The Canada Service Corps (CSC), funded by the Government of Canada, provides youth the opportunity to be engaged and involved in their communities in a variety of ways. National youth organizations are working with young people on innovative and inspiring projects. Learn more about mindyourmind‘s Design Labs at youthexperts.ca.
What?
During the winter of 2021-2022, mindyourmind hosted a self expression Design Lab, which was the first of its kind! Through this design lab, we provided youth with a safe space to learn about self expression as a form of self-care. We brought in three local and creative guest speakers to facilitate their own sessions and teach youth about different self expression techniques. Each session combined learning and then applying these self expression practices, some of which included spoken word, poetry, dance, and art. Together, we laughed, cried, and explored difficult topics. We connected on such a deep level and we are all forever changed by this experience!
During our last session we hosted a self expression showcase. As part of the showcase, the youth had an opportunity to share their choice of self expression. We were truly inspired and amazed by their self expression pieces. It was incredible to see how each youth challenged themselves and grew over our time together. To conclude this design lab, we created an infographic with tips for individuals who are new to practicing self expression.
Why?
Expression is an integral part of healing. It can also be extremely difficult to do as it opens up a lot of feelings that can be hard to process. Self expression is one way that individuals can work towards their healing in a manner that allows them to feel safe. We chose self expression as the theme for this design lab to give youth an opportunity to explore different self expression tools they could incorporate into their healing journey. We wanted to provide youth with tangible skills they could add to their individual “self-care kits” as well as share with other people around them. After all, self expression is great for your mental health! Expressing yourself through art, writing, or movement can help you to process big emotions and grief, as well as connect you to your inner child.
Who?
The mindyourmind team and 16 awesome youth; Agnes, Aleisha, Allyson, Anuijan, Cassondra, Emma, Herbert, Ilakkiah, Jordyn, Karly, Mabe, Micheline, Sara, Sara-Abrar, Takara, and Tanner.
When?
From December 2021 – January 2022, online via Zoom.
Where?
Online meetings with youth tuning in from across the country!
