passion is what drove me to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. I've been involved with various youth organizations both locally and internationally, such as United Nations (UN) India and Association Internationale des Étudiants en Science Économique at Commerciales (AIESEC). “Flourish, fly and achieve high" is what I believe in; this motto has also motivated me to to start a youth leadership podcast that highlights various youth voices and initiatives.
Manvi (May) N.
Manvi (May) N.
Manvi (May) N.
Member
Manvi (May) N. is a feminist, an activist, and practices individual advocacy. She is pursuing her career in business/data analysis. She digs baking, painting, and hiking. May is actively committed to volunteering for underprivileged kids, individuals with disabilities, and animal shelters from the age of 15 in Australia, Sri Lanka,
Member
Manvi (May) N. is a feminist, an activist, and practices individual advocacy. She is pursuing her career in business/data analysis. She digs baking, painting, and hiking. May is actively committed to volunteering for underprivileged kids, individuals with disabilities, and animal shelters from the age of 15 in Australia, Sri Lanka, India, and Canada. She recognizes the social contact aspect of nourishing and cooperating with others and its profound effect on ones' overall psychological well-being. She stands by and promotes eudaimonia, and is motivated and seeks to understand more about the mental health community by being a part of Voicing Mental health podcast.
Emily Schimp
Manvi (May) N.
Manvi (May) N.
Member
Emily Schimp is an artist and poet working out of Toronto, ON. She is an Alumna of the OCAD University Drawing & Painting program (2018) with a minor in Creative Writing. Her practice is a journey of healing while living with mental illness. Dissecting the effects of anxiety and depression, Schimp transforms them into large bodies o
Member
Emily Schimp is an artist and poet working out of Toronto, ON. She is an Alumna of the OCAD University Drawing & Painting program (2018) with a minor in Creative Writing. Her practice is a journey of healing while living with mental illness. Dissecting the effects of anxiety and depression, Schimp transforms them into large bodies of work, focusing on colour and shape which usually manifest as abandoned landscape scenes. She enjoys titling her paintings with accompanying poetry & prose. Emily has developed and taught a 6-week Creative Writing program for Harbourfront Centre volunteers and staff. As well as helping the YMCA Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program publishing a colouring book to disperse at seniors' homes in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Emily would like to continue creating space for accessible arts programs and public art to communities which may not have proper resources or funding. She hopes to continue to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those living with mental illness and to continue to build creative spaces in the rapidly expanding city of Toronto.
Gamile King
Manvi (May) N.
Gamile King
Member
Gamile's experience and background comes from various environments, including healthcare, customer service (within the automotive transportation field) and education as a student. Gamile has an intrinsic passion and desire to serve youth across the city. He believes that every youth should have the opportunity to excel, through the
Member
Gamile's experience and background comes from various environments, including healthcare, customer service (within the automotive transportation field) and education as a student. Gamile has an intrinsic passion and desire to serve youth across the city. He believes that every youth should have the opportunity to excel, through the support and encouragement of others in their community. Gamile is committed to supporting youth organizations develop opportunities for young people that help them grow and thrive.
Donate to our $5,000 end-of-year Bridge the Gap Campaign
Youth Rising Above needs your support to keep offering essential youth development programs! We're working to raise $5,000 by the end of 2024 to continue providing inclusive, relationship-based opportunities that foster wellness, leadership, and skill development. Every dollar makes a difference, and we're running out of time!
Donate today and be part of our mission! You're contribution isn't just life-changing for youth - it's also tax-deductible.
Let's bridge the gap together! Your support will help us stay strong in the year ahead.
Spread the word, and donate to empower tomorrow's leaders!