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Is Kincardine youth-friendly?

Letter to the Editor

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What have you done for a young person today?

I am writing on behalf of Kincardine Youth Waves and Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation. If you missed our last two letters, the Kincardine Youth Waves Coalition, with the help of Bruce CFDC, is applying for a “Youth-Friendly” designation for the Municipality of Kincardine. 

To do this, we are collecting documentation of “youth play”. “Youth play” is defined as anything that a young person (ages 13-19) does in his/her free time that is not a requirement for school or work. Our application is due on Dec. 1, and we’re hoping to get as much input from the community as possible in the months leading up to that deadline.

To apply for a “Youth-Friendly” designation, we must provide support for up to 16 different criteria that Play Works Partnership has set out for “Youth-Friendly Communities”. You can find the full list of criteria at www.playworkspartnership.ca along with a list of ways that other communities have met them. If you missed the last two weeks, take a look at the list, and let us know how you think Kincardine is doing.

This week we’ll lay out the next four criteria (9-12). If you know of anything that we might be able to use for evidence of these criteria in Kincardine, you can E-mail us at youthfriendlykincardine@gmail.com, phone Sarah Blackwood at the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation office at 396-8141 or visit the Bruce CFDC office at the corner of Huron Terrace and Broadway.

9. The community supports youth volunteerism and leadership development. 

Examples: Church Youth Groups, High School Symposium, Christmas Knights

For this category we are looking for support of youth volunteers and ways for youth to develop leadership skills.

10. The community has effective community partnerships.

Examples: Youth Waves, Kincardine Recreation Department

For this category we are looking for ways in which government departments work amongst themselves and with community groups to provide opportunities for youth play.

 

11. Youth activism and advocacy for play is nurtured.

Examples: Youth Waves, Sustainable Action Committee formally inviting youth

For this category we are looking for how the community promotes youth activism and advocacy. Not only are youth given a voice, but their voice is heard.

12. Youth feel comfortable in their own community.

Examples: Promotions/Discount for youth, Youth are treated with respect

For this category we are looking for how the community interacts with its youth. When you approach a young person on the street do you smile and say hi? Or do you go out of your way to avoid him/her because of how you perceive youth?

Next week we will be asking about the final four criteria, so if you have any input on any of the last three weeks, now would be a great chance to get in contact with us. 

If you know of someone who deserves recognition, don’t assume we already know that person. We’re always interested in hearing new stories about how people are creating positive opportunities for youth, so get in touch with us today.

Kincardine Youth Waves Coalition


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Friday, August 12, 2011