150 youth changemakers initiate 10 projects building a more vibrant, inclusive Montreal
On Friday May 5th, 2017, Equitas showcased the impact of 10 innovative Montreal youth-led projects at the “Youth are leading change in their communities” event held at Sid Lee‘s inspiring Creative Space 8 Queen.
Over 150 youth from 8 organizations shared how they have put their ideas into action through projects that : build inter-generational links; promote environmental sustainability; counter stereotypes and discrimination; and create community spaces where Indigenous youth, newcomers, and all youth can participate and have a strong voice.
Featured youth projects
Éco-quartier Sud Ouest: a project to promote community gardens, food security and intergenerational cooperation
Ensemble Comité empreintes de l’École Lavoie: a project to establish intercultural dialogue through the organization of kiosks promoting citizen initiatives around the world.
Y des femmes de Montréal: a photo exhibit and project profiling extraordinary women leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds and gender equality
Ensemble: École du Chêne-Bleu Pincourt: a series of activities promoting gender equality, culminating in the unveiling of new posters for non-gendered bathrooms.
Native Montreal: a project creating community discussions and community spaces for Indigenous youth
Carrefour jeunesse emploi – Montréal Centre-Ville: a collective prints mural, promoting diversity within the school and within the Montreal community.
Say Ça: a project introducing Syrian youth to Montreal and encouraging intercultural exchanges and dialogues through food and dance during Montreal Restaurant day.
Youth Fusion: a project to support youth mediators to learn and develop leadership and conflict resolution skills in Waskaganish. A 2nd project is a youth-led cross-cultural day of activities and exchange with Cree and Inuit students.
These youth are making their mark in a year of Montreal 375, taking action to change the face of their communities now and for the future.
“The youth gathered here from across Montreal are our leaders of today and tomorrow. We need to tap into and recognize the ideas they bring to the table for making our communities inclusive, equitable, vibrant places where everyone can participate. We are proud to collaborate with these youth leaders and support their efforts to shape change”, says Equitas Executive Director Ian Hamilton.
The Montreal youth also had the chance to meet with other youths from 15 communities across Canada that work to promote diversity, gender equality, and inclusive community spaces. Together they shared strategies and collaborated to learn how issues such as racism and exclusion, gender inequality, and homophobia are affecting diverse community-members, and find solutions.
Speaking Rights : a youth-led movement across Canada!
This year, Equitas’ Speaking Rights is building a movement of more than 500 youth-leaders from 25 organizations across Canada to take action on local challenges through innovative, engaging and creative community action projects.
They are the latest wave of youth-leaders driving positive social change in their local communities!