In March, we released the Equity Design Thinking (EDT) Recommendation Report. Then, the EDT Task Group completed their work by prioritizing the 29 actions presented in the report into a shortened list of five actions:
- “The CYPT has embraced youth-led opportunities and is in a position to build greater access to the system through knowledge mobilization in this area” (Cheryl Pereira’s talk at the 2025 CYPT Conference.)
- “The CYPT can demonstrate power sharing and youth leadership by initiating youth voting power” (this work will move forward in 2026.)
- “Promote and provide avenues for youth decision making around local funding” (Youth Impact Project.)
- “Supporting local equity focused changemakers in person and online” (Clarence Cachagee’s talk at the 2025 CYPT Conference.)
- “Model the change it wishes to see in the community through an ask for a robust equity commitment from membership” (this work is moving forward in 2026.)
In addition to these five prioritized actions, in 2025 CYPT has moved forward three additional actions of the 29 recommended in the report:
- “The CYPT should continue to push for equity changes to public transportation including free universal access” (CYPT Free Transit Ridership Group, Transit pilot.)
- “The CYPT can take a stand, stepping up against harmful and hate-enticing movements” (Supporting the CSWP’s Anti-Hate Working Group.)
- “The CYPT could be actively doing research and knowledge mobilization on the needs of children in our region in balance to its Youth Impact Survey” (Child Voice Project.)
In January 2026, Kamil Ahmed (Community Justice Initiatives) joined us a consultant to move forward the action “Model the change it wishes to see in the community through an ask for a robust equity commitment from membership.” Kamil has led conversations with the CYPT Steering Committee, Voting Member Organizations, and staff. Our next step is to present the plan to all CYPT members, so stay tuned!
We will continue to keep members updated as work for the Equity Design Thinking Project advances. For updates, subscribe to the CYPT monthly e-mail bulletin.