CATALYST

...with off-site + on-line + supportive network + sustained youth engagement in active transportation ...for any community

Carl is a Gr 10 student. He bikes to school from time to time and over the years he has convinced a few of his friends to do the same. Although he hardly recognizes it, Carl can be a powerful advocate for active transportation.

As a member of the CATALYST network, he'll have one-on-one support from Urbanthinkers. Together with a dozen other teens, he'll share ideas and frustrations as he is assisted in developing an active transport promotion team at his school.

In September 2012 he will meet the other CATALYST leaders face-to-face for the first time at a national conference. Carl will attend sessions, present his early successes and take part in a national Youth Advisory committee. With stronger ties of support, inspiration and confidence, he will return home and continue building his student-led team. As a Gr. 11 student, Carl will mentor new student leaders and begin to inspire other schools across his city.

In 2013 he will again meet the CATALYST leaders at a health/transport conference. Together, they will demonstrate how they have adapted active transportation strategies across a variety of communities. He will be asked to ‘autograph’ the CATALYST Yearbook & Guidebook that conference delegates will be bringing home.

Now ready to begin his last year, Carl will mentor others in his school’s student-led team. More of his time will be spent inspiring new leaders across the region. Like many active school travel student advocates before him, Carl’s enriched skills and confidence in sustainable transportation will undoubtedly shape his career goals.