The HRM Youth Engagement Strategy said it best when it stated that, “Youth are active and contributing members of society now, not future citizens or leaders of tomorrow!” Youth are artists, social entrepreneurs, athletes, volunteers, activists, and community leaders already. By supporting youth engagement, United Way is helping to build on youth’s existing skills so that they can continue to contribute to the community.

In 2009, United Way Youth Grant Projects ranged from a Mobile Art Wall, to a backyard fix-up at Laing House, to a Muslim Girls Club. In 2010 there was funding for advocacy for a Skate Park in St. Margaret's Bay, a Gay Straight Alliance Conference, and Thriller Dance Workshop and much more! Check out our Google Map to see all of the awesome 2010 projects!

This year, we are building on the success of last year’s Youth Grants by using the grants to ignite grassroots youth initiatives and leadership. Let’s work together to make sure that youth have the support to take their passion, and their skills and use them to help their community. Oh yeah, and let’s have fun while we’re at it!

How can YOU get involved?

• Apply for a Youth Grant or volunteer as part of the Youth Grants Selection Committee
• Organize your own Day of Caring with your school, community group, neighborhood, workplace...
• Start or be part of a United Way Campaign in your workplace or school and invite community agencies to speak.
• Connect with organizations and agencies in your community
• Got other ideas? Get in touch…

Contact Emma Cooper to learn more about these opportunities!