mandate/vision

MANDATE 

Since 1991, the Environmental Youth Alliance (EYA) has acted as a catalyst for youth led and centered sustainability programs in Vancouver and in 15 countries internationally. Through these initiatives, we have gained expertise in the implementation of community driven projects with a mission to engage youth in the inner city and recognize youth as assets and leaders in building healthy communities.

VISION

Our vision is to build community and environmental health through an understanding of our connection with our social and physical environment. We promote this vision through skill building projects that motivate youth to respond creatively in reconciling social and economic needs with the environmental imperative. We espouse life-long learning by developing new approaches to education, employment, and community development. Our current priority activities in urban agriculture and greening, green business and technology, and youth capacity building supports and educates thousands of people every year in sustainability issues central to urban living.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

We provide a direct benefit and community asset that responds to a growing need in the city for food and environmental education and for this, have gained a deep respect for our commitment and work in the sector. EYA has won local, provincial, and national awards, demonstrating support for what we do. We are recognized as a leading agency in youth engagement through environmental education and community grassroots action projects. At EYA, youth are central to defining what the community challenges are and how to address them with support through an extensive mentorship program and peer-to-peer teamwork. This act of 'defining and implementing' has profound effects on youth confidence, self- esteem, and skill development, which result in youth engagement in their world.