Youth Engagement Tools

INNOVATE

• Foster authentic, intentional, and inclusive youth engagement at all stages of research, from design to knowledge translation;
• Develop equitable partnerships between researchers and young people, ensuring that diverse youth voices inform and enhance research processes;
• Provide practical guidelines and a comprehensive curriculum to support researchers in creating effective, mutually beneficial partnerships with youth; and
• Address barriers and support capacity development in youth engagement, as identified by researchers and youth themselves.
   
  INNOVATE was developed collaboratively by researchers, youth engagement specialists, and youth advisors. The project reflects leading research in this field and the best practices developed by the Youth Engagement Initiative at the McCain Centre.

INNOVATE 2.0 Guidebook and e-Learning

INNOVATE 2.0 is a substantive revision of the original INNOVATE project by the McCain Centre Youth Engagement Initiative (YEI) and derived from their leading work in this field. INNOVATE 2.0, developed by a youth-researcher collaboration, is a resource for youth engagement in mental health research.

INNOVATE 2.0 develops the evidence-based and practical approaches in the original guidebook through practical experience, critical discussion, and an equity-driven lens. This revision also offers expanded content on evaluation, reporting, historical context, and anti-oppressive practices, and is designed to prepare researchers to effectively engage youth on a diverse range of projects. INNOVATE 2.0 will appear in two open-access formats: as a guidebook and as an e-Learning training.

INNOVATE 2.0 e-Learning

INNOVATE 2.0 e-Learning is an online, asynchronous training for researchers on the principles, practices, and potential challenges in youth engagement. Developed in collaboration with the CAMH Education department, this content is optimized for self-directed learning. The e-Learning is now live — you can explore it here.

INNOVATE 2.0 Guidebook: Coming Soon

INNOVATE 2.0 Guidebook is a standalone reference guide that captures the principles and practices of effective youth engagement. This is the core text of INNOVATE 2.0, and the most comprehensive distillation of YEI practice. The revised Guidebook will be available summer 2026.