(Columbia Basin) - Youth from across the Basin met at CBT’s Youth Action Summit in Kimberley on May 3 to 6, to get inspired, educated and empowered to create action events in their own communities. The result is CONNECT: Youth Action Month, which will see 18 youth-inspired and -created Action Events happening right now across the Basin.
At the summit, participants heard from engaging speakers and participated in planning sessions and networking opportunities, all directed toward assisting attendees in creating Action Events in their own communities.
"It was such an uplifting experience,” said Fernie participant Ayla Bennett. “I loved seeing so many youth from throughout the Basin engaged and enthusiastic about making a positive change in their communities."
At the summit, eight youth were selected to form CONNECT’S Multimedia Team. Supported by two members of Pacific Cinémathèque’s Education Department, these youth had a full day of media training boot camp before the summit. The team then filmed and edited material from the summit and documented it in short videos, which can be seen at www.cbt/connect. Also, a special issue of SCRATCH magazine will be out this summer featuring CONNECT and the Action Events.
“CONNECT was an opportunity for youth to get engaged and grow as leaders, and wow, did the participants step up,” said Michelle d’Entremont, CBT Basin Youth Liaison. “I saw such dedication and commitment to planning and carrying out these actions, and I really got caught up in the incredible energy and passionate networking that took place at the summit.”
Action Events planned at CONNECT are being implemented all around the Basin this month.
East Kootenay
• Apathy Project: A Kimberley awareness campaign for younger students about how they can make a difference in their community;
• Born This Way: A Cranbrook awareness campaign for students to break down personal barriers;
• Coffee Talk: An Elkford community event to showcase local music and gather contributions for the local food bank;
• Cranbrook Bicycle Parking: The installation of public bike racks for the community;
• Food for Thought: A Kimberley dinner, film and discussion session to build momentum toward a sustainable future;
• Speak Up, Speak Out Youth Dinner: A Cranbrook youth gathering for discussions on local issues and the challenges youth face;
• Untitled: An Art Project: A Kimberley planning session for a youth art auction in the fall;
• Youth Art on the Elk: A Fernie art club and exhibit for youth with the theme of the Elk River; and
• Support for the Invermere Safe House: A volunteer event to put together household essential kits for families of the safe house.
West Kootenay
• Activate Winlaw: A gathering to inspire, educate and plan for community volunteer opportunities;
• Bridging the Gap: A multi-generational art exhibit in Castlegar showcasing local talent;
• Operation Youth – Creston: Youth centre research and presentations to schools, along with a survey to gather ideas for a local centre;
• Paws Project: A Nelson pet food drive and awareness campaign for the SPCA;
• RSS Clothing Swap: A Rossland awareness event promoting reusing and recycling clothing;
• Skills Share: A Nakusp event for youth and seniors to share skills, create conversation and build ties across generations.
• Thinking Outside the Bottle: A Kaslo awareness campaign to reduce the consumption of bottled water; and
• This Is the Truth: A Nelson information session about bullying.
Revelstoke
• Revelstoke Branding and Engagement: A name and logo contest for a new youth community network.