When it comes to creating a healthier future for young people, Planet Youth Calgary is proving that real change starts with listening directly to youth and strengthening the web of community connections around them.
In this episode of Hope in Action, United Way Campaign Co-Chair Linda Olsen sits down with Allysha Nolasco, a passionate youth advocate and active voice within Planet Youth Calgary. Together, they dive into the power of youth leadership and how elevating young people’s perspectives is reshaping Calgary into a brighter, more connected city.
Rooted in the internationally, proven Icelandic Prevention Model, Planet Youth Calgary takes an upstream, evidence-based approach to supporting positive mental health and preventing substance use. Through community collaboration, rich data insights and a focus on what helps youth thrive, the initiative boosts the protective factors in every young person’s life—from family stability, supportive schools, positive peer networks, leisure and recreation opportunities and strong community ties.
“I think it’s so important for youth to be involved in the community more because they don’t really realize that they have such a big impact into the future we’re bringing in.” – Allysha Nolasco on why it’s so important to get involved with Planet Youth Calgary and United Way.
Planet Youth Calgary is a collaborative initiative led by United Way of Calgary and Area, working in partnership with the University of Calgary Mathison Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and our delivery partners Miskanawah, Trellis Society and the YMCA to ensure young people have every opportunity to thrive. The program works closely with local school districts and brings together research, community insight and policy partners to reduce substance use among youth and strengthen the many factors that shape their well-being. The result is a powerful community-wide effort that helps young people build a healthier, brighter future.
Your support helps ensure programs like Planet Youth Calgary continue empowering young people to build healthier, more hopeful futures, starting right here in our city.
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