© 2022 Children and youth planning table of waterloo region
01
Ensure that basic needs are met.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Everyone should have access to clean water → shouldn’t have to pay (provided through taxes).
– Sensemaking Session
Organization: Wilmot Family Resource Centre
Wilmot Family Resource Centre offers programs and supports to families in Wilmot and Wellesley Townships to access food supports through the Community Food Bank and Holiday Hamper programs. Learn more about Wilmot Family Resource Centre here!
Organization: Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
Camino’s community development program partners with the Food Bank to offer food distribution programs for families living in the Erb West and Paulander neighbourhoods. Learn more about Camino here!
Organization: Food Bank of Waterloo Region
The Food Bank supports the community food assistance network to provide food to children, youth and families across Waterloo Region. To find food distribution sites click here. Learn more about the Food Bank here!
Organizations: Multiple (Shelter Services)
For youth experiencing homelessness, there are emergency shelters providing support. If you think you may need access to a shelter, call the Housing Helpful (519-624-9133).
02
More support for immigrant families.
– YIS Qualitative Data
I would say if there were opportunities only designed to help and engage newcomers and ESL students it would be helpful. Creating recreational activities can help those students improve their English and feel belonged.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Conestoga College
Conestoga offers Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes for adult newcomers. Free childcare is available at Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo sites. Learn more about Conestoga here!
Organization: Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre
KWMC offers the Let’s Talk program, that provides career and academic guidance for newcomer youth to learn more about how school and work looks in Canada. Youth also have the chance to connect to community supports, learn more about community resource, meet new friends and practice their English. Learn more about the Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre here!
Organization: Kinbridge
Kinbridge offers the Let’s Be Neighbours Cambridge Newcomer Outreach Program that offers offers newcomer youth and seniors opportunities to meet members of their community and to learn about the resources and services available to them. Learn more about Kinbridge here!
Organization: Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health
The Newcomer Mental Health Program supports newcomers to Canada with programs, counselling for refugees, and educational workshops. Youth can participate in different free groups and activities to help meet new people, practice english, talk about mental health, and more! Learn more about Camino here!
Organization: KPL Library Settlement Partnership (LSP)
The LSP is a partnership between the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre and the Kitchener Public Library. Settlement workers can help new Canadians with lots of things, like language training, career and employment, housing, education, health care, and more. The program is available at Central Library, Forest Heights Library, Grand River Stanley Park Library in Amharic, Arabic, English, Italian, Spanish and Tigrinya. Book and appointment or learn more about the program here!
Organization: YMCA of Three Rivers
The Newcomer Youth Programming are spaces to breakdown cultural barriers, practice English, and make new friends. Join drop-in programs, learn about the Canadian high school systems, etc. Learn more about the YMCA Newcomer Youth Programs here!
Organization: SPECTRUM
Rainbow Newcomers Connect is a gathering hosted by SPECTRUM once a month. The main purpose is to learn from each other as a divers community. There are activities, discussions, and a space to learn and build friendships and connections within the community. Learn more about SPECTRUM here!
03
Educating teachers on being culturally sensitive/respectful to other backgrounds.
– Sensemaking sessions
Maybe be nicer/ educate more about lgbtqa+
– YIS Qualitative Data
– YIS Qualitative Data
All the 30+ age population is so racist, sexist, homophobic, and rude to the younger population. they need a lesson or two on how not to be nasty people.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Project READ Literacy Network
Project READ invites in community partners like the Coalition of Muslim Women into their Get Set Learn programs to bring awareness and create opportunities for discussion.
Learn more about Project READ here!
Organizations: Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT), Immigration Partnership, Wellbeing Waterloo Region (WWR)
The community collaboratives in Waterloo region partnered with Selam Debbs, a local anti-racism educator, to host a White Supremacy Awareness and Action for Leadership training. It was an opportunity for adults in our community to learn and grow in their anti-racism and equity efforts. 130 adults signed up for the training. CYPT and WWR also partnered with the Ojo Institute to create a 3 part video series Challenging Systemic Barriers: The Equity lens for community learning. Learn more about Immigration Partnership here, and Wellbeing Waterloo Region here!
