Youth Leadership Network
A national community of youth leaders
The Youth Leadership Network brings together young people from across Canada who are living with rheumatic disease and want to make a difference. Through connection, collaboration, and advocacy, youth in this network help raise awareness, shape programs, and share their lived experiences to improve care and understanding.
It’s an opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with peers who understand your journey, and contribute to a growing national community.
What the Youth Leadership Network Offers
Members of the Youth Leadership Network participate in activities that build confidence, leadership, and communication skills while contributing to meaningful change.
Examples include:
- Participating in youth advisory discussions
- Speaking at events or webinars
- Sharing lived experience to support research and awareness
- Connecting with other youth leaders across Canada
- Contributing ideas that shape Cassie + Friends programs
Each opportunity is designed to help young people develop their voice and leadership in a supportive environment.
Ways Youth Can Get Involved
The Youth Leadership Network gives young people opportunities to build confidence, share their experiences, and contribute to meaningful change. Whether someone wants to speak up, support others, raise awareness, or take part in research, there are flexible ways to get involved.
Become a Future Leader
Build leadership skills, contribute ideas, and help shape youth programs.
Share Your Story
Learn about JIA, Uveitis, related conditions, and how they affect the body.
Join an Event or Run/Walk
Take part in community events that raise awareness and support families.
Participate in Research
Add your voice to research that helps improve care and outcomes.
Youth Awards + Recognition
Celebrate youth making an impact through advocacy, awareness, and community involvement.
Who This Program is For
Youth Leaders
The Youth Leadership Network is open to young people who:
- Are teens living with juvenile arthritis or another rheumatic disease
- Typically aged 14–21
- Want to connect with peers and build leadership experience
- Are interested in sharing their perspective and helping others
Participants can engage in ways that fit their comfort level and availability.
Why Youth Leadership Matters
Young people bring a powerful and important perspective to conversations about health, research, and community support. When youth share their experiences, they help shape programs, improve understanding, and inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Youth Leadership Network exists to make sure youth voices are heard — and valued.
“Talking with my mentor helped me realize I wasn’t the only one going through this.” — Youth participant
How to Get Involved
Getting started is easy
- Submit a mentor request form
- Our team reviews your request and identifies a strong match
- We introduce mentor and mentee and help set up the first conversation
Support Us
Building Confidence for the Future
Leadership doesn’t always mean standing on a stage. Sometimes it begins with simply sharing your story, supporting another young person, or contributing your ideas.
Through the Youth Leadership Network, young people develop confidence, connection, and leadership that can carry forward into school, careers, and community life.
