Youth Coalition - École Selkirk Junior High

The development of a ‘Youth Coalition’ came about as the result of a planning meeting designed to engage our youth in their community and to build school pride not only for students but also for staff, families and the community. Members at this initial meeting included Selkirk RCMP Community Policing Coordinator, Probation Services, Selkirk and District Recreation Coordinator, students, School Division staff, Manitoba Metis Federation, and the Selkirk Team for At-Risk Teens (START) coordinator. Regular breakfast meetings began to take place over the next 3 years.

The Youth Coalition have attended a Community Justice Forum and hosted a half-day Student Justice Forum in conjunction with the Crime Prevention Council. A Lighthouse program (Manitoba Justice) proposal was completed and was successful at receiving money to offer after school and weekend programming. They assisted the City of Selkirk and Youth for Christ with planning summer programs for youth and organized a Skate-a-Thon fundraiser for Red River North Christmas Hamper Drive. They supported a Teen Health Clinic and did a City of Selkirk clean-up of graffiti in conjunctionwith the Crime Prevention Council. They started a ‘Girls Talk’ group where grade 9 girls become mentors for grades 6 and 7 girls and initiated discussion with Child and Family Services for an Emergency Shelter for youth who need a safe place to spend a night.

The youth organize these programs and activities and take ownership for them, and as a result, build leadership and teamwork skills. Youth sit at the table with adults, discuss their ideas, listen to other people’s viewpoints, develop plans for accomplishing goals, and learn about the obstacles that often impede progress. There is a great deal of problem solving that takes place.

Working together with community stakeholders has made a huge difference. Youth need the expertise and assistance that other stakeholders can bring to the table. These stakeholders have found they are able to make more effective and efficient use of their resources when working together with the school.

When a school redefines its culture by building a vision and a commitment on the part of the whole school community based on critical factors such as caring relationships, high expectations and opportunities for participation, it has the power to serve as a ‘protective shield’ for all students and a beacon of light for youth from troubled homes. The Youth Coalition is one project that can provide the ‘protective shield’ for youth.