Criteria 9 – SSM Support Youth Volunteerism And Leadership Development

Sault Ste. Marie is fortunate to have citizens, organizations and agencies dedicated to youth leadership

development and encourage youth volunteerism. The value of the contributions and skills youth have to

offer is priceless and Sault Ste. Marie relies heavily on the strengths of youth involvement. Grassroots

organizations and community agencies open their doors to the development of youth volunteerism and

leadership skills. With their more flexible structures, and ability to reach less visible populations, the

upside is youth have more opportunities to take leadership roles, and have the rewards of contributing

to a meaningful purpose

YMCA Leadership in Training Programs focuses on responsibility, initiative and teamwork. LIT's

develops confidence, self-esteem, build skills and gain experience to lead YMCA programs and events.

Many youth then become valued volunteers themselves to deliver programing. Aside from formal

leadership training, the YMCA develops leadership skills through practical experience. Below are the

description supplied from Jessica Greenlees the Aquatic Supervisor and youth volunteerism.

1: Approximate number of volunteers between the ages of 13-19 in aquatic programs: 4-8 youth

2: A brief description of some of the programs they are involved with

• Swim Lessons: Assist Instructor with delivery of YMCA swim program for all ages in a values based environment

• Recreational Synchro: Develop swimmers skills and prepare routine for showcase • Competitive Synchro Coaches: Develop swimmers skills and prepare them for personal testing

and team competitions • Competitive Swim Team Coaches: Develop swimmers skills and prepare them for personal and

team competitions Lyndsey Pilkington, the Child, Youth and Family Program Supervisor had this to say:

There are 10 volunteers age from 13 to 19 helping run both the recreation al and competitive gymnastics programs: set up equipment, organize classes and take care the participants.

The benefit for volunteering for the YMCA gymnastics program

• Volunteering helps making new friends and contacts • Volunteering increases self-confidence • Volunteering helps stay physically healthy and find out the fulfillments of life • Volunteering can provide career experience; learn valuable knowledge about the job. • Volunteering for the YMCA also gets the experience of leadership.

In the Child Youth and family programs we have approximately 10 volunteers aged 13-19 in

different programs such as cooking class, sports and games, floor hockey, crafts, soccer,

leadership, girls power and many more fun and exciting programs. Lyndsey Pilkington, the

Child, Youth and Family program supervisor commented

“I think these volunteers are very important for our younger members to look up to. All our volunteers are dedicated and feel a sense of belonging. Volunteers develop important life skills and it helps promote what the YMCA is all about which is the development of spirit, mind and body by encouraging healthy lifestyles, personal growth and service to the community. Throughout their times as volunteers they represent, CHRRE which is: Caring - show a sincere concern for others, Honesty - be truthful in what you say and do, Respect - follow the "Golden Rule", Responsibility - be accountable for your promises and actions, Excellence - the quality of our service will be unmatched.”

The United Way Youth Empowerment Council (YEC) includes membership of youth aged 14-29 who

want to empower their peers, and create an environment where youth volunteerism is the norm. The

YEC has always been involved with “Change the World,” the Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge since its

inception in 2009. After a successful run of community charity carwashes the first couple of years, the

youth decided to “come to the table” with a more original fundraiser. “Table for Teens” was a

fundraiser event that saw picnic table kits donated by Home Depot, which were assembled by teens

themselves in the parking lot as a community event, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to a local

charity of the youth’s choosing. Project coordinator, Kaitlyn Irwin, admitted that she would have loved

to have the money donated back to the United Way, but acknowledged that young change makers

should be able to support the charity that was important to them.

Faith-based organizations in Sault Ste. Marie also provide youth with the opportunity develop leadership

skills through a variety of activities. As well, the schools also provide a number of leadership

opportunities to students as they participate in LINK Crew, Yearbook Committee, Student Council, and

organize events and fundraisers.

