Speaking Rights is a new Equitas program that engages 13-17 year old youth in exploring human rights issues and identifying strategies to combat discrimination and exclusion while promoting respect for diversity. The program centers on the active participation of youth by developing their ability to discuss issues that are important to them and to work collaboratively on activities that community-build and solve conflicts peacefully.

Speaking Rights and the development of the Speaking Rights toolkit grew out of an extensive needs assessment in Montréal in 2008 with youth and youth program workers. It builds on lessons learned and relationships developed through Play it Fair!. The program draws on the expertise of the Ville de Montréal’s Direction de la diversité sociale as well as representatives of various boroughs and other youth program providers.

Equitas plans to work with local partners across Canada and around the world to adapt the Speaking Rights approach to strengthen their own work with youth.

Learn more about the Speaking Rights toolkit.

The development of Speaking Rights has been made possible due to the active participation of local partners in Montréal and the generous support of the City of Montreal, the Ministère de l’immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec, the Foundation of Greater Montréal and the Vancouver Foundation.