Motivate Canada is a Canadian charitable organization that specializes in improving the lives of young people by fostering civic engagement, social entrepreneurship, social inclusion and leadership among youth. We use techniques from sport, physical education and community driven development in our programming.

Through harnessing the power of positive role models, sport and physical activity, and community engagement principles, Motivate Canada is able to engage young people, build their confidence and sense of self-worth and increase their social and vocational competence.

From our modest beginnings 20 years ago as a one program, on province organization, we now deliver four youth-driven development initiative across Canada - ACTIVATE, the Esteem Team, the Active Circle and GEN7. Each program targets youth between the ages of 9 and 25.

Motivate Canada's approach is inspired by the Positive Youth Development model, developed by youth development researchers such as Richard Lerner and Peter Benson. Lerner created the 6 Cs of well-developed youth, which are integrated into the objectives of all of our programs.

Confidence: having a sense of self-worth based on one's ability to make choices and take initiative.

Competence: having the ability and motivation to master sound educational and vocational skills to make a living.

Connection: having a sense of safety and structure (adequate food, clothing, shelter and security) as well as membership and belonging to one's community.

Character: having a sense of responsibility and accountability and the ability to thrive despite adversity.

Caring: having a sense of empathy and a desire to positively impact one's surroundings.

Contribution: once the first 5 Cs are reached, becoming civically minded and wishing to contribute ideas, time and talents to better one's community.