“…Civic engagement is a powerful tool that can help youth, disadvantaged or not, develop a sense of belonging, and it can help revitalize relations between citizens and their society.” Governor General Michäelle Jean

Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders (TYTL) is a non-sectarian leadership program designed to provide all youth with an invaluable opportunity to become involved in their community, and newcomer youth with positive peer relationships and role models.

TYTL is built on the belief that providing immigrant youth with leadership skills that are transferable to all aspects of their lives, and encouraging the use of those skills in volunteer or work placements, is a critical contribution towards the settlement experience.

TYTL engages immigrant and non-immigrant youth in their communities in various ways, from providing volunteer opportunities in organizations, spearheading youth-led community development initiatives, leadership and life skills camps, and in-school leadership training.

Under the Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Leaders umbrella are several programs:

TYTL Leadership and Volunteerism –leadership and life skills training workshop series followed by a volunteer placement with an Ottawa-based organization, agency, or business that works with or provides services to immigrants.
TYTL Leadership March Break Camp –two day camp offered during March Break.

Summer Jobs for Youth Program – through Youth Services Bureau, JFS supports immigrant youth with no work experience in finding a six-week job placement over the summer, and provides basic pre-employment training.

TYTL In-School Leadership Program –on-site leadership/life/coping skills training sessions to immigrant youth who are struggling with school and socialization (as identified by the multicultural counselor on staff); participants are encouraged to take on volunteer positions during the summer, or take part in the SJFY program.

TYTL Youth Advisory Committees Leadership Training – TYTL can support the development of YACs in underserved communities looking to involve youth in the development of relevant youth programs in the community; as well, TYTL offers leadership training (beginner and advanced) to existing YACs.

TYTL is available at no cost to participants and organizations, thanks to funding by Citizenship and Immigration.