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tools 4 youth

We're in the business of youth engagement. We're also in the business of teaching others - City staff, community organizations, basically anyone who wants to work with young people - how to engage youth in a way that's meaningful to them.

Ensuring youth are in City processes and in the community-at-large is one of the key objectives of the Youth Outreach Team. On this page, you'll find various resources that support active, inclusive and meaningful youth engagement.




» The Play It Right Toolkit
(webpage) - If you work with children or other youth, this might interest you... The Play It Right Toolkit is user-friendly and includes ideas for games and activities as well as instructions for their use. This Toolkit focuses on a rights-based approach to anti-discrimination and equips the staff of the camps with the knowledge and skills to promote the values of human rights, inclusion and cultural harmony in the activities they organize with campers aged 6-12 years old. The Play It Right Toolkit is available in English and French.

CHECK IT OUT Youth Guide To West Vancouver
- CHECK IT OUT is the result of a youth-led community mapping project carried out by Kits Neighbourhood House, the Environmental Youth Alliance, Worldview Strategies, and a slew of local youth, community organizaitons, and other groups from Vancouver's west-side. It is unique in that it is a guide for and by youth, with great information on places to go, things to see, and resources available to youth in the community. Whether or not you just moved to the west side of Vancouver, or have lived there all your life, Check It Out is a great resource to help you navigate your community.

Youth Taking Action
- Youth Taking Action is an initiative led by Society for Children and Youth in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention program and the BC Institute Against Family Violence. The focus of the initiative is to engage youth who are in care or have been in are and/or conflict with the law to take an active role in rights promotion by working with them to create short films as resource for youth in BC to prevent violations of child rights when in care.

» Youth Portal
The one-stop-shop for youth in Vancouver. This new youth site is chock full of resources for Vancouver youth. Employment tools, job postings, event listings, counseling services, community resources - it's all in here.

» Youth Canada
Youth Canada is a portal to enrichment programs, competitions and conferences for Canadian high school students. It has a great online searchable database on these opportunities, as well as an archive of articles written by students for students with handy advice on topics ranging from scholarships, post-secondary education, volunteering, enrichment opportunities, and much more

» Watari's Survival Manual
The Survival Manual is a compilation of services for anybody facing change, addiction, a crisis situation, homelessness, hunger or anything urban living throws our way. Areas of service include counseling, education and professional training, social action research and community development. This manual is a precious tool for those struggling with an addiction, those who are hungry and homeless, and even those that are doing quite well and are looking for ways to strengthen their particular community.

» School Year Gardens: A Toolkit for High Schools
Created for Highschool Students, The Toolkit contains a wealth of information, resources, & lesson plans designed to inspire engaging conversations about the benefits and challenges of supporting local food systems. We are offering the Toolkit as part of a series of free workshops for classes in the fall of 2008 and winter of 2009. Ultimately we hope to inspire students and teachers to follow in the example of other schools by starting their own food gardens, making great use of the school grounds and creating an important resource to benefit students, staff and the school community.

» First Nations GLBTQI Two-Spirit Drop in Program
The Urban Native Youth Association hosts a drop in for GLBTQI and Two-Spirit youth ages 13 – 24 at the Centre (1170 Bute St.) in Vancouver. The group offers recreation, talking circles, movies, special events, cultural connections, and a safe space. To fin dout more, send an email to adcounsellors2@unya.bc.ca


»Children and Nature Network Community Action Guide
The Children and Nature Network (C&NN) was created to encourage and support people and organizations working toward the goal of reconnecting children and nature. C&NN provides a critical link between researchers, individuals, educators, organizations, businesses and government agencies dedicated to children's health and well-being.

Click HERE for more information.

»Your Life - Your Rights Book Available
The Federation of BC Youth in Care Networks has published a book detailing the rights and resources for young people in government care. This book was funded by MCFD and replaces the old book “Know Your Rights.”

The aim of the book is to educate youth in care about their rights so that they will be strong self-advocates and to improve the transition into adulthood. The press release from MCFD notes that “research demonstrates that when children and youth understand their rights they show increased self-esteem; they are less likely to come to harm; more likely to seek help; more socially responsible and respectful of the rights of others; and are more likely to participate in a meaningful way in decisions affecting their lives.”

The book is available in PDF form on FBCYICN’s web site, or from your local MCFD office or Aboriginal delegated agency.

PURPLE THISTLE – SPRING 2009
The Purple Thistle Centre is inviting youth from all over the city to come and join us. We have a full roster of new classes and projects under way – and we have spaces available. Check us out at www.purplethistle.ca or come on down and visit. If you want a tour or introduction write Eva at eva_eva25@hotmail.com or Matt at matt@purplethistle.ca or contact one of the staff people listed below.


Know Your Rights Booklet on Learning Disabilities Available Online
The Learning Disabilities Association of BC, South Vancouver Island Chapter, has made their Know Your Rights Booklet available online. The booklet aims to empower and educate students and guardians so that they can become effective advocates. The booklet also outlines some common misconceptions about learning disorders and roles of staff within the school, such as principal, teachers, and special education assistants. To view the booklet in PDF format or to order one online, click CLICK HERE


Social Support Group for LGBTI South Asians
-Sher Vancouver is a social support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersex South Asians. Friends, families, and allies are also welcome. Sher provides peer support, social activities, information, referral, and outreach presentations. Sher Vancouver does outreach presentations in high schools, colleges, universities, and the community in Greater Vancouver. The presentations deal with racism, bullying, and homophobia issues. If you would like to book a free presentation please email Amar at amar_sangha@hotmail.com.


Beyond Graduation
-The Beyond Graduation web site is an online resource and network designed to empower youth with disabilities by providing tools, information and resources needed to begin planning for a better future. It is a space for youth with ALL abilities to make new friends, explore interests and learn about options for the future. Whether you are a young person, parent, teacher, friend or someone looking to support a loved one on their journey to independent living - become an integral part of a much larger movement for change!


First Call Report from Taking Stock of Youth Wellbeing in BC Today: A Forum
-First Call has released a report based on the presentations and discussions from our June 11 forum, Taking Stock of Youth Wellbeing in BC Today. Thanks to those of you who attended and presented, and to our co-sponsors Vancouver Foundation and PeerNetBC for making this event a very successful day.


Safe Harbour: Respect for All Program
-Coordinated by the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies in BC, the Safe Harbour: Respect for All program creates opportunities for storefront businesses, institutions, agencies, and entire municipalities to be proactive in creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces and communities. Trained Safe Harbour locations are equipped with the knowledge to better understand their diverse workforce and improve their service to diverse customers and clients. Safe Harbours also serve as temporary refuges for anyone facing discrimination. Over 500 businesses, agencies, and institutions have now signed on as proud Safe Harbour locations. RONA, TD Canada Trust, Royal Bank, Vancity, London Drugs, The Sandman Suites and the David Suzuki Foundation are a sample of our 500 locations committed to Safe Harbour across 34 BC communities. They are leaders in their stand against racism and hate and in their commitment to providing a respectful workplace environment for people from all backgrounds.