Events for: Feb 2, 2010

  The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge

Every Tue 2009

Deadline: Friday, February 19, 2010.

The Mathieu Da Costa Challenge (MDC) is an annual writing and artwork contest open to youth between the ages of 9 and 18. The Challenge encourages young Canadians to embark on their own personal voyage of discovery by learning about the contributions that Canadians of different backgrounds have made in building our country.

Participants must submit an original piece of writing or artwork celebrating the contributions to the building of Canada made by Canadians of Aboriginal, African or other ethnocultural background. Winning entries are selected from three age groups (9–12, 13–15 and 16–18).

Winners in both competitions will receive prizes including:
• an all-expenses paid trip to Ottawa (Ontario) in March 2010;
• VIP seating at the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge or the Racism. Stop It! NVC Awards Ceremonies taking place in Ottawa;
• a certificate of achievement and other prizes.

  The VCC Aboriginal Graphics Discovery Program

Every Sat

is an exciting flexible discovery Adobe Illustrator CS4 program that will be delivered on Saturdays (1:00pm - 4:00pm) at the VCC downtown campus teaching students to work with illustrator Graphic Design Software.

The course allows participants a sufficient grounding in user-friendly illustration software. The goal of this project would be the illustration of personal or traditional stories in an electronic and/or print fashion. By the end of the workshop series, the students will have created their own final portrait of their cultural heritage or personal journey that will be collected and combined into a small book entitled: “Our Journey” As this is a free introductory discovery program we ask applicants to be committed to attendance for each Saturday session (1:00pm - 4:00pm) Nov 28 - Feb 6.

Register today for this exciting camp by calling VCC Continuing Studies ph: (604) 443-8484 (course number: CRN 30612).

  Training Module on creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth

Every Tue

The National Youth Advocacy Coalition has a training module around creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. You can access this training via iTunes video, YouTube or with slides (no narration) and handouts. The materials include pre and post tests. It's easy to read and understand material suitable for staff and volunteer training as well as a participant orientation session. Check it out at www.nyacyouth.org/pages.php?id=20

  Smoke Screeners

On the 2nd every month

An educational program that helps teach media literacy skills. Smoke Screens is an educational program that helps teach media literacy skills to young people. This program improves their ability to critically analyze the messages they receive about tobacco use in movies and on television. The program, which includes a moderator’s guide and closed captioned video, can be used in either a classroom or youth-group setting. Available for viewing/burning here

  Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: Volunteer Opportunities for Olympic Living Room Hosts

Jan 5-Feb 26, 2010

The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House currently need volunteers to help Kits House celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympics by hosting ‘Community Living Rooms’ at Kits House where community can gather to watch the games together. Kits House hall will be open for friends and neighbours to come together and watch Olympic events on a big screen T.V. 3 hour shifts during the Olympics- February 15th- February 26th. Minimum 2 nights required. Shifts are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 5.30pm-8.00pm. The community gathers from 6pm-8pm.

  Annual Women's Memorial March

Jan 6-Feb 14, 2010

The 19th Annual February 14th Women's Memorial March takes place on Sunday, February 14 2010 and begins at 12pm.

At noon, people gather at the Carnegie Community Centre Theatre, 401 Main Street (corner Hastings, Vancouver) where family members speak in remembrance. At 1 pm, the march takes to the streets and proceeds through the Downtown Eastside, with stops to commemorate where women were last seen or found; speeches by community activists at the police station; a healing circle at Oppenheimer Park around 3 pm; and finally a community feast at the Japanese Language Hall.

Please join us (all genders welcome) and we thank you for your support of the Women’s Memorial March.

Questions? Please contact: marlene.george at vancouver.ca or 604-665-3005

  Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: Volunteer Opportunities for Reception Support

Jan 7-Apr 12, 2010

The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House currently have openings for lunch reception support on Thursdays 1-2pm (ongoing) and Mondays &/or Wednesdays (January 25th-April 12th).

Please contact Emily, Volunteer Coordinator if you are interested. 604-736-3588 ext. 27 or emily@kitshouse.org.

  Young Agents Awards - Nomination Forms Available for 2010 Awards

Jan 18-Feb 28, 2010

In March of 2010 Global Agents for Change will again recognize 8 outstanding BC youth at our annual Spring Gala. Identified for their commitment to their local and global communities, these young leaders will receive financial and mentorship support for their projects. Now is the time to ask: are you, or do you know an Agent for Change? We know these people are out there and we want to recognize them, so, if you know of any exceptional youths, please do direct them to us and encourage them to apply. For more information or to apply online you can visit our site:

www.globalafc.org.

