Youth Leaders in Action

Overview:

In a neighbourhood where both community and individuals are at a disadvantage, we cannot afford to waste a single talent. The Youth Leaders in Action program will help young people develop leadership skills, tapping their potential and energy to drive change in their community. These youth want to succeed and become positive role models for their peers. They want to change their community. And they need your help. Vote to bring this program to North West Scarborough. Vote for Young Leaders in Action in the Aviva Community Fund contest.

The youth in North West Scarborough have very little help to overcome barriers to their success. There are 9,000 youth living in the area, one of Toronto’s highest-need neighbourhoods -- over half are new to Canada and almost all are racialized minorities.

The North West Scarborough Youth Centre is based in the heart of this neighbourhood, surrounded by high density housing complexes where more than 50% of families live in acute poverty. Youth growing up in poverty are at much greater risk to leave school, become involved with violence, criminal behaviour and/or substance abuse. Youth need programs that support their education and help them find employment.

The Youth Leaders in Action program offers a real alternative that benefits both youth and the community. A certificate program with measurable outcomes, the program will provide 80 teens the opportunity to become peer leaders and gain hands-on experience in applying these skills. Youth will earn volunteer hours required for high school graduation and boost their resume by completing the program. They will gain confidence and social skills and expand their network in the community.

During the school year, participants will plan and lead a community initiative, taking responsibility for planning the activity, carrying out decisions and solving problems. In the summer, the program will focus on recreational leadership skills and include a one week placement in a summer camp. This experience will help youth gain the necessary skills for employment through Parks and Recreation and other community recreation programs.

This program also benefits the community by developing youth leaders actively working for positive change in their community – a powerful influence for their peers and younger siblings. It will build respect for differences as youth from diverse backgrounds work together on a common goal. These youth will also engage other teens in such projects as neighbourhood clean-ups, clothing drives and healthy living.

Help us raise the $35,000 needed to bring Young Leaders in Action to North West Scarborough. Let’s ensure that all youth have the opportunity to become leaders. Vote for Young Leaders in Action in the Aviva Community Fund contest.

More about the North West Scarborough Youth Centre www.youthlink.ca/nwsyc

NWSYC is a program of YouthLink, a leading youth mental health agency in Toronto. The Centre is the only dedicated youth centre in North West Scarborough. The Centre serves 360 youth every year with programs that include homework and tutoring, after-school drop-in, arts and sports programs and summer camps. In 2010, the Centre was awarded a Vital Youth Grant by the Toronto Community Foundation. Youth leadership development has been an important focus for the Centre and for YouthLink’s programming in general. Our Youth Action Team in the Kennedy-Eglinton priority neighbourhood won a YMCA Peace Medallion for engaging youth in positive change.

Youth Leaders in Action, a certificate program with measurable outcomes, is a unique program that takes this focus to a new level and inspires positive change in our young people and in the community.

More about YouthLink www.youthlink.ca

YouthLink is an accredited youth mental health agency based in Scarborough serving over 5,000 youth and families each year. Our services include individual and family counselling, housing, parenting support, programs in schools and outreach to youth in priority neighbourhoods. Founded in 1914, we are a registered charity and United Way member agency. Please visit our website to learn more. www.youthlink.ca