The Mill Market and Entomica, two new local social entrepreneurship concepts, have created a number

of great opportunities for youth. Entomica is a live interactive exhibit where visitors will discover the

fascinating, hidden and often misunderstood world of insects. Local youth are encouraged to volunteer

at the exhibit. The Mill Market, currently occupied in a creatively repurposed old fish hatchery, is a

regional market dedicated to bringing the public the best of Northern Ontario farmers, ranchers,

fishermen and artisans. Only opened since May, the Mill Market has already been the site of youth

events and created a great environment for youth volunteers.

The youth of Algoma Family Services’ YOUnion started a partnership with Mill Market, to develop skills

of entrepreneurship and community relations. “YOUnion’s Lemonade Brigade” is an initiative to raise

money for members to attend Children’s Mental Health Ontario’s “Disable the Label” Conference. This

endeavor it has been so much more than a fundraiser; It Is also a way that the youth were able to get

involved at Mill Market, develop public relations skills, and make connections with other local small

businesses.

The Mill Market has also supported other youth led initiatives. Lily and Claudia’s ice cream shop is

located in Mill Market has launched a “We Scare Hunger” campaign during the month of October. The

non-perishable food items collected will be donated to the local food bank. Link to “We Scare Hunger”

Campaign http://www.local2.ca/ssm/viewarticle.php?id=16096

There are also a number of other organizations that provide youth the opportunity to develop

leadership skills. The Local Red Cross Youth Group was created to bring awareness to the community on

local and global Red Cross issues as well as assist with fundraising events. The Sault Ste. Marie Branch

has 9 youth involved and they are responsible for deciding the fundraisers and activities that they would

like to be organized. Rebecca Bernardo is the coordinator of the program and provides support to the

group as needed.

Each year the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie hosts, Rotaryfest which is a three day festival. The festival

relies on community volunteers and in 2014 more than 500 community members supported the event.

More than 200 youth in our community played an integral role in facilitating the kids’ activities, helping

at the food booths, maintaining the event site and selling tickets.

Youth volunteers also play an important role in other community events such as; 20-minute makeover,

Clean North Programs and events, Sault Area Hospital, Pennies from Heaven Campaign. Sault Ste. Marie

also provides a volunteer placement program for anyone interested in volunteering. Students looking

for a place to volunteer can contact Volunteer Sault Ste. Marie or Volunteer Algoma and they will help

identify opportunities that match their placement needs. Volunteer Sault Ste. Marie includes 300 local

groups that rely on volunteer services and of those groups 100 of them have specific youth leadership

and volunteer programs.

Local sports organizations to must be recognized as important youth leaderships and volunteer

development groups. The Sault Youth Soccer Association has several training programs to prepare youth

to become active in their organizations. These programs include coaching and refereeing clinics. In 2014

30 youth over the age of 16 became active certified coaches. Youth are educated, trained and certified

allowing them to gain tangible skills and volunteer experiences. Many other local sporting organizations

follow the same model such as hockey organizations and football leagues.

High School age students are an important part of both Boards of Education Track and Field programs.

High school students volunteer to oversee, operate and organize all elementary track events. Their

leadership role as officials and event staff are a key operational component of these meets. Each spring

300 high school students have come forward to support elementary track and field.

Criteria #9  ‐ Table of Contents 

YMCA Leadership Development   

Youth Empowerment Council   

Youth Empowerment Council—Change the World   

Tables by Teens   

Mill Market and Entomica Volunteers   

YOUnion   

We Scare Hunger   

Big Blue Box Drive   

Red Cross—Leadership Development   

Algoma District School Board   

Huron Superior Catholic District School Board—Pennies from Heaven   

20 Minute Makeover   

Volunteer Sault Ste. Marie and Volunteer Algoma   

Youth Social Infrastructure Collabora ve    

Page 1 

Page 2 

Page 5 

Page 8 

Page 9 

Page  10 

Page  11 

Page 13 

Page 14 

Page 15 

Page  17 

Page 18 

Page  19 

Page 20 

Algoma’s Farmers Market    Page 21 

Faith Based Organiza ons—Leadership Development    Page 22 

Rotary Club Volunteers    Page 24 

Clean North Volunteers    Page 26 

Sault Area Hospital Volunteers    Page 27 

     

     

     

     

     

 

Criteria #9 1

 YMCA—Leadership Development

 

Criteria #9 2

 Youth Empowerment Council

 

Criteria #9 3

 Youth Empowerment Council

 

Criteria #9 4

 Youth Empowerment Council

 

Criteria #9 5

 

Community Car Wash 

Youth Empowerment Council—Change the World

 

Criteria #9 6

 

Editorials

Help change the world, get your car washed

Friday, May 10, 2013 by: Good Deeds

Welcome to SooToday's web feature we like to call the Good Deeds page. If you know of any unsung do-gooders that deserve some recognition for making a difference in our community, e-mail derek@sootoday.com with information and pictures, and you could be featured next time!

