Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.
Most leaders aren’t born, they’re made. Through hard work, determination, trial and error, and, quite often, by mirroring the leadership qualities of others, great leaders have learned to take charge with confidence and grace.
Read more:
- 8 Tips to Teach Your Teen How to Lead
- Adolescence and self confidence
- 6 powerful lessons we need to teach our kids to instill confidence
Youth Leadership Begins With Practice
As children transition into and through adolescence, they need to practice skills that will teach them how to exercise positive influence over themselves and others. These skills do not come naturally to many children because they have not been in situations where leadership skills are easily developed. In fact, to become comfortable as a leader, it is helpful to learn and practice new skills in a safe, nurturing environment. Learn more.
Youth leadership skills include:
- Decision-making
- Goal setting
- Problem-solving
- Relationship-building
- Communicating
- Listening
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
Places to learn leadership skills
YMCA Youth Leader Corps with YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford. Leadership Development Program, Flamborough YMCA Friday night between 5:30pm – 7:15pm (ages 10-18). Learn leadership skills, team work and how to get involved in community service.
YMCA Leaders Corps is a values based leadership program that helps you begin to develop skills that you will use your entire life. Training sessions, games, activities and initiatives get you ready for future volunteer and employment opportunities. Registration is required.
For more information and to register please call the Flamborough YMCA at 905-690-3555
The Hamilton Civic Leadership Program offers engaging and participatory sessions designed to deepen critical understanding of democracy, civic engagement, civic inclusion, and community organizing skills that can be used to develop leadership skills and promote civic inclusion and engagement among all youth.
Special attention is given to Black, Indigenous, Trans, and Non-Binary youth in Hamilton and surrounding areas.
With the City of Hamilton’s Youth Strategy, you can join a HamOntYouth Steering Committee. The committees allow youth to share their opinion, learn and have fun in collaboration with city staff in making Hamilton a youth-friendly city and planning community initiatives. If you are 14-29 years old, you are welcome to participate. And there are no minimum attendance requirements to maintain membership!
The City of Hamilton’s Advanced Leadership Programs are open pathways to careers in community and aquatic recreation. They provide a practical and hands-on approach to help you build skills and apply exiting knowledge to coaching, lifeguard and aquatic lifesaving and first aid positions.
The Net Youth Engagement Program from Ancaster Community Services is a youth-led program that aims to help young people connect, learn and engage in their community. Your young person can join the Net Youth Team advisory group to plan/ develop special events and volunteer opportunities for all youth in Ancaster.
Supporting youth in areas of leadership and community engagement among many other, the Xperience Annex collaborates with education and employment providers to help you achieve your goals. They provide a safe, confidential space where you can seek guidance on problem-solving, time management and self-esteem building.
You can connect with the Xperience Annex both virtually and in person at the Hamilton Central Library.