Organization: Coalition of Muslim Women KW
CMW-KW developed Report Hate, an online tool where community members can report hate incidents and/or discrimination motivated by Racism, Islamophobia, and Xenophobia.
Learn more about Coalition of Muslim Women here!
Organization: Multiple Organizations
Lots of partner organizations at the CYPT are supporting their staff in growing and learning in equity spaces. The following organizations let us know that their staff have participated or are participating in trainings related to: Anti-Racism, Anti-Black Racism, 2SLGBTQ+ knowledge building, etc.
04
Pay more attention to those kids that are alone. Teach children to speak to everyone.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Have the people that live in our communities [be] overall nicer that way people see people waveing and smiling at them and they feel that they are important and wanted in the community.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Be more inclusive to trans and non-binary kids. I feel left out because everything is either for boys or girls and I don’t wanna be the only non-binary person there and have to identify as female
– YIS Qualitative Data
Be more inclusive, care about us, bring justice to those who need it, I don’t wanna be discriminated against and the discriminator has no consequence.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Need ways for disabled youth to be included and supported.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Be more accepting of others mental and physical.differences… and that not all disabilities can be seen
– YIS Qualitative Data
Less discrimination based on race and ethnicity.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Work on making it more inclusive for LGBTQ
– YIS Feedback Survey
I want schools to be more inclusive and fair
– YIS Feedback Survey
Adding an elevator to my school.
– YIS Qualitative Data
More equity, make sure there is equal opportunity for all and that everyone is being treated fairly, and ensure that basic needs are met
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre
The JHCC provides workshops for educators and families so that they can create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive. They develop inclusive displays related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities and look for diverse books and literature to include in their libraries and programs. They have also worked to update their organizational registration forms with more inclusive language so families see themselves represented. Learn more about Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre here!
Organization: Child Witness Centre
The Child Witness Centre welcomes children and youth into the space with their facility dog Monet! Children and youth loved being greeted by a wagging tail when they come into the space. They are also intentional about bringing awareness to visible and invisible disabilities into all their conversations. Learn more about the Child Witness Centre here!
Organization: Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (OK2BME)
OK2BME offers different supports, groups, and opportunities for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. They also offer public education, training and consultation on a number of different topics like 2SLGBTQIA+ 101 and 102, Trans and Non-Binary 101 and 102, Becoming and 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusive Organization, and more! Learn more about OK2BME here!
05
Create more activities for children to be involved in
– YIS Qualitative Data
Provide more job, internship, and extracurricular opportunities for youth in the community!!
– YIS Qualitative Data
Maybe create organisations, or clubs, or something to include people of different backgrounds, and cultures, to make a more inclusive community.
– YIS Feedback Survey
We should create more opportunities for young people
– YIS Qualitative Data
It is not fair that people with more money get to do more things.
– YIS Qualitative Data
I wish there was support for kids like me who don’t have friends and feel anxious about doing things. I want to participate but usually I’m too scared.
– YIS Qualitative Data
More resources for youth minorities, more education for youth about local and global issues
– YIS Qualitative Data
I think there should be more resources for lgbtq+ youth and not just during pride month.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Creating new ways to support youths. Either creating a social media page to reach out. Creating a social media group for youths
– YIS Qualitative Data
Posting other volunteer opportunities, and job offers for high school students.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: City of Kitchener
Youth Employment Support Grant will help reduce barriers to summer jobs for youth with low income by offering up to $300 to get what they need to apply or to be eligible to apply for summer jobs with the City of Kitchener. This is a new initiative stemming from Project EMPTHY and City Council. Learn more about the Youth Employment Support Grant here!
Organization: Community Justice Initiatives
Youth in the Roots to Rise program are interested in creating inclusive and accessible spaces for their peers and wanted to learn sign language. The group has hired an instructor and will be participating in 16 hours of lessons to learn. Learn more about Community Justice Initiatives here!
