Why Help?

"You can't have a healthy society or a healthy economy if you don't tackle them together…citizen led organizations and citizen engagement can move mountains."

—David Pecaut
Civic Leader & Strategist,
Former member, United Way Toronto Board of Trustees

• See more photos of Youth United in action.

You can make a difference in your city—here's how

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I'm just one person, what can I do to make a difference in my city—why should I even try?"

This question stops a lot of young people from reaching out and taking action in their community. No one person can solve a community's problems on his or her own, but united we can make a real difference.

That's what United Way Toronto and Youth United are all about.

The community you live in belongs to you. You have a right to voice your opinion and with that comes the responsibility to effect positive change in your community. By signing up to become a Youth United Ambassador, you're saying that you care about your community—that you're willing to work toward making it a better place for all the people who live in it. By being a leader, you can show other teens at your high school and in your community that it is possible to effect change. It is possible to make this city a better place for us all.

To become a Youth United Ambassador, apply today by contacting Yishey Choden at YChoden@uwgt.org or call 416-777-1444, ext. 546. No experience is necessary (but it does help) and you have to be between the ages of 14 and 17.

Plus, don't forget that by becoming a Youth United Ambassador, you'll be contributing to the forty hours of community service you need to graduate high school. The position looks pretty great on a university or job application, too.

Help United Way Toronto work to advance the common good

By supporting United Way Toronto as a Youth United Ambassador, you'll be making a positive difference in your community. As a community, what unites us is ultimately more powerful than what divides us. By taking part, you'll be helping build a better future for all.

You're not too young to get involved. Toronto is your city, too. Making it a place where neighbourhoods are healthy and vibrant, where young people have every opportunity at success, is up to you.

We need you to help us work at the forefront of change to address root causes of problems. We need you to show other teens that it takes a community working together to change social conditions.

This is your opportunity to start effecting real change. Show courage. Take the lead. Do your part for your city. Become a Youth United Ambassador and mobilize youth in your community—you'll be helping United Way Toronto make this city a better place to live.