Second Harvest National Youth Council

Volunteer Centre of Calgary; Remote; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A national food rescue organization is seeking youth leaders aged 18-25 for its Second Harvest National Youth Council. This remote role involves a 6-month commitment, 3 hours per week, working on initiatives addressing food waste and climate change. Youth will engage in research, advocacy, and awareness-building projects, gain mentorship, and receive a $500 honorarium. Ideal candidates are passionate about food systems, have strong communication skills, and can effectively manage tasks.

Benefits

$500 honorarium for participation

Mentorship opportunities

Certificate of completion

Reference letter

Qualifications

• Age range: 18-25 years old.
• Experience in youth leadership roles, community service, or advocacy is an asset.
• Passionate about food waste prevention and its impact on climate.

Responsibilities

• Guide initiatives and project deliverables of the council as President.
• Support the President and facilitate meetings as Vice-President.
• Participate in council activities and support initiatives as a Member-At-Large.

Skills

Youth leadership experience

Excellent communication

Social media engagement

Cultural awareness

Tools

MS Office Suite

Virtual meeting platforms

Job description

Also required for this position: Applications will remain open until November 24, 2025 or until all council positions have been filled. Please complete a Youth Council Application Form and submit an updated resume to apply for this opportunity.

• Work remotely
• Good for youth

Second Harvest National Youth Council

3 hours / week

January 1, 2026 — July 1, 2026

Join our 2026 Second Harvest National Youth Council! In January 2026, Second Harvest will launch its 2nd annual National Youth Council, bringing together passionate young leaders, ages 18 to 25, from across Canada who are committed to tackling food waste. This is your chance to expand your network, access mentorship, and develop vital skills while sharing your unique perspectives on critical issues linking food waste and climate change. Through research, advocacy and awareness building projects, the council will work to engage youth audiences in conversations around food waste reduction. As a member of the council, you’ll inspire action among your peers through research, advocacy and awareness building projects and support Second Harvest in its goal of keeping good food out of landfills.

Who we are: Second Harvest is Canada’s largest food rescue organization and an expert in perishable food recovery. We rescue surplus, unsold food from across the supply chain and redistribute it to not‑for‑profits across the country to feed communities. Demonstrating our values of community, environment, integrity, and collaboration, we strive for No Waste, No Hunger.

Council Positions

• President: With support from the Second Harvest staff lead, the President will guide initiatives and project deliverables of the council and serve as the primary representative for the youth council in Second Harvest’s mission to reduce food waste.
• Vice‑President: The Vice‑President will support the President in leading the council, facilitating meetings, and helping to develop strategies that promote youth engagement in Second Harvest’s initiatives.
• Member‑At‑Large: Members at Large will actively participate in council activities, contribute perspectives on food waste issues and support the development of initiatives that engage youth in Second Harvest’s mission.

Time Commitment

• 6‑month commitment, January–June 2026
• Approximately 3 hours per week
• Attendance at bi‑weekly virtual council meetings and ad‑hoc subcommittee meetings as needed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Age range: 18‑25 years old
• Experience in youth leadership roles, community service, or advocacy is an asset.
• Highly engaged and willing to post about the council’s efforts and Second Harvest’s mission on personal social media (large following on social channels is an asset).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to manage tasks efficiently to ensure completion in a timely manner.
• Proficient computer skills including MS Office Suite, virtual meetings.
• Passionate about food waste prevention and its impact on climate.
• Culturally aware and sensitive, valuing diversity and inclusion in discussions and initiatives.
• Motivated self‑stater who demonstrates initiative and creativity.
• Open‑mind and adaptable, with a willingness to learn and grow.

How to Apply

Please complete a Youth Council Application Form and submit an updated resume to apply for this opportunity.

Please contact [e-mail] for any questions/enquiries. Application window will remain open until November 24, 2025 or until all council positions have been filled.

Second Harvest strongly encourages applications from all individuals, especially those from equity‑deserving groups, including but not limited to racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

Second Harvest is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment and selection process. Please let us know if you require any accommodations.

Benefits of Joining

• $500 honorarium for participation and completion of full council term.
• Opportunities for mentorship and personal development through workshops and trainings.
• Collaborate with industry experts and like‑minded peers passionate about food systems.
• A platform to amplify your voice and influence positive change in food policy and practices.
• Certificate of completion upon cohort term‑end and option to be part of Second Harvest’s Youth Alumni Circle.
• Reference letter.

Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?