United Way Perth-Huron’s work engages people across Perth-Huron, tackling pressing local issues affecting the communities where they live. As part of this mission, the organization is building the next generation of engaged residents through the Youth in Action Grants program; providing opportunities for youth to come up with creative solutions to challenges facing people their own age and develop skills that can transfer to other areas of life.
“Every year, Perth-Huron youth come up with amazing ways to address issues in their communities,” said United Way Perth-Huron Director of Governance and Community Impact Megan Partridge. “We’re hoping this year’s YIAG recipients inspire other young people to think of ways to help in their communities and apply this coming September.”
“I’ve learned that it’s important not to worry what others will think about,” added two-time grant recipient Evan Johnson, who led last year’s Art Cart initiative along with this year’s Wellness Wednesdays project at Stratford District Secondary School. “I know a lot of my peers are nervous about that and getting out there and being a leader really gives you the perspective to see what’s going on and what people really feel. More youth should apply for the grants because the experience is very valuable, especially as you get older and go into the real world.”
This year’s Youth Grant projects covered a wide range of pressing local issues including mental health and building connections in the community across Perth-Huron.
Youth Week at the Municipality of West Perth allowed the West Perth Youth Advisory Committee to put on special events and programs for youth in West Perth celebrating National Youth Week and creating deeper community bonds.
Wellness Wednesdays at Stratford District Secondary School allowed youth to host four after-school workshops throughout the winter and spring to introduce students to visual art and drumming with the aim of expanding ways to cope with mental health challenges.
The Clubhouse at Stratford District Secondary School allowed youth to create a one-day school-wide scavenger hunt to promote social connection, plus social connection kits for teachers to sign out and use with their classes.
Connecting Girls Through Sport at St. Marys DCVI allowed the youth to host a basketball workshop for girls, Grade 6 to Grade 11, building a sense of community and giving girls a chance to step outside their comfort zone. The workshop featured the head coach and three players from the University of Guelph women’s team.
A mental health assembly at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to reach their whole school featuring motivational speakers focused on anxiety and depression, breaking down stigma and offering coping strategies and resources.
Hockey fun at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to run a ball hockey tournament for Grade 9 to Grade 12 students so they could get outside and be active.
Building picnic tables at St. Marys DCVI allowed youth to build several new picnic tables for their school after the old ones were vandalized. The project offered youth a chance to feel ownership and pride in their school.
A comedy show hosted by Mental Health Matters Wingham featured a Canadian comedian sharing their experience with mental health challenges, letting youth struggling with their own mental health issues know they are not alone.
The eight grant recipients each received up to $1,000 for their project.
Youth in Action Grants are open to youth aged 14–25 to plan and implement projects addressing youth concerns in their community, must clearly engage their peers in Perth and/or Huron Counties and have an adult trustee over the age of 25. Grants up to $1,000 are available. Applications for 2023/2024 open in September. For more details, GO HERE.