Over the past year, members of Ecology Ottawa’s EcoYouth Council have taken part in workshops, discussions, and community events that deepened their understanding of sustainability and local environmental action. The following reflections from two Council members highlight two members’ experiences—how their perspectives evolved, what they learned, and how EcoYouth shaped their future paths in environmental leadership.
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My name is Lily, and I was a part of Ecology Ottawa’s Youth Council from August 2024 to August 2025. I originally applied to be a Youth Council member because I was interested in sustainability—I wanted to explore more opportunities within the field as I approached my senior year of high school.
From a young age, nature always fascinated me, leading me toward environmental science. However, being a part of EcoYouth entirely changed the trajectory of my path. Through the workshops I attended, I learned that there isn’t one necessary path for sustainability. Speaking to my EcoYouth peers in university provided valuable insight into careers and fields I could pursue.
Most importantly, EcoYouth taught me the importance of environmental awareness at a local level. Previously, I focused mostly on global issues, without realizing the many sustainability challenges in our day-to-day lives—for instance, the oversalting of roads causing pollution in waterways that impacts drinking water and wildlife.
EcoYouth also helped me step outside my comfort zone, giving me opportunities like answering elementary students’ questions about environmentalism. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Sustainability Finance Management rather than environmental science. Being part of EcoYouth taught me that there isn’t a single path to sustainability—there are many ways and careers to contribute to it.
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Prior to my involvement with the EcoYouth Council, thinking of the climate crisis was a very disheartening experience. I worried about all the things we could lose—ecosystems collapsing, cities sinking beneath the waves, and much more. It also reminded me of my own loneliness. I wasn’t in touch with other concerned youth, so I felt that nobody my age cared about what was going on.
I wanted to advocate for a sustainable future but couldn’t bear the thought of doing it alone. Slowly, I realized that I couldn’t be the only one who felt this way—there must be others who also felt isolated. The first step to unlocking our potential was to come together.
I applied to the EcoYouth Council last year because I knew it was exactly what I needed to begin my journey. Building strong connections with other Council members helped me overcome those feelings and become emotionally ready to act. On top of meeting peers who shared my passions and concerns, I had the opportunity to learn from experienced activists through workshops, panels, and webinars.
These helped me understand how systemic problems can be addressed through collective action, preparing me for future environmental advocacy. The past year with the EcoYouth Council has been transformative—beyond providing me resources to get involved, it strengthened my determination and hope for the future.