  New BC Youth Week Partnership

Every Mon 2010

The BC Recreation and Parks Association will offer $250 Sogo Active grants to youth groups who are planning an event for BC Youth Week that involves physical activity. Applications must be received by March 1, 2010. Successful applicants will be contacted by March 31, 2010.

Visit www.bcrpa.bc.ca/sogoactive/grants.htm to download the application form and information document. Regular grant applications for projects running at least 10 weeks are also due on March 1, 2010.

  Program for Young Women Promotes Awareness, Understanding of Depression

Jan 19-Mar 19, 2010

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) recently developed a depression prevention and anti-stigma facilitator manual, Girls Talk. The Girls Talk program is designed for young women from 13-16, and aims to provide a safe place where they can connect and learn about depression, coping and resilience. The program has eight sessions that cover topics such as stress, relationships, self-esteem, the media, and stigma and discrimination. The manual also has a literature review, tips for group facilitators and information on participant recruitment. The guide is free and available, along with a 15-minute webinar, at http://www.camh.net

  Canadian Red Cross First Aid Courses: Red Cross goes on the road in 2010!

Jan 23-Mar 27, 2010

If you have 10 or more people who want to learn either Emergency Child Care or Emergency First Aid, Red Cross will teach the course at your facility. And if you have 15 or more youth who want to become a Babysitter, we'll teach the Babysitting course on-site. For more information or to book your group, please contact Susan Cowan at 604-669-2546, Ext. 2 or by email at susancowan@telus.net.

  The 2010 Young Playwrights Festival

Jan 28-May 1, 2010

Every year The Cultch's Youth Panel recruits young playwrights, directors and actors who work to bring three original one-act plays to the stage. Currently entering it's 11th season, THe Young Playwrights Festival brings dozens of creative young people together every year. This year, we've combined the YPF with our mentorship program to make the experience even more rewarding. We are currently seeking directors, actors, and playwrights between the ages of 12-24. For application forms and program details please visit our website. If you have any questions about any of these opportunities, please contact:

Corbin Murdoch, Youth Program Manager - The Cultch
Phone 604-251-1766 ext 105 Email: corbin@thecultch.com

  HELP Study on Impacts of Neighbourhood Poverty

Jan 28-Mar 31, 2010

The level of poverty in the neighbourhood that children live in during kindergarten has been found to predict their reading level in grade 7. A study of urban children in BC showed that those who lived in neighbourhoods with a higher socioeconomic status during kindergarten scored better on the foundation skills assessment test in grade 7 than children who came from poorer neighbourhoods, regardless of where they lived in grade 7. Read more about it on the

  Guys knowing guys - Gay Men's Health Survey

Jan 29-May 29, 2010

Guys knowing guys. That’s what the Sex Now Survey is all about. The Community Based Research Centre has been researching gay men’s sexuality, health and culture in British Columbia for more than a decade. Bullied in school, marginalized by religion, neglected by policy ? : it can all adds up to a health impact. To help support gay men's health, take the Sex Now survey and spread the word.

  Volunteer Condom Outreach During the Games

Jan 29-Feb 28, 2010

This February, Vancouver will welcome the world for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. While the official Olympic mission is to celebrate sport and promote peace, there is another angle to consider: With hundreds of thousands of people converging upon one of the world’s foremost centres of innovative drug policy reform and harm reduction practices to part, the event poses a unique opportunity.
The Goal: To assist adults celebrate safely during Vancouver’s winter games and to promote harm reduction.

Outreach workers will work the crowds during the day and evening and/or the clubs in the evening and early mornings. They will deliver a variety of information and referrals on safer sex and drug use – including safer alcohol use – to Winter Games revellers. Volunteers will also distribute SafeGames SafeKits, condoms, lubricant, glow sticks, informational brochures, hand-heaters, and other fun incentives.
For more information pleas visit: our website.

  BC Centre for Safe Schools and Communities: Free Website Hosting Service

Feb 1-Jun 30, 2010

Google is providing free website hosting for those who are creative and wish to make use of this opportunity. They apparently will even provide templates for you. To check it out, visit the website . For additional information about reviews, ratings, and links for a variety of free-webhosting sites, visit this webstie

  Kensington Park Skateboard Park

Feb 2, 2010   5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

A skateboarding facility, similar to the ones in place in Strathcona and Quilchena Parks, is planned for Kensington Park. The public is invited to an open house to view preliminary design ideas and to make comments. Please Join us.