Youth Engagement …in our communities and beyond Presented by: local youth leaders and one not-so-local youth leader

Y.E.A.H Youth Educating Against Harassment Youth meet on a monthly basis Goal: maintain and build on a school climate that is inclusive to every student. Y.E.A.H. Mission Statement: We… educate by example are the voice of change in our school community are builders of strong and healthy relationships do not permit or tolerate harassment provide an opportunity for everyone to feel included believe that all students are created in the image and likeness of God all students deserve the right to feel accepted, valued and safe Y.E.A.H is dedicated to this now and in the future.

Y.E.A.H. commits to reducing bullying and show their commitment every time they put on their pink t-shirts. I got your back signed___________.

Every student and teacher wore something pink to support International Stand Up to Bullying Day.

L.I.F.T. Life Skills and Independence for Teens A community-based life skills program the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre in Midland. The group meets every Monday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Youth driven and recognizes that youth are experts in their lives and are the key to finding solutions to everyday problems. We help each other and come up with solutions and ways to approach situations that may be unhealthy and unsafe. We focus on being positive, productive members of our community. We come to the program with ideas, perspectives and practical suggestions based on our own experiences and needs. There is another L.I.F.T. group in Barrie in partnership with CMHA.

L.I.F.T Christmas Party L.I.F.T Halloween Party Costume Contest L.I.F.T Band Night

Addiction Services for York Region Presentations to schools and community groups Over 70 presentations to over 12,000 students, teachers and community members each year throughout the Central LHIN Over 20 youth have participated as youth speakers sharing their personal experience with drugs, alcohol, bullying, negative body image, violence; and their courage, resilience, self-acceptance, respect, positive peer influence and choices along their journey of healing

Worked in partnership with: Community Youth Network – York Region Sexual Assault Awareness Launch – York Region York Regional Police United Way Issues Panel Ontario Trillium Foundation Youth Engagement Character Community Foundation of York Region For more information about the program or if you are interested in being a youth speaker, contact Una Wright at youthspeak@rogers.ca www.youthspeak.ca 905-967-0604

UMAYC Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Council Key objective: to provide accessible, community-based, culturally relevant programs for Aboriginal Youth between the ages of 13-24.   Program design and focus: to develop skills and knowledge in the areas of life skills, health, personal development, cultural development, community involvement and leadership. Supported by the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre

Strategic Planning Alliance for Children and Youth in Durham Region Key Goals and Objectives: Engage with boards of education and service providers to address specific issues related to supporting youth who are currently not engaged or connected with the school system in a meaningful way. Define alternative pathways, options in service delivery, in collaboration with the MCY’s Mappings, SPA Task Force and Student Support Leadership. Connect youth to options in the education systems and the community

Promote Student Involvement! Next Steps: SMART Goals Action Plan Promote Student Involvement! If you are a student interested in getting involved, please contact Erin Hannah at 905-725-7042

The New Mentality A provincial youth-led network Youth ages 13 – 25 A joint program of The Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO and Children’s Mental Health Ontario A provincial youth-led network Youth ages 13 – 25 volunteer as: group facilitators, members of a speakers bureau trainers of Youth Engagement Our Goals Are To: Engage youth in mental health service organizations Reduce the stigma of mental health

New Mentality Groups Reach Out Centre for Kids, Burlington Central Toronto Youth Services Children’s Mental Health Ontario, provincial 2009-10 Group Facilitators Open Doors for Children & Youth, Smith Falls Pathways for Children & Youth, Kingston New Path Youth and Family Services , Cookstown Residential Program  

New Mentality Speakers …in Toronto Lorraine, 20 Mwanaisha, 19 …in London Jen , 23 …in Hamilton Montana, 21 …in Thunder Bay Tarah, 22 …in Ottawa Clinton, 20 Gabrielle , 18 Lyndsea, 16 MJ, 20 …in Brockville Amber, 17  

youth Engagement Training The New Mentality has teamed up with East Metro Youth Services and offers training to service providers, educators and youth… To learn about: The Youth Engagement model Components & strategies of an effective Youth Engagement program Expected outcomes for youth who are engaged For more information contact Nancy@cmho.org

The National Aboriginal Role Model Program (NARMP) celebrates the accomplishments of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth. Each year, NARMP profiles 12 outstanding Aboriginal youth between the ages of 13 to 30 years old, who are making a difference in their communities. The program is designed to encourage Aboriginal youth to pursue their dreams and live a healthier lifestyle. Our message to them is to “Lead Your Way!” Currently in its sixth year, the program is hosted by the National Aboriginal Health Organization and funded by Health Canada.

Goals and Objectives of NARMP: Facilitate availability of Aboriginal role models to Aboriginal youth and communities. Influence behaviours and attitudes of Aboriginal youth toward healthy lifestyles. Promote healthy self-esteem among Aboriginal peoples. Strengthen Aboriginal identity. Enhance a positive public image of Aboriginal people. Foster Aboriginal inspired leadership.

FYI… Ready, set…Engage Building effective youth-adult partnerships for a stronger Child and Youth Mental Health System www.thenewmentality.ca www.onthepoint.ca Developed as the foundation for The New Mentality, this guide provides evidence and values concerning effective youth engagement. Practical tools, checklists and case studies make this a step-by-step guide to building meaningful youth-adult partnerships.

Declaration of Accountability on the ethical engagement of young people and adults in Canadian Organizations www.fncfcs.com A tool to assist organizations that are currently engaging with young people or beginning the process to reflect on their organization's structures, culture and capacity - both human and financial - to respectfully engage with young people.