Blog

My Time in the Youth Team – by Cole Smith

March 26, 2013

I feel that the SWOVA youth team has impacted my life in such a dramatic way that it would be an injustice to fail to recognize it.

As a graduating member of the Respectful Relationships Youth Team, I can say with confidence that the future is in good hands. Working with such phenomenal individuals has been tremendously influential, and at times inspired awe. I came into the program as a newcomer to the school, and a newcomer to the province of British Columbia; immediately I was welcomed in with warm, open arms. I had come to the program full of a fear of the unknown – meeting new people was hard for me, and it didn’t help that everyone at the school was a complete stranger. But within a few weeks, I found that I was opening up to this incredible group in ways that I had never before done with even my closest friends in my home town.

The 2012/13 R+R Youth Team

The 2012/13 R+R Youth Team

My time in the Youth Team has been extremely influential in shaping the young man I am today. Without taking the first step through the doors, and sitting down in the circle amongst my peers, I’m unsure if I would have followed the same path which I’ve taken today. I owe so much to this program and its members, and I will be forever in their debt. In February, I attended the Loran Scholarship National Interviews, a journey that was made possible by my experiences in the youth team. I have no doubt in my mind that my future will continue to be influenced by my experiences in the youth team.

The topics taught in the R+R program are extremely pertinent and important to today’s youth. As I head off to University, I know I will strive to learn more about human rights, equality, and peace, and will share these values with everyone in my life, regardless of where life takes me.

I hope the youth team continues to inspire young men and women as it has for me.

In peace,
Cole Smith – R+R Youth Team Member

The End Before the Beginning – by Kate Maurice

The End Before the Beginning – by Kate Maurice

As Pass It On draws to a close for another year, I find myself in that same parallel of emotions I feel every year at this time. I am sad to part ways with the young women I've spent the past year with. Although we live in a small town and see each other often here...

“Less Guilt, More Joy!” – Valdi – By Kate Maurice

“Less Guilt, More Joy!” – Valdi – By Kate Maurice

  Working as a mentor supervisor I enjoy a position with the unique perspective of 28 young women ranging in age from 13-18 years old. I see many sides of these young women as we grow to know each other. Where often their insecurity is what drives their...

Yes, It Happens Here

Yes, It Happens Here

A Salt Spring Island campaign taking place with the aim to address stereotypes and silence regarding crime and victims of crime in our community.  SWOVA’s Salish Sea Girls’ Leadership Project secured the funding from the Federal Ministry of Justice to run the campaign...

Weekend of Entertainment, Workshops, Recognition and Celebration

Weekend of Entertainment, Workshops, Recognition and Celebration

International Women’s Day March 8, 2014 For over one hundred years, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been a day of celebration and recognition to mark exceptional achievements of women and to build on inequities still to be addressed.  This year SWOVA, IWAV, Victim...

Grand Theft Auto – by Christina Antonick

In one of our Grade 10 Respectful Relationships workshops this past week, we spoke with youth about our 5-month social justice youth facilitator training that we do on Monday evenings after school. Our R+R Youth Team co- facilitate sessions with the Adult Facilitators...

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.