For only five bucks, they’ll wash your cars and trucks!

For yet another year, students from four local high schools will be participating in the 6th annual ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge.

ChangeTheWorld is a 4-week long campaign that provides an opportunity for youth to get involved in their community. It is meant to plant the seed of volunteerism in young individuals who are interested in social change.

The campaign is supported through the Ontario Government’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI), Volunteer SSM, the Youth Empowerment Council (YEC), and United Way of Sault Ste. Marie and district.

One of the most successful local volunteer activities is the Community Car Wash for Charity. The students are encouraged to host the most successful car wash by raising money to support a charity of their choice. The money that is raised from the car wash is then donated to a charity, by decision of the students.

This year’s participating high schools include:

Korah Collegiate and Vocational School Charity: Pauline’s Place Date: Saturday, May 11th, from 10am-4pm Location: Korah Collegiate Parking Lot

Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School Charity: ARCH Date: Sunday, May 19th, from 10am-4pm Location: Superior Heights Parking Lot

St. Mary’s College Charity: Christmas Cheer Date: Monday, May 20th, from 11am-2pm Location: SSt. Mary's College Parking Lot

École Notre-Dame-du-Sault Charity: Canadian Cancer Society (Relay for Life) Date: Saturday, May 25th, from 10am-3pm Location: École Notre-Dame-du-Sault Parking Lot

So, come out and support the youth of our community, get your car washed and donate to a charity!

Make sure to check out our archive for

more Good Deed Stories

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Youth Empowerment Council—Change the World

 

Criteria #9 7

 

Local News

Building picnic tables for a good cause

Monday, May 19, 2014 by: Kenneth Armstrong

White Pines grade 9 student Elizabeth Gagne volunteered to build picnic tables because she prefers volunteer work that is hands-on. “It gets you involved in your community and helping, gets you outside and it’s for a good cause,” said Gagne. Tables by Teens was one event organized by United Way Sault Ste. Marie and District project coordinator Kaitlyn Irwin and involved about a dozen local high school students building picnic tables in the Home Depot parking lot on Saturday. “We try to create volunteer initiatives for students to participate in and this is one of them,” said Irwin. Irwin is organizing local events for ChangeTheWorld: Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge, which runs between April 6 and May 19 across Ontario. The events are intended for students age 14-18 and are being organized through volunteer Sault Ste. Marie.

The students can apply the hours volunteered toward the 40 hours required to graduate high school in Ontario. The picnic table kits were donated by Home

Depot and sold for one-hundred dollars each, the money from which will go toward whatever project or charity the children decide. Giving back to the community is one of Home Depot’s core values, says store Manager Susie Furchacher. The teens get to learn some life skills by actually assembling the tables, said Furbacher. “For some of these kids they have never had an opportunity to do this kind of work, and this is a great opportunity for them to give back and help each other. It gives them a sense of pride in their work,” said Furbacher. Any tables that were left over from the event were to be donated to local charities, said Irwin. Irwin is hoping to make Tables by Teens an annual event, possibly adding Muskoka chairs in the future.

(PHOTO: Emma Stafford and Paige Furbacher, both Grade 9 students at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School, assemble picnic tables for the United Way May 17, 2014 at Home Depot. SooToday.com/Kenneth Armstrong)

Youth Empowerment Council—Change the World

 

Criteria #9 8

 Tables by Teens

 

Criteria #9 9

 

Youth Volunteer at Entomica 

Mill Market & Entomica Volunteers

 

Criteria #9 10

 

Profile: Algoma Family Services Posted on February 19, 2014 by admin

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Group Name: YOUNION: youth voice, working together

Location: Sault Ste. Marie

What makes your group unique?

