Civic Engagement

Extending beyond community initiatives, engaging with public institutions, policymakers, and international platforms to contribute to discussions on youth development, public safety, and community issues.

Youth Council

Alysha serves as Chair of the Markham-Thornhill Member of Parliament’s Constituency Youth Council (CYC), contributing to discussions on youth engagement, public policy, and community development through civic participation and collaborative initiatives.

CYC Inaugural Meeting with MP

Youth Representation · Civic Discussion · Community Participation

The Constituency Youth Council held its inaugural meeting with a Member of Parliament to begin the year’s work. During the meeting, council members discussed community priorities, youth engagement, and goals for the year ahead.

As Chair of the council, Alysha contributed to discussions alongside fellow members.The meeting established a foundation for ongoing collaboration and youth participation within the constituency.

Community Event: Skate & Hot Chocolate Gathering

Community Outreach · Family Engagement · Youth Participation

We participated in a community skating event organized by the Member of Parliament in constituency, engaging with local families in a welcoming and inclusive setting.

As Chair of the Constituency Youth Council, Alysha assisted with event coordination alongside fellow youth members, including distributing New Year red envelopes, candies, and hot chocolate to children and families.

Despite the cold weather, the event was well attended, reflecting strong community participation. The event fostered a festive atmosphere and strengthened connections across different age groups.

Community New Year Event

Community Engagement · Hosted by MP · Youth Council Participation

We participated in a community New Year event hosted by the Member of Parliament, engaging with local residents in a welcoming community setting.

As Chair of CYC, Alysha contributed to the event by introducing youth council initiatives through conversations with community members and local representatives.

The event reflected strong community participation and community connection across the constituency.

Senior Residence Visits

Intergenerational Connection · Community Inclusion · Youth Participation

Alysha led members of the Constituency Youth Council in visiting senior residences within the constituency, sharing New Year’s greetings on behalf of local youth.

During the visits, we spent time with residents and created opportunities for meaningful inter-generational connection.

The initiative strengthened relationships across age groups and encouraged a sense of inclusion within the community.

Engaging in national and international platforms, including the United Nations and government conferences, our initiatives amplify youth voices through speeches, dialogue, and contributions to discussions on sustainable development and community impact.

Community Voices for Canada’s Voluntary National Review (VNR)

Listen. Connect. Engage. Act

J.A. Children’s Public Foundation works to strengthen community connections and build more inclusive, connected, and resilient communities through community-led activities and engagement.

Through intergenerational programs, youth leadership initiatives, community events, educational activities, and civic engagement, JACPF creates opportunities for seniors, youth, families, and other community members to connect, participate, contribute, and learn from one another.

As part of this work, JACPF conducted community surveys and conversations to better understand how these activities are strengthening community connections, what challenges community members continue to experience, and what additional support and opportunities they would like to see.

The perspectives gathered through these consultations help guide our ongoing community work and provide community-based experiences, priorities, and recommendations that can contribute to Canada’s 2027 Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Together | Ensemble Conference Canada

SDG Engagement · Youth Leadership · Community Impact

Delivered a presentation

Photo with Conference Delegates

Group Photo with Conference Delegates

Representing the Foundation, Alysha delivered a presentation at the Together | Ensemble Conference Canada, sharing experiences from youth-led community initiatives and discussing connections between local action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference brought together organizations and community leaders from across Canada to explore collaboration, sustainability, and social impact.

United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF)

SDGs · Global Engagement · Youth Leadership

HLPF General debate

HLPF Conference

Youth Delegates

Representing the Foundation, Alysha participated in the 2026 United Nations HLPF in New York, the UN's central platform for reviewing progress on the SDGs.

The forum brought together government representatives, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, and youth leaders from around the world to discuss sustainable development challenges and opportunities.

Participation in HLPF provided an opportunity to connect local community experiences with global conversations on civic engagement, inclusion, and sustainable development.

HLPF Canadian Delegation Reception

SDGs · Canadian Delegation · Youth Leadership

With a Member of Parliament

Good wishes from Canadian Cabinet Minister

Youth Delegates

Representing the Foundation, Alysha invited to attend the 2026 HLPF Canadian Delegation Reception in New York, bringing together members of the Canadian delegation, youth representatives, community leaders, and others engaged in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum.

The reception provided an opportunity to connect with participants working across different areas of sustainable development and to exchange perspectives on youth participation, civic engagement, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Participation in the reception offered a broader perspective on how local community experiences can contribute to national and global conversations on sustainable development, inclusion, and youth leadership.

Cities that Work for People: Connecting Social Policy and Infrastructure for Resilient Communities

HLPF Side Event · Social Policy · Infrastructure · Resilient Communities

Side Event

With Canadian Cabinet Minister

With a Canadian Mayor

With a German Mayor

Alysha participated in this HLPF side event, hosted by Canada in partnership with Peru and Germany, which explored how social policy and infrastructure can work together to help build more inclusive and resilient communities.

The discussion highlighted the importance of connecting community needs with public policy and affordable housing to create cities that better serve their residents. The discussion explored how cities can promote well-being, expand access to affordable housing, and advance the SDGs.

Participation in this side event offered a deeper understanding of how community leaders tackle important issues and build partnerships for more creative thinking.

Engagement at the UN ECOSOC Partnership Forum

United Nations · New York · Sustainable Development · Global Partnerships

Conference session

ECOSOC President speaking

With President of the ECOSOC

With delegate from another country

We participated in the ECOSOC Partnership Forum at the United Nations, engaging in discussions on sustainable development, cross-sector collaboration, and the role of partnerships in advancing global priorities.

Through conversations with stakeholders from government, civil society, and youth organizations, the experience highlighted how local initiatives can contribute to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration and community engagement.

Election Campaign Participation

Civic Participation · Community Outreach · Volunteer Service

Representing J.A. Children's Public Foundation and as Miss Teenager York Region, Alysha participated in community outreach during the election, engaging with residents and encouraging civic participation.
The experience highlighted the importance of informed voting, community involvement, and youth participation in Canada's democratic process.

Youth Engagement at the Crime Prevention Town Hall

Youth Edition · Hosted by MP · In partnership with York Regional Police · Civic Education Forum

Group photo with the MP and police

Receiving a certificate from the MP

Instrumental performance

Our organization mobilized over 100 youth to participate in the 4th Crime Prevention Town Hall, a civic initiative co-hosted by a Member of Parliament and the York Regional Police. The forum addressed key issues affecting young people, including internet safety, bullying, and responsible social media use.

As part of the program, our youth members contributed to the opening ceremony by performing the national anthem, representing unity, respect, and active civic participation. More importantly, participants engaged directly with policymakers, law enforcement, and community leaders in dialogue on youth safety and prevention strategies.

Through this initiative, youth moved beyond participation to meaningful civic engagement, strengthening their awareness of public safety, responsibility, and their role in shaping community outcomes.

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