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What would you do to make the community more welcoming and inclusive for our youth?
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Youth often report being stereotyped and discriminated against or not having a voice in things that matter to them. When youth are able to safely express themselves and find meaningful involvement in their world, they tend to exhibit thriving behaviours. These can also act as protective factors for them in risky situations and strengthen their personal development.
This online discussion forum has concluded. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will no longer accept new comments or votes.
Comment 1 20 Oct 2010, 10:15 PM
By simply engaging the youth in the City activities. We should find the ways to attract them to be more engaged and have active participation
Comment 2 4 Nov 2010, 11:33 AM
The Richmond Art Gallery Association (a non-profit society) recently had a Volunteer Open House and about 40 people turned up-most of them youth. I believe youth want to be involved in the community and just need to know that there are a wealth of opportunities out there. These youth are enthusiastic and brimming with ideas. They are knowledgeable about social media and can really help organizations that are "stuck" in the old ways of communication. They want to volunteer their time to worthwhile causes and there is no doubt that non-profits need youth for succession planning. Youth these days understand that life is not all about making money; it is about working together for a better world. I believe we will be in good hands in the future if organizations allow youth to become involved and then really appreciate their efforts. And youth who become involved in the community become engaged citizens.
Comment 3 6 Nov 2010, 8:56 PM
I am a youth in Richmond (20 yrs of age). There are several things I see as making Richmond a difficult place for youth:
1) Environment
The neighbourhood centres idea is a step in the right direction, but most of Richmond right now is unrelieved suburbia. For young people who can only walk or take the bus, this makes many activities, including community involvement, too far. This leads to boredom, which leads to potentially damaging results like drug and alcohol abuse, but also emotional issues like social isolation. This residentiality also creates a psychological rift. It's feels like Richmond doesn't want young more…
Comment 4 12 Nov 2010, 12:07 AM
How about asking the teens what they want to happen in their neighbourhood, like planning events. And creating hang out places like parks or cafes soo they can feel like they can do something in their neighbourhood. And by making like events in the neighbourhoods or Richmond that is Teen Oriented like firework celebrations or snowmen building contests or kite flying contests you know stuff teens might actually wanna do.