We are a constantly changing and growing group. Depending on where our individual passions lay, we choose

different projects depending on our current group members’ talents and abilities. If someone has an idea or a

cause that they are particularly passionate about, we do what we can to accomplish something with that topic

as a particular focus. We have a fun, discrimination-free environment, with lots of games, food and activities.

We have a youth room that we schedule for activities. We do art expression, skill development and work on our

various projects on the evenings that our youth room is open.

Projects in the works:

We are developing a youth speakers bureau to share our passions with the community.

Children’s mental health awareness week is happening in May and we are planning an awareness campaign in

our schools and the community.

YOUNION

 

Criteria #9 11

 We Scare Hunger

 

Criteria #9 12

 

Local News

Mill Marketers help scare hunger

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 by: Donna Hopper

On Saturday, October 18 representatives from Maitland Ford Lincoln's national We Scare Hunger campaign were at the Mill Market collecting non-perishable food items for donation to Sault area food banks. In collaboration with Rosedale French Immersion Public School, St. Francis Public School and Free The Children, Maitland Ford Lincoln hosted local Paralympic gold medalists Mac and BJ Marcoux and former NHLer Rico Fata at the market for the event. At the end of the day as an unexpected but very welcome bonus, Mill Market vendors donated their remaining produce, baking, and preserves to the cause. That truckload of food was delivered Saturday afternoon to Pauline's Place Youth Shelter to help local children in need. "We were very excited to partner with Rosedale and St. Francis to do this event today," Judith Kovala, dealership operations manager at Maitland Ford Lincoln, told SooToday.com. "It will help raise awareness about hunger in our community and how youth can become involved and help out."

"It's important because it gives [youth] a sense of community, and a realization that there are people in need and they can help." Maitland Ford Lincoln's We Scare Hunger campaign continues throughout the month of October with donations being accepted at the dealership, Rosedale French Immersion Public School and St. Francis Public School. On Halloween night, youth volunteers from the two participating schools will trick-or-treat for non-perishable food items rather than candy to donate to the campaign. Maitland Ford Lincoln will also be about town accepting donations from the community. Anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to keep an eye open for the Maitland Ford Lincoln truck this Halloween. For more information about the We Scare Hunger campaign, please click here. To view Local2's video coverage of Saturday's donation, please click here.

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We Scare Hunger

 

Criteria #9 13

 Big Blue Box Drive

 

Criteria #9 14

 Red Cross—Leadership Development

 

Criteria #9 15

 Algoma District School Board

 

Criteria #9 16

 

 

Mustang Sally lit up the faces of a special audience   

Friday, April 5, 2013 1:28:35 EDT PM  

    

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO ‐   

Mustang Sally lit up the faces of a special audience and 

were rewarded with an impromptu dance party! 

Special Education students from Algoma District School 

Board(ADSB)’s Tarentorus, Kewedin and Parkland public 

schools as well as Superior Heights Community Education 

program were treated to an acoustic concert performed 

by Mustang Sally, Korah’s Collegiate’s rhythm and blues 

student band, on Thursday April 4th at Superior Heights 

Collegiate & Vocational School. 

Mustang Sally chose a more intimate setting (in the 

auditorium behind the Superior Heights café) for this 

performance titled “Made In Canada” and shared their 

musical talents with students who may not otherwise have 

had an opportunity to attend such a concert. Teachers and 

support staff from the above mentioned schools were 

there enjoying the music along with their students. 

This year, Mustang Sally has placed a focus on Canadian 

content and included songs like Gordon Lightfoot’s “The 

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and classics honouring 

Stompin’ Tom Connors. While students and teachers were 

seated for the first few numbers it did not take long for 

them to be encouraged to get up and dance and within 15 

minutes Mustang Sally had a dance party under way!

