The Sault Ste. Marie branch of the Voyageur Trail Association maintains over 60 kms of public hiking trail in and around the Sault.
They have some youth now taking a Hike Leadership course in combination with Sault College and would LOVE to attract some youth into the ranks of managing their local club. Check them out:

http://www.voyageurtrail.ca/saulteaux.html

Download final report

Mobilizing Community for Youth Registration Form Click to download.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Youth Association are hosting a strategic planning workshop that aims to bring together a cross-sectoral representation of organizations and people. Community decision makers, delegates from the non-profit, public and private sectors, advocates of youth and all youth are encouraged to band together their expertise and insight to the benefit of a Community Youth Strategy.

In January 2011, the Sault Youth Association launched a research initiative with the intentions of identifying the non-economic quality of life indicators that influenced a young person’s ability to experience a positive quality of life in Sault Ste. Marie. However, it is difficult to move ahead the development of a Community Youth Strategy without acknowledging the urgent need to improve the economic well being of our young people.

Through surveys, interviews, focus groups and forums, over 500 youth contributed to the research process. The analysis of data revealed eight key trends that identified areas for improvement. The Sault Youth Association has begun working directly with young people and community partners to address some of these concerns but there are several issues which require the support of the entire community.

During this strategic planning event, delegates will be asked to concentrate their efforts on one of four key areas of focus: Developing Youth Hubs; Sustainable Housing for Youth; Substance Abuse and Mental Health; and Economic Well Being including increasing educational attainment levels, employment opportunities and support for young entrepreneurs/social enterprises.

Speakers from across Ontario will share with delegates their best practices over this two day event. Presenters include representatives from Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Christie Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, and Town Youth Participation Strategies, Youth Centres Canada. Local individuals with an expertise in our four target areas will share their experiences with us.

A community that supports the quality of life for young people is a community with a prosperous future. The City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Youth Association encourages those who have a concern for youth and the community at large to support the development of a Community Youth Strategy on October 25th and 26th, 2011.

Pre-registration is required and registration forms can be accessed at www.saultyouthassociation.com.

The Sault Youth Association would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making the Youth Strategy Research Initiative possible through their generous grant. We’d also like to thank the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities for their financial support, without which this important strategic planning workshop would not have been possible.

WHERE: The Grand Theatre

WHEN: Saturday September 17, 2011, 9:30 am- 3:30 pm

WHO: All youth between the ages of 16-25

WHY: To give youth opportunities to meet local entrepreneurs, pitch a creative business idea and participate in the Change Inc. e-mentoring program that begins Jan. 2012

Youth aged 16-25 are invited to participate in the Sault Ste. Marie Change Inc. workshop on social entrepreneurship: “Cultivating Young Social Entrepreneurs”. Youth will get an opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs and to explore business ideas and approaches to develop a project that tackles an issue they are passionate about. This project is  supported by the Government of Ontario in partnership with Change Inc., NORDIK and the Sault Youth Association.

Space is limited! Please register online at:

www.ppforum.ca/changeinc-rsvp

For more information visit us on the web at www.ppforum.ca/change

On Facebook at www.facebook.com/changeinc

Or contact Melanie Charron at:

melanie.charron@ppforum.ca

(613) 238-7858 x291

There is no registration fee. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Catering by Café Natura and FRANKS FOOD Company.

Click on the image to enlarge

Thanks to our new graphic designer, Jake Zaccaria. Jake is doing his co-op placement with SYA. Great Work!