February 18, 2023
Kailli Harrison has been working for ISCBC for about two years as a Youth Coordinator for the Greater Victoria Area. She is passionate about engaging children and young adults to become environmental stewards in their community.
Why did you decide to take the job and what were you doing before this?
I was fresh out of university with my BSc in Environmental Sciences when the pandemic hit. Desperate to find a job and gain some experience during a period of record layoffs, I reluctantly accepted a job as an Account Associate with a local bookkeeping firm. Don’t get me wrong, that kind of work is important, but with a background in environmental sciences and a passion for conservation and stewardship, I left work every day feeling unfilled. When I found the opportunity for the Youth Coordinator position, I jumped at the chance to apply. I was so happy when I got the job offer!
What is something you have learned about yourself through working with ISCBC?
ISCBC has really allowed me to grow my leadership and facilitation skills. I used to absolutely dread the thought of standing in front of a crowd and leading a group, now I can’t imagine any other job for me. I love being able to get out in my community, hearing about the amazing environmental restoration work going on around the Greater Victoria Area. It’s so easy to have a ‘doom and gloom’ mindset when constantly hearing about severe weather systems, the impacts of invasive species, and climate change. ISCBC has given me the tools and confidence needed to make a positive difference in not only the lives of my volunteers, but for the community as a whole, as we work together towards protecting BC’s biodiversity for generations to come.
Coolest experience working with ISCBC?
There are so many! I think the coolest experience so far is being able to bring a group of amazing volunteers to our INVASIVES 2023 Forum & AGM happening at the end of February! There are a ton of inspirational speakers lined up who are doing amazing work in invasive species management. Learning more about the work that is going on and having the opportunity to grow my professional circle will be a memory I will carry with me for a long time.
What would you say to a potential volunteer?
I can say for certain that I would not be where I am today professionally without the experience I gained by volunteering. Making the first step and taking a leap of faith is scary, but I promise it’s worth it! Just remember, the more effort you put in when volunteering the better the connections you’ll make – and the more rewarding the experience will be for you in the end!
Become a Youth Volunteer!
Join like-minded young adults to plan and carry out real-world activities. Support our goal to support healthy habitats and communities, keeping them free of invasive species. Learn more about becoming a youth volunteer!
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