Organization: House of Friendship
House of Friendship offers lots of youth programs in neighbourhoods that are youth informed, youth led, and youth powered, like the Brothers in Leadership program, the Girls in Leadership program and the Youth Sports program. Programs aim to help youth develop skills needed to transition successfully to adulthood. Learn more about House of Friendship here!
Organization: KW Habilitation
The LEG Up! Program at KW Habilitation is a learning and skill-building program that provides education and training for youth, aged 13 – 17 and adults with developmental disabilities. It includes experiences like employment and volunteering, independent living, tutoring, and more.
Learn more about KW Habilitation here!
Organization: Adventures 4 Change
Adventures 4 Change offers youth mentorship programs that prepare youth to be future-ready in the Sunnydale community. Youth set goals, mentor guide them to make goals actionable items with timelines, supporting them until goals are achieved. Learn more about Adventures 4 Change here!
Organization: Kinbridge and partners
Youth Force is an employment and skills training program for youth living in and around community housing. In partnership with Region of Waterloo Housing, Camino, Greenway Chaplain Neighbourhood Association and Langs. Learn more about Kinbridge here!
Organization: YMCA of Three Rivers
The YMCA has a financial literacy program where youth learn how to manage their money and make well-informed financial decisions, both today and in their future. From understanding the terms of a student loan, or the actual cost of a new cell phone contract participants will experience first-hand the impact of effective, daily financial management in achieving long-term goals. Learn more about YMCA of three rivers here!
06
More mental health resources for youth
– YIS Qualitative Data
I think we need to do more to erase the stigma around mental health. Counselling and therapy resources should be constantly shared and promoted.
– YIS Feedback Survey
And also make more clubs for mental health.
– YIS Feedback Survey
Pay more attention to our mental health, as many people don’t feel seen/heard or feel hopeless during COVID.
– YIS Feedback Survey
I want to see my answers help implement mental health programs
– YIS Feedback Survey
I think reaching out to people specifical kids with mental health issues especially at this time is most important
– YIS Feedback Survey
Programs for kids with anxiety would be good too.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Possibly things making sure people know others are here for them.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Grade 12 student at Grand River Collegiate Institute
Nolan, a grade 12 student passionate about mental health, created a flowchart style mental health resource in collaboration with Yannice. “Do You Need Help? Explore Your Wellbeing” presents students with different mental health pathways and resource to access. Nolan and Yannice hope that the resource can be posted around schools so that is easily accessible to students.
Organization: Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (Newcomer Wellbeing Program)
The Newcomer Wellbeing Program offers a number of different groups and opportunities to newcomer youth in the community. Part of each program is integrating psycho-educational conversations to talk about mental health and develop positive coping strategies. Learn more about the program here!
07
More intergenerational spaces and public discussions between youth and adults.
– Sensemaking Sessions
Actually talk to kids instead of grouping every kid into the same circle.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Adventures 4 Change
The Young Queens program organizes mom and girls sessions, where generations chat about challenges, growth possibilities and inspire one another. Learn more about Adventures 4 Change here!
Organization: Children and Youth Planning Table (that’s us!)
The CYPT hosts regular voting member meetings, and over the last couple of years have opened these up to be spaces for youth and adults to join together. We’ve adjusted meeting times to better align with youth schedules and encourage voting member organizations to invite youth they work with to have open conversation and various topics, and give input on what the CYPT does. Learn more about CYPT’s youth opportunities by signing up for our youth list
08
Make spaces for youth to open up about their experiences (more accessible).
– Sensemaking Sessions
Do more of these surveys, and advertise them, I love to see that you value our input. Also release the results and how you are going to use them to make changes that the public can hold you accountable on.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: City of Kitchener
The City of Kitchener’s Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) is run by youth and meets weekly to discuss youth challenges and how to address them. They attend some city council meetings and voice the youth perspective in policy decisions. Learn more about KYAC here!
