Don’t think that young people have enough of a voice? Decisions are made around all of us every day – by families, businesses, and governments – based on what they think is best. We want to know what you have to say.

If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, apply by November 21, 2010 to be part of a group that will help the provincial government learn more about what kinds of supports teenagers and young adults need to help them reach their full potential.  We’re looking for young people from across the province and from every background to create a Youth Development Committee.  We’ll pay you for your time and cover the costs of travelling to meetings.

If you’re interested, you can learn more about the committee or other ways to get involved if you don’t think the Committee is right for you. To find out more click here  
To apply click here.

- YouthConnect.ca

A message from Minister, Laurel Broten about this opportunity:

October 2010

To Sir/Madame:

I am very pleased to inform you that my ministry has begun a province-wide engagement process to develop a Youth Policy Framework, and to share with you an exciting opportunity for youth to involve themselves in this project. Bringing the many voices of young Ontarians to participate in building this framework is fundamental to the success of this initiative.

The Youth Policy Framework, a recommendation of the Review of the Roots of Youth Violence report, will create an evidence-based resource we can all use to better understand the developmental needs of young individuals and the kinds of opportunities they need to ensure their success – as youth and through their transition to adulthood.

We have heard from many of you in the youth-serving sector that such a framework for Ontario will help serve as a guide to align and focus all of our efforts to support youth and better help them succeed.

Building on the knowledge and expertise already developed, the ministry will engage researchers, providers, parents, community partners and, most importantly, young people throughout the development of this work.

We all know the face of Ontario’s youth is comprised of young people from different backgrounds and diverse neighbourhoods, each with unique personal histories and aspirations for their future. We need to hear this myriad of voices so that Ontario’s Youth Policy Framework reflects youth from across all of Ontario’s communities.

With this in mind, the ministry has launched a recruitment campaign to establish a Youth Development Committee, a team of young people, aged 18-25, who will work with my ministry to make sure the diverse voices of youth are heard in this process.

To make the Youth Development Committee a reality, we are calling on Ontario’s youth to log on to YouthConnect.ca to learn more, apply to the committee, or discover other ways to get involved.

I urge you to let the young people you work with know about this opportunity and encourage them to get involved. I look forward to working together over the course of this initiative as we continue to support Ontario’s youth to reach their full potential.

Best regards,

Original Signed by

Laurel Broten

Minister