 The group of 20 student singers and 

technicians make it a point to educate themselves and 

their audiences on a range of topics, in this instance a nod 

to our Canadian heritage and a tribute to Canadian people 

and places we are proud of. Prior to this particular concert, 

Mustang Sally members (who are Grade 9 to Grade 12 

students) also spent time talking about the need for a 

specialized performance for this group, as they learned 

about some of the challenges these students face. 

A focus on building strong character has been a theme the 

band consistently shares with their audiences. As students 

themselves they are able to speak peer to peer about what

it’s like to perhaps not fit in, how important it is to 

persevere and pursue a dream, and the importance of 

teamwork and taking on responsibilities. 

Now in its ninth year, Mustang Sally has evolved into a 

program that provides students with a realistic feel for the 

music business. Students participate onstage or behind the 

scenes. They are involved in merchandising with the 

design and sale of T‐shirts, and are in fact now able to 

work towards obtaining an OSSGD credit through their 

participation in Mustang Sally, much as students enrolled 

in Music Theatre can. 

UPCOMING MUSTANG SALLY SPRING CONCERT! 

…featuring Tyson Hanes with Special Guests The Pine 

Tones from White Pines Collegiate! 

Friday April 19th and Saturday April 20th, 2013. Korah 

Collegiate Auditorium, 7pm 

Tickets can be purchased at Korah: 

Students ‐ $4 Adults ‐ $8 Families ‐ $10 Children under 12 ‐

FREE 

  

Algoma District School Board

 

Criteria #9 17

 

Local News

St Mary's adds a kick to Pennies from Heaven campaign

Tuesday, December 03, 2013 by: SooToday.com Staff

NEWS RELEASE ST. MARY'S COLLEGE

*************************** Giving back and staying fit

SAULT STE. MARIE - Looking for the perfect way for you and your kids to give back to the community this holiday season while having fun and staying fit?

The 2013 St. Mary's College Pennies from Heaven Indoor Soccer Tournament will be held at the school on December 13 and 14.

The weekend event promises to be fun-filled and memorable for all those involved.

Alongside the soccer tournament will be door-prizes, giveaways and special guest appearances which are sure to get the whole crowd involved!

Proceeds from the fund-raiser will be donated to local charities and families.

Last year, SMC's Pennies from Heaven raised approximately $18,000 for those in need.

Girls and boys categories are available for children born in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Teams may enroll as a single-gender or co-ed entries.

Teams entering the round-robin event are guaranteed a minimum of three games, with the top entrants advancing into the playoffs.

The sign-up cost of $20 per player includes registration, two pieces of pizza and a player prize from St. Mary's College.

Visit SMC's official website for the registration form.

Deadline to enroll your team has been extended to Wednesday, December 4 by the end of day.

Be sure to drop off your child's form to SMC as soon as possible to ensure you get one of the remaining spots!

Additional information is available by calling St. Mary's College event staff at 705-945-5540.

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Huron Superior Catholic District School Board—Pennies from Heaven

 

Criteria #9 18

  20 Minute Makeover The 20– minute makeover is a volunteer driven event.  The intent of the event is to promote civic pride and 

community beau fica on, and celebrate Earth Day! 

Sault College Students 

YMCA Team Clean  

 

Criteria #9 19

 

 

Volunteer Sault Ste. Marie & Volunteer Algoma

 

Criteria #9 20

 Youth Social Infrastructure Collaborative

 

Criteria #9 21

 Algoma’s Farmer’s Market

 

Criteria #9 22

 

A number of faith based organiza ons in Sault Ste. Marie provide leadership development opportuni es through their 

youth groups.  A sample is included. 

Faith Based Organizations—Leadership Development

 

Criteria #9 23

 Faith Based Organizations—Leadership Development

 

Criteria #9 24

 

Rotaryfest is a 3 day summer fes val which is volun‐

teer driven.  Events such as the kids zone are organized 

and facilitated by youth. 

Rotary Club Volunteers

 

Criteria #9 25

 Rotary Club Volunteers

 

Criteria #9 26

 

Youth Volunteers at Christmas Tree Recycling 

Clean North - Volunteers

 

Criteria #9 27

 Sault Area Hospital Volunteers

 

Criteria #9 28

 Sault Area Hospital Volunteers