Blog

So what’s in it for me? – by Chris Gay

May 29, 2012

As a contractor for SWOVA, I have very specific tasks laid out that involve project coordination. As the project coordinator for the Respectful Relationships (R+R) program, the Pass It On Program, and for the Online R+R Facilitator’s Training, I need to ensure all the logistics are attended to so the facilitators and mentor supervisor and training moderator can do their jobs as fluidly as possible. Also I establish and maintain positive partnerships with our school district and other community networks, all in an effort to ensure a professional service delivery model.

In truth, the logistics are such a miniscule part of the overall picture. The key ingredients are the passion, and skills, and commitment of those who deliver the programs and invest time with youth on a weekly basis. Therein lies the magic. The circles of safety and trust that are established, where youth often explore controversial topics, share their insecurities and beliefs, and question the norms of society in compassionate and passionate ways. Reciprocally, I am a vicarious recipient in my community of this heartfelt work. I have the pleasure of living on an island with youth who approach and respond to me with respect. I never fear a ‘crowd’ of youth, as I have in the city. I feel my space is respected and my opinions are considered and consequently, I am keenly interested in the perspectives of the youth in my community. By listening and learning from the youth in my community, I have a clearer understanding of their needs thus resulting in a respect for their space and allowing opportunities for expression.

When Pass It On had an evening of celebration at their Sparkfest event, I was struck by the demographics in the room. The performers were female youth in their teens and along the age continuum to women in their 50s. There was an honouring of what each generation had to pass on to the other. There was a collective spirit of mentorship in the room.

It was a magnificent evening. It definitely heightened awareness around Pass It On and other programming provided through SWOVA, the amazing women in our community, and the whole notion of mentorship and what it means to each one of us personally and professionally.

Lynda Laushway, the executive director of SWOVA, has always been very clear that these kinds of events aren’t fundraisers. They are an opportunity to build community awareness. I have no doubt that the community will begin to see SWOVA in an increasingly positive light – as an organization that offers hope and possibility to young women and men.

Chris Gay – Pass It On Coordinator

A Fearless Approach

The Pass it On Project had a late start in Uclulet, but the insights and learning from this unique collection of five distinct communities are enriching and enlightening.  The five communities include Opitsaht, Esowista, and Hitacu which are reserves, as well as...

Feeling Rejuvenated

Val Jordan, the Mentor Supervisor of the Pass It On Project in Prince George, knows her community well. Prince George is the Northern capital of British Columbia with a population of approximately 70,000. There is a strong multicultural and Aboriginal component to the...

Guy Talk

One of the most important reasons why I work with youth around gender, stereotypes and healthy relationships, is that I get the opportunity to engage in complex and thought provoking conversations with young men.  Speaking of self- esteem, emotions, conflict...

Bridging The Distance

Jennifer Quam is the Mentor Supervisor for the Pass It On Project in Valemount/ McBride, British Columbia. McBride has a population of 710 while 90 kilometers away is Valemount, with a population of 1100. The school population for both communities hovers around 100...

It Is So Emotional To See These Girls Shine

The Pass It On Project - Phase II is occurring simultaneously in 5 communities throughout British Columbia - Salt Spring Island, Uclulet, Valemount/McBride, Prince George and Kamloops. Kamloops is in the Southern Interior of the province with a population of 85,000....

The Pass It On Project Goes on the Road in British Columbia

This winter, I had the privilege of traveling around British Columbia delivering workshops with rural girls and young women as part of Phase 2 of the Pass it On project. These workshops were originally written for youth here on Salt Spring Island and thanks to the...

Exciting News at SWOVA

We recently found out that the Department of Justice Canada is funding us to work in partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band.  As part of their Justice Partnership and Innovation Program - Access to Justice for Aboriginal Women, we will look at existing data from...

It’s Like Being Matched with Themself at That Age

As Pass It On Phase II is being implemented across the province, young middle school girls are meeting up with their high school mentors.  When asked to respond to 3 questions, 2 mentor supervisors from our most Northern communities involved in the project and 1 from...

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.