What happened in September?
Introducing the Youth Advisory Committee 2024-25
In September, we welcomed 23 passionate young leaders from across Ontario to join CLO’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) for the 2024-2025 term. These inspiring young people are ready to raise their voices, develop new ideas, and shape positive change in their communities by leading the Re:Action4Inclusion (R4I) youth movement. We are excited to see how their dedication to inclusion and community building will spark new initiatives for a more inclusive future!
Inspiring Adult Allies to Support Youth Advocacy
On September 19th, 2024, three YAC members – Grace Albano, Megan den Dekker, and Moira Robertson – delivered a powerful presentation entitled “Supporting Youth Advocacy” at Community Living Ontario’s Inspiring Possibilities Conference 2024. The presenters showcased several of Re:Action4Inclusion’s past and current youth-led initiatives and discussed how youth across Ontario are taking the lead in advocating for a better future. They also spoke about their own advocacy journeys and how the mentorship and encouragement they received from supportive adult allies helped them become the passionate leaders they are today. By sharing their personal experiences working with empowering adult allies, the presenters showed the audience that they too could have an immense impact on a young person when they listen to, learn from, and uplift them. Thank you to our amazing YAC members for such a wonderful presentation! We look forward to more inspiring workshops in the future!
What happened in October?
Pathways to Purpose: Exploring Careers in the Developmental Services
On Thursday, October 10th and 31st, CLO’s Inclusion Initiatives team partnered with the Meta Centre and the Toronto Developmental Services Alliance (TDSA) to deliver an engaging 2-part workshop for co-op students at Father Henry Carr Secondary School in Etobicoke, Ontario. This event provided students with an introduction to careers in the developmental services sector by focusing on the key themes of authentic inclusion, advocacy, community building, the history of the developmental services, and recent developments within the sector. The workshop featured two YAC members, Moira Robertson and Nicole Canzoneri, who presented alongside CLO staff members, Alison and Chris, and two Council members, Niko and Sean. Overall, this was a successful collaboration that paved the way for these future leaders to learn more about the developmental services sector.
If you would like to learn more about how CLO’s Inclusion Initiatives can help educate your youth, contact Leshona (Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator) at llennard@communitylivingontario.ca.
Working Together to Empower Youth: Highlights from the Brampton Central Resource Fair
On Wednesday, October 23rd, CLO’s Inclusion Initiatives and Student Links staff attended the Brampton Central Resource Fair hosted at St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. They provided students and parents with information about the Re:Action4Inclusion youth movement and the Student Links Mentorship program. Parents were delighted to learn about inclusive, skill-building opportunities for their children. If you are interested in learning more about CLO’s youth initiatives, please contact Dana LaBrash, Student Links Director (dlabrash@communitylivingontario.ca) or Leshona Jeremiah, Youth and Community Engagement Coordinator (llennard@communitylivingontario.ca). We look forward to engaging even more youth across Ontario!?
What happened in November?
Launching Our NEW Youth Leadership Workshops
Re:Action4Inclusion is launching a new workshop series for youth aged 14-29. Starting in January 2025, our provincial Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) will facilitate virtual workshops, covering three topics: Building Authentically Inclusive Spaces, Accessibility in Community, and How to Be a Good Leader. Our goal is to provide youth with social justice education and empower them to be changemakers in their local communities. The official workshop topics and registration details are now available on the R4I website: https://communitylivingontario.ca/reaction4inclusion/#upcoming-events
To learn more information about the workshops or to be added to our distribution list, please email llennard@communitylivingontario.ca.
Educating Teachers about the “Truths of Institutionalization”
On November 5th, 2024, Moira Robertson, a member of CLO’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), delivered a powerful presentation entitled “The Truths of Institutionalization” to teacher’s college candidates at the University of Ottawa. Moira explored the history of institutions in Canada, and shared practical strategies to help future educators become strong allies who promote inclusion and advocate for equal rights. The session was well-received by the attendees who gained a deeper understanding of institutionalization and its long-term effects.
To learn more about the Truths of Institutionalization project, please email us at truthsproject@communitylivingontario.ca or visit the website: https://truthsofinstitutionalization.ca/
