Advocacy in Action
Legal Education & Empowerment for Two-Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender-Diverse Youth
Table of Contents
Overview
The laws governing gender-diverse youth in Alberta have been rapidly changing. It can be difficult for youth and their supporters to navigate today’s complex and shifting legal environment.
PolicyWise for Children & Families and the Queer & Trans Health Collective are meeting this need with our Advocacy in Action project. Together, we are developing these resources and opportunities for gender-diverse youth.
Later in 2026, we will host workshops for Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and other gender-diverse youth to share their experiences and learn about navigating everyday legal issues, like finding a job, accessing healthcare, and responding to discrimination.
In 2027, we will host a Youth Legal Forum. This forum will bring young people together to connect, share experiences, and build confidence in dealing with legal situations.
All this work will be youth-engaged and grounded in community guidance, lived experience, and meaningful collaboration.
Advocacy in Action Youth Advisory Group
Before we can organize opportunities or create any resources, we need to hear from gender-diverse youth. We are starting a Youth Advisory Group to ensure this project reflects the real priorities, needs, and experiences of these youth.
Members of the Advisory Group will:
- Make sure project tools and activities are relevant, accessible, and youth-centred
- Share their insights into the legal issues gender-diverse youth face and identify gaps or emerging needs
- Help with recruitment for the workshops and Youth Legal Forum
Who We're Looking For
The Advisory Group will have about five members who:
- Are between 14 and 24 years old
- Identify as Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse
- Live anywhere in Alberta
- Have an interest in advocacy, human rights, community leadership, or making systems more inclusive
Ideally, Advisory Group members will bring lived experience navigating everyday situations with legal implications. These can include things like:
- Going to school
- Finding employment
- Participating in sports or community programs
- Accessing healthcare
- Changing their name or gender marker
What Participation Involves
The Youth Advisory Group will run from February 2026 to October 2027. Members will meet about once every three months, for a total of six meetings. All members will be invited to the legal workshops in 2026 and the Youth Advocacy Forum in 2027.
Meetings will take place online and outside typical school and work hours, like weekday evenings. During these meetings, members will:
- Review materials
- Share lived experiences or observations
- Co-develop ideas
- Shape events
- Offer feedback on project components
Youth members will receive a $50 honorarium per meeting, up to $300, upon completion of their participation. The honorarium will be given as Gift of Choice gift cards, which members can redeem at a variety of retailers.
If youth miss a meeting, they will still have a chance to provide their feedback and receive the honorarium.
Accessibility and Support
We are committed to creating an inclusive, affirming, and safe space for gender-diverse youth. Meeting supports will include:
- Easy-to-read materials and flexible participation options
- Co-developed group agreements
- Remote participation, with cameras off, if preferred
- A youth-centred approach that recognizes diverse experiences, comfort levels, and energy
What Youth Will Gain
By joining our Youth Advisory Group, gender-diverse youth will gain:
- Leadership experience and skills in advocacy, legal literacy, and civic engagement
- Opportunities to shape resources and events that will support youth across Alberta
- Volunteer experience that can be included in resumes, job applications, or school portfolios
- Connection with other gender-diverse youth who care about community change
How to Apply or Express Interest
Youth can apply through our short online form or by contacting PolicyWise.
We will review applications as they come in until all the spots are filled and we have members representing diverse experiences.
Recruitment closes on February 10, 2026.
- Apply here: Application Form
- Or contact: info@policywise.com
Project Team
Dr. Jennifer Medlock, PhD, Director of Research
Rachel Carr, MSc, Manager – Strategic Initiatives
Jonah Elke, MSc, Senior Associate, Research & Advocacy
Falynn Bilyk, MPH, Research & Policy Associate
Project Partners
We are proud to be collaborating on the Advocacy in Action project with the Queer & Trans Health Collective.
This project is funded by the Alberta Law Foundation.
