Connecting Youth Strategy - May Update
14 May 2004
CANADIAN MILITARY COMMUNITY NATIONAL YOUTH MODEL
References: A. National Youth Programs and Services Model, Information Kit and Video, dated 19 March 2003B. Communiqué: National Defence Online (NDOL) Provides Funding for the "Connecting Youth" Component of the CF Youth Programs and Services Model, dated 6 May 2003
In March 2003, a kit folder containing the Canadian Forces (CF) National Youth Model was distributed (reference A). The kit folder included a description of the National Youth Model, as well as, way ahead strategies mapping the preliminary stages of the implementation of the Model. Several anticipated activities, targeted to be initiated by the end of 2003, were named. Specifically, the Youth Project Team projected the initiation of the formation of a National Youth Advisory Committee; the pursuit of support funding; the introduction of the SISIP FS Volunteer Recognition Program; the development of a youth communication strategy; and the creation of national resource materials.
I am pleased to report that the following achievements have been realized by the National Youth Project Team in 2003:
the National Youth Advisory Committee was founded in September 2003 and includes representation from the YMCA, Red Cross, HRDC, Boys & Girls Clubs, Lions Quest, Youth Canada, Canadian Associations for the Advancement of Women in Sport, Canadian Association of Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance, and CFPSA. Since its inception the National Youth Advisory Committee has been instrumental in the development of the National Youth Model, and the "Connecting Youth" strategy;
the SISIP FS Volunteer Recognition program was extremely successful in 2003, and as of February 2004, has been established as an annual program funded through SISIP FS; and
a communication strategy was formalized for the youth project and includes an on-line quarterly newsletter for youth staff and a larger youth profile on the CFPSA web site.
Over the past year, one of the key challenges facing the National Youth Project Team was the lack of funding to support the implementation of the Model. In May 2003, the National Project Team applied for, and received, funding through National Defense On-Line (NDOL) to develop the "Connecting Youth" strategy. On 26 March 2004, NDOL announced that they will again fund the "Connecting Youth" project for 2004. To support the development and implementation of the three remaining core components of the Youth Model, the National Youth Project Team will continue to pursue various funding opportunities.
Looking ahead in 2004, the National Youth Project Team will begin a process of developing and trialing a youth engagement strategy tailored to the needs of the CF community. The goal of the youth engagement strategy is to implement a sustainable system whereby youth may be intrinsically involved in the development, management and evaluation of services for youth. Specifically, it is anticipated that the youth engagement strategy will be the mechanism by which the "connecting youth" project will be managed and maintained.
To complete the "Connecting Youth" project, in September 2004, the National Youth Project Team will begin the design and content development of a web site for youth from CF families. The National Youth Project Team anticipates launching the web site in 2005.
Should you or your staff have any questions please contact the undersigned, the DMFS Regional Representative or Anne-Marie Vaz, DMFS Program Coordinator at (613) 992-2328, or Laurie Ogilvie, NRYSM at (613) 995-7802.