We’re so excited to launch the 2025 Data in Action Report! This is a list of the top 6 actions for change that youth want to see in Waterloo Region, and what we’re doing as a community to advance that action.
On the Data in Action web page, you can click on each of the 6 actions to learn more about how we got there and what the community is doing to advance that action. You can also see a longer list of 40 actions youth chose before they prioritized and narrowed it down to the top 6.
Top 6 Actions: Data in Action
01
Expand public transportation routes to include small towns and suburban neighbourhoods, improving access for underserved areas and connecting to nearby communities.
02
Increase access to family physicians to reduce emergency room overuse and wait times.
03
Increase accountability of school staff to address bullying concerns raised by students (like homophobia, racism, ableism, sexism and sexual harassment, etc.) Establish consistent complaint processes, zero-tolerance policies, and ensure youth know the consequences of such behaviours.
04
Invest in long-term housing solutions by increasing safe spaces for youth and adults experiencing homelessness, building more affordable homes, and increasing funding for supportive housing services.
05
Involve youth directly in decisions that affect them. Create more spaces and opportunities for intergenerational discussion between youth and adults/elders. Use these as opportunities to build relationships but also engage in conversation about issues that impact youth and the broader community, and how youth and adults can take meaningful action together. Adults in these spaces should be mindful of how to meaningfully engage with youth, and share power.
06
Provide more or easier access to resources for immigrant parents restarting their lives in Canada.
Youth Impact Survey Cycle
From Data to Action
Data in Action is part of the 4th and final step of the Youth Impact Survey cycle. Here are the four parts:
- Surveying: survey prep, survey is live
- Sharing the data: organizing data, publishing 10 data reports
- Action plan: Sense Making Sessions, youth recommend actions
- Action: Data in Action Report, implementing actions in the community, and the Youth Impact Project
The next Youth Impact Survey will start in 2026.