Organization: City of Cambridge
Youth Advisory Committee of Council is an opportunity for youth ages 13-24 to learn more about their community and get involved. The committee provides insight to City staff and Council on the needs of youth in Cambridge, and supports youth focused activities and involvement. Learn more about the committee here!
Organization: Region of Waterloo
The Youth Advisory Council is open to youth ages 14-25 to advise on Regional initiatives. As part of the Council, youth get to present ideas to Regional staff, Council, and the community. Learn more about the council here!
Organization: KidsAbility
The Kidsability Youth Council is the youth voice for KidsAbility. Volunteers (ages 14-24) provide input into programs and services, plan events for youth, and advocate on behalf of youth with disabilities. Learn more about the council here!
Organization: YMCA of Three Rivers
The Youth Volunteer Council is a group that empowers youth to discuss world and social justice issues, plan events, and vote on important issues in the Teen Drop-In Zone community with the goal of empowering youth to be a voice for the issues facing them and their peers in our community. Learn more about the YMCA of Three Rivers here!
Organization: Wilmot Township
The Wilmot Youth Action Council offers youth a chance to be involved in the community, to create and support the youth voice. The Council takes a preventative approach and monthly mental health topics are chosen by youth to discuss and explore. Learn more about Wilmot Township here!
09
Groups/events promoting cultural awareness.
– Sensemaking Sessions
More cultural or religious programs
– Sensemaking Sessions
Acknowledging /publicly celebrating cultural and religious holidays (i.e. not just Christian ones we get breaks for)
– Sensemaking Sessions
Culture days at school for students and teachers to learn
– Sensemaking Sessions
Schools asking about religious and cultural accommodations
– Sensemaking Sessions
Grocery stores promoting different foods and cultures
– Sensemaking Sessions
What if there were more youth groups offered just to specific religions, so there didn’t have to be any feelings of disgrace?
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Conestoga College
Conestoga College has spaces on campus for students to use as prayer spaces as needed. Those who practice religions not aligned with the school calendar can connect with faculty to let them know when due dates and tests conflict with religious holidays, and can work to adjust dates to better align with the students’ needs. Learn more about Conestoga here!
10
More community events and activities for youth.
– Sense Making Sessions
Neighbours should get together more often and have a street party so they can get to know each other
– YIS Qualitative Data
Promote healthy neighbourhood relationships.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Maybe once COVID-19 is over, you could launch a ‘festival of inclusion’ or something to recognize everyone is perfect in their own way and have a BBQ with vegetarian and vegan options for the whole community to build trust and inclusion to all.
– YIS Feedback Survey
I think doing more fun programs and events for kids and adults to be a part of… anything that we can do to get people involved in the community, no matter what the events are will help with socializing, and feel more a part of the community and doing more than what we’ve been doing in isolation.
– YIS Qualitative Data
Organization: Waterloo Region Community Foundation
Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) support groups working to create spaces of inclusion by providing funding opportunities, such as the Community Grants (and more)! Learn more about Waterloo Region Community Foundation here!
Organization: Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region
Extend-a-Family offers space to neighbourhood associations to support meetings. They also partner with organizations in the community to offer a variety of events and opportunities. Learn more about Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region here!
Organization: City of Waterloo
City of Waterloo supports many neighbourhood associations in offering events and opportunities in their neighbourhoods. Funding is available via the Neighbourhood Matching Fund for place-based community initiatives. Learn more about the City of Waterloo here!
Organization: Kinbridge
Kinbridge Community Association works with neighbours to put on a variety of celebrations and activities throughout the year in Cambridge, such as: BBQs and picnics, bike rodeos, Eid celebrations, etc. Learn more about Kinbridge here!
Organization: Multiple
Festivals and community events are back! Cities are bringing back all your favourite events. Check out the links below to see what’s happening where
Territorial Acknowledgement: We acknowledge that the land on which the work of the Children and Youth Planning Table is performed is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We acknowledge the enduring presence of the Indigenous people with whom we share this land today, their achievements, and their contributions to our community. We offer this acknowledgment as an act of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada.
© 2022 Children and youth planning table of waterloo region