Our purpose is to lead in providing meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to our community.

Some History

JoAnne James, producer of the Calgary International Children's Festival, came back from a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, with an exciting idea to build a child friendly city. While Edinburgh's initiative was focused on tourism, the original concept of a Child Friendly Calgary organization was that of developing diverse opportunities for children and youth to get involved - and have a voice in their communities.

Penny Hume became Child Friendly Calgary's first executive director in 1992, and still runs the charitable, non-profit today. Penny stands on the firm belief that young people who are contributing members of society will become adults who have a sense of ownership to their community.

In 2001, Child Friendly Calgary changed its name to Child and Youth Friendly Calgary to let the community know our organization is about giving all young people - children and youth - the opportunity to get involved.

Child and Youth Friendly Calgary (CYFC) is a worldwide recognized authority for including youth in community. The child and youth friendly city concept is spreading. CYFC has assisted many cities around the world in developing their own youth-inclusive initiatives, modeled after our programs.

The Need

Youth in modern society are undervalued and should be asked to take on more responsibility. They need to be included in all aspects of community life.

Through various youth initiatives we provide the opportunity for youth to volunteer, serve on boards of directors, voice their opinions to business leaders and politicians, learn about diversity of their community, serve on a youth foundation and learn citizenship.

Our Goals

"To lead in providing meaningful opportunities for youth to contribute to our community."

Child and Youth Friendly Calgary accomplishes its purpose with innovative programs and outstanding commitment to the community. Achieving CYFC's goals will mean:

• Creating opportunities for children and youth to participate, volunteer, practice philanthropy
• Raising the self-esteem in Calgary's children and youth by encouraging them to understand they have infinite capacity for growth and achievement.
• Enabling youth to be more active and productive citizens by encouraging the charitable and non-profit sectors to welcome youth as volunteers.