Red Cross Healthy Youth Relationships 2015

mindyourmind and the Canadian Red Cross teamed up to work with a group of amazing youth to create social media awareness tools for the Healthy Youth Relationships Respect Education program.

Over the course of nine weeks, these youth from all across Canada have worked on creating original youth driven content that tackle the tough issues of teen dating violence, while never actually meeting face to face! Each week the group met for an hour and a half via web conferencing software to learn, brainstorm, and create. The Kinetic Typography video, Wellness Tips, and Info-graphic the youth co-created are all bilingual with original French and English content.

Current research indicates that teen dating violence impacts over one quarter of Canadian youth. These tools created by the youth will address this important issue increasing awareness as well as knowledge of coping and resiliency in young people.

Find out more about the Healthy Youth Relationships Respect Education program and the FREE online course that the Canadian Red Cross offers here and in French here.

Kendra, 16 years old, Manitoba

I joined the mindyourmind social media project because I wanted to be involved in educating youth about healthy relationships and positive living.

I really hope our project can create an overall message for youth that everyone deserves respect and should be able to surround themselves with positive people.

A random fact about me is that one time I met former prime minister of Canada Paul Martin in an elevator and took a selfie with him in the background.

Elizabeth, 17 years old, New Brunswick

I joined this project because I wanted to do something different and make a difference.

I hope this project teaches youth about healthy relationships in a very cool, laid back but well done way. I hope people will really learn from it and show that what we want can be attainable and that true respect and love is a reality.

A random fact about me is that I really enjoy caviar, and I still play with Lego and like dress -up games.

Russell, 17 years old, British Columbia

I joined this project because my principal came to me with this and I thought I would be crazy to turn this opportunity down.

I want everyone to know all about what healthy and unhealthy relationships are.

A random fact about me is that I work at Hell’s Gate Air Tram (a tourist attraction) and I am going back to start my 4th season.

Alex, 15 years old, Ontario

I joined this project to learn more about healthy relationships and to collaborate with other youth around the country.

I hope our project really affects the youth that aren't reaching out to find the answers to their popular questions and gives some voice to their problems.

A random fact about me is that I have waist-length hair!

Sebastian, 16 years old, Alberta

I joined the project because I thought it was an interesting learning experience.

I hope that this project teaches people in general how to classify if they have any unhealthy relationships in their life.

A random fact about me is that I have run 2 marathons.

Cameron, 19 years old, Ontario

I joined this project to learn more about how social media can effectively be used to reach a large number of people specifically for important social issues.

Through co-developing a campaign that promotes healthy youth relationships, I aspire to develop the skills necessary to spread the message that youth have the power to make change--whether that change is in their personal relationships, their schools, or their communities.

A few random facts about me are that I enjoy swimming, playing the piano, travelling, and learning new languages. I am also a Canadian Red Cross: Beyond the Hurt Youth Facilitator.

Amr Saleh, 18 years old, Ontario

I joined this project to help reduce human suffering.

I want youth to know that relationships can always improve and that improving them is a goal worth pursuing.

A random fact about me is that I love fitness and have completed both P90X and P90X+.

Noel, 18 years old, Manitoba

I joined this project so that I can help others in any way possible to move forward from unhealthy relationships or just educate upcoming generations in general to stop relationship abuse in any form before it starts!

Mainly I hope that what we have done stops unhealthy relationships from becoming entwined within a young person’s lives as it can be very harmful and destructive. Also for those who are already experiencing or are in an unhealthy relationship I aspire that they can work with their partners to create something that they both feel comfortable in.

A random fact about me is that I play the ukulele proficiently.

Nicolas, Red Cross Co-Facilitator, Quebec

I joined this project to work with a group of youth and discover online collaboration.

I want youth to know that relationships come in all varieties, but should all be healthy.

A random fact about me is that I love to put costumes on pets.

Amelie, Red Cross Co-Facilitator, Quebec

I joined this project because I wanted to work with young people and hear their perspectives and ideas on how to experience safer relationships, face to face and also online.

I hope it will help youth trust what they feel inside, express their boundaries and be compassionate.

A random fact about me is that I love bicycles! And always day dream about my next bike adventure :)