Engaging youth that do not have easy access to programming, live in rural areas, on-reserve, or that are typically thought of as being ‘at-risk’ (or ‘at-promise’, as we like to say) takes a different approach than doing programming geared towards youth who are easily engaged. Making programs and projects accessible Read more…
University may be the first time people are engaged in social change, and so participants need to be reminded how much space they are taking up in the group. Men need to make sure they are not speaking much more than women and that ideas are being contributed from everyone. Read more…
While social media tools have the potential to create open and inclusive environments, it is important to note that they can also reinforce and lead to unhealthy behaviours such as cyberbullying, isolation, and reinforcing stereotypes. It’s important to realize that one’s experiences are impacted by one’s gender, and this can Read more…
“Nothing about us without us.” -G.J. Strangler and M. Shirk (2004). On Their Own: What Happens to Kids When They Age Out of the Foster Care System. Westview Press. p 260. Youth engagement is a process that offers meaningful participation and opportunities for youth to take responsibility and take leadership Read more…
Youth-Run leadership conference II is a case study that highlights some indicators of success when youth take care of themselves and each other. As the case study highlights, for youth to practice self care there must be: opportunities to celebrate success; others who model realistic and healthy participation; intentional space for Read more…
Youth-Run Leadership Conference I is a case study that highlights the challenges of youth failing to take care of themselves and each other. Often there is an expectation that activists should be ‘rock stars’ who take on as much as they can; there is a fine line between commitment and overworking, Read more…
Youth Empowerment for Civic Engagement is a case study that highlights an example of accessible youth programming. This is an instructive example because it showcases indicators of success including meeting youth where they are at; relationship building; programming informed by those who participate; clear community standards or group norms; adult support Read more…
Where We Fall Short: Challenges in Sustaining Youth Engagement is a case study that highlights the challenges in sustaining youth engagement. Some of the factors that reduce opportunities to sustain youth engagement include: lack of participation needed to sustain the work and a lack of core operational support that makes leaders Read more…
Tiered Anti-Oppression Training is a case study that highlights some successes in provides youth with opportunities to develop an anti-oppressive lens. In particular it highlights the following achievements: recognizing and acknowledging anti-oppressive education as a continual process; bringing in outside facilitation help; taking stock of group and context to help decide Read more…
Southern Exposure is a case study that highlights some challenges in planning programs and projects that are accessible to all youth, including lack of clear expectations of youth and organizers; real or perceived racism; lack of support before/during/after an event; language and cultural barriers and lack of translation; and failure to Read more…
