1989

A group of high school students establish World Affairs Canada (WAC). From its inception, the organization is truly youth-for-youth.

1990

WAC is incorporated as a registered charity.

1994

WAC unofficially changes its name to Youth Action Network to reflect a shift from solely education to action.

The Youth Action Canada Tour is organized. Five youth travel across Canada for 6 weeks, holding workshops at camps, festivals, and community centres promoting general action projects and the Resource Action Centre. YAN celebrates the grand opening of the Resource Action Centre.

1995

World Affairs Canada officially changes its name to Youth Action Network, and the World Affairs Quarterly becomes Youth Action Forum.

1995

The first National Youth Week is organized, aiming to build a strong national network of youth and demonstrate how we are contributing to our communities. Three to four hundred events occurred as part of the week.

1996

Youth Week 1996 is huge. Partner organizations included UNICEF, The Students’ Commission, TG Magazine, Generation 2000, Boys and Girls Club, World University Service of Canada. Canada Post announced that all mail (about 80 million pieces) delivered in Canada the week before and of Youth Week 96 was stamped with the Youth Week 96 logo.

1998

YAN participates in the World Youth Festival in Portugal.

2000

International Youth Week is massive, with events all over the world including Peru, USA, Australia, Ghana, UK, and Hong Kong. The first Ruckus! conference is held as part of the celebration. Youth Action Village brings together 65 youth from across Canada to live in a sustainable way and learn about social & environmental issues.

2002

Ruckus! is launched as an annual critical anti-racism conference for youth of colour and allies, focusing on social justice and empowerment through education and activism. YAN has held successful Ruckus! conferences in the fall of each year since.

YAN holds Civil Journalism Workshops during the summer, culminating in a showcase of participants projects.

2003

YAN establishes the merit award, awarded annually to outstanding youth activists across Canada, highlighting the incredible work being done by young people in their communities.

2004

YDOCs, documentary filmmaking workshops are held in the summer, following up on YAN’s success with creative workshops.

2005

YAN receives a Youth Impact Award from the Rotary Club recognizing our meritorious service to youth.