About Us.

Engage is a youth-led think tank and leadership institute dedicated to developing stronger, fairer public policy. We combine community-based research, leadership development, and hands-on training to help young people understand civic systems, shape public conversations, and lead meaningful change.

Engage began during a moment when many young people in Ontario were worried about the growing push toward privatized Medicare. We wanted to protect access to affordable, publicly funded healthcare, so we brought together a small team of policy analysts, researchers, communicators, and finance specialists who could help communities respond with clear information and a united voice.

What guided us then still guides us now: real change happens when young people, especially those who’ve been pushed to the margins, have the opportunity to learn, lead, and influence the decisions shaping their lives. That belief has become the foundation of everything we do.

Mission.

Educating civic-minded youth: Engage equips young people with the knowledge, policy literacy, and civic tools needed to participate meaningfully in public life (learn more in our Policy Charter)

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders: We expand youth leadership and agency by providing the training, mentorship, and hands-on experience that help them shape the decisions that affect their communities.

Transforming communities from the bottom up: Together, we advance youth-driven solutions that challenge systemic barriers and build more equitable, sustainable futures.

Issues we work on.

Inspire and equip young people with skills to engage meaningfully in their communities and the political process

The Team.

Our team brings together people with different strengths. Some of us come from policy, others from fundraising, organizing, or public relations, but we all show up with the same goal: to give young people the support and expertise they need to influence the decisions that shape their lives. When we put our skills together, we’re able to help make sure youth voices are not only heard, but reflected in the policies and legislation that move our communities forward.