As a youth, a resident of Brandon, and a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, I see the tremendous benefit that a youth centre in town could provide. A youth centre is a safe environment where you can chill with your friends and join in fun activities. It’s a place to go to experience new things, meet some new people and learn something new. It’s a place that can have homework clubs, arts or music workshops, recreational games and activities that is available to youth of all ethnicities, orientations, and income levels. It is a place that will be led by youth and allow them opportunities to make positive life choices. If this sounds like something that interests you I encourage you to support the development of a Youth Centre in Brandon: that is, support Project Youth.
What can you do to help? You can log on to www.brandonyouth.ca and take the survey to show support for a Youth Centre, and while there, take a look at the information about the Youth Advisory Committee to see if it is something you are interested in and how you can be more involved in the development of a Youth Centre through it. You can call, write, or email the Mayor and Council and tell them why they should support a youth centre. In general, you can spread the word about the benefits of having a youth centre and encourage your friends and family to show their support. Start as soon as you can because the beginning of the year is when the City starts finalizing its budget!
Remember, a youth centre can be almost anything you want it to be if you are interested and involved in the process and the benefits to the community can be immense.
More information can be found on the brandonyouth.ca website or you can send me an e-mail: chranord34@brandonu.ca.
Republished from The Quill print edition, Volume 103, Issue 16, January 8, 2013.