Register for Pass it On 

Blog

Young Women’s Survey Part of Leadership Project – by Chloe Sjuberg

July 10, 2013

 

One of SWOVA’s newest initiatives, the Salish Sea Girls Leadership Project (SSGLP), aims to build leadership capacity and opportunities for girls and young women in the Gulf Islands.
SSGLP’s first major undertaking has been to conduct a needs assessment survey among young women aged 15 to 24 living in the Gulf Islands. “We plan to survey 25 per cent of the total eligible population, which will result in a statistically powerful representation of our young female population,” says project coordinator Andria Scanlan about the process. The survey asks about the barriers and opportunities girls experience growing up in our communities. So far, survey participants have been enthusiastic about sharing their voices and given thoughtful responses exploring subjects from body image to bullying.
IMG_2532
In June, the 10 Salt Spring girls on the project’s Youth Advisory Council rode the early morning water taxis, distributing the survey to students travelling to GISS (Gulf Islands Secondary School) from Galiano, Mayne, Pender and Saturna islands. Listening to the voices of girls who live in the outer islands, not only Salt Spring, is important to the project’s success.
Nikky Varlis Love, one of the Youth Advisory Council members, spoke positively about this chance to connect with her peers, “Physically travelling to the outer islands is the best way to take change into our own hands.”
IMG_2538
The team is also distributing the survey through many channels on Salt Spring, and it is available online as well (see link below).
Some of the survey subjects covered are: young women’s access to leadership opportunities; sense of connection to others in their community; and making their voices heard. The survey also addresses transportation, safety, physical and emotional health, and the availability of quality places to hang out. Young women are asked to share their experiences in these areas and give input on possible improvements. Existing national research indicates those issues are commonly faced by girls in rural areas of Canada – more so than their urban or male peers. A 2012 Girls Action Foundation report finds that leadership opportunities and supports, along with mentorship and community engagement are key elements to rural young women’s success. The Girls Action Foundation’s belief that “every girl is an expert in her own life” reflects SSGLP’s decision to ask young women directly what obstacles they would like to see addressed and how.
All young women aged 15 to 24 who live in the Gulf Islands are encouraged to help out and share their thoughts by completing the survey online at https://www.esurveycreator.com/s/93d2a72. Even those who no longer live here can take part, as long as they grew up in the Gulf Islands. Paper copies of the survey can also be picked up at the SWOVA office (344 Lower Ganges Road).
SSGLP urgently needs about 50 more surveys to be filled out by the end of this week, so they are asking anyone eligible to participate as soon as possible.
The results of the needs assessment survey will be made available in mid-August. By the fall, SSGLP will be taking steps to create change based on the issues the islands’ young women identify as most important.
You can help support SSGLP by donating your grocery receipts to the project’s new Save-a-Tape box, #137, at Country Grocer.
Chloe Sjuberg
Communications Coordinator
SWOVA – Salish Sea Girls Leadership Project

Blog Archives

New to Salt Spring, Devon is excited to engage with the local community. As a certified teacher and registered counsellor, she works with students both on Salt Spring and across BC, offering social and emotional instruction, support, and skill development. Her extensive experience in both educational and recreational settings has given her a strong appreciation for the critical role that meaningful connection with others plays in the development of children and youth. A strong advocate for social-emotional learning, Devon views it as the foundation for all other areas of growth and is particularly inspired by the programs offered by The Circle Education.

Need Bio

Christina Adair is a dedicated professional serving as a District Child and Youth Worker for SD64. With an extensive background spanning over 15 years, Christina has acquired substantial experience working with children and youth in diverse capacities. Her unwavering commitment lies in fostering youth leadership and advocating for their rights. Christina has demonstrated her dedication through 13 years of volunteering with Scouts Canada, where she successfully led youth groups and facilitated adult meetings. Christina takes immense pride in her role as a caregiver and mentor to countless young individuals, with her two grown children serving as a testament to her nurturing capabilities.

Dan has been working in the credit union system for over 22 years, the last 8 with Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union.  His latest role is as a Branch Manager for the Salt Spring branch.

He has a long-time passion for giving back to his community, particularly where children are concerned.  He has been a scout leader for the last 19 years and has taken part in 2 Pacific Jamborees.  Once as a participant and the latest one as the treasurer.

He also volunteered for 12 years with the PACE program in Victoria.  PACE is a musical theater program through the school system for children ages 5 – 17 that puts on two shows every year.

While new to Salt Spring, having moved here in the spring of 2021, he is excited to get involved with the community and proud to be involved with The Circle Education.

Lisa grew up in Cochrane, Alberta, and has recently come to live on Salt Spring Island, after having lived abroad for 25 years.  She studied fine arts at the Wackers Academie in Amsterdam, had a son in Denmark and a daughter in the UK. She served as Chair of the PTA of Holy Trinity Primary School in Wimbledon for 5 years, which was a registered charity entity separate from the school. She learned about the Pass it On Boys program when her son showed an interest in joining it. Being new to the community she asked fellow parents about the program to find out how it was viewed. After hearing only good things about it, she registered her son and the next logical step was of course to join the board, as she always strives to be an active member of the community by providing support based on her broad life experience.

Lyyli Kennedy was a Pass it On mentor at Gulf Islands Secondary School and has been drawn to the idea of working with The Circle Education for a long time. She had been waiting for a facilitator role that aligned with her schedule as head baker at Francis Bread, and this role with the Pass it On Program is the perfect match. With her background leading diverse kitchen teams and working as a classroom education assistant, Lyyli (pronounced Loo-Lee) is committed to fostering respectful relationships and inclusive spaces.

Patrick Howlett moved from Australia to Canada in 2019. Nine years earlier, he switched careers from communications to outdoor education. He worked with young people at The Great Aussie Bush Camp and Camp Tanuga in Michigan, USA, and helped students run their Senior Leadership Challenge at Camp Summit in Squamish. His work with youth taught him the value of patience, the ability to see the best in people, the importance of clear communication and empathy.

Marcia is our Communications and Event Coordinator since July 2021. She moved with her husband and two daughters – who are both attending high school in SD64 now – from the Netherlands to Salt Spring Island in 2012

As a swim team coach for the Salt Spring Stingrays, Marcia knows and understands youth realities of living on a small island.

Marcia has 25+ years of experience in writing and communication for Dutch and Canadian media outlets – most recently the Driftwood – and non-for-profits.

Kate has been working with The Circle since 2010, serving as a facilitator and contributor to program development. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing curricula has supported the organization's ability to address youth needs effectively.

Kate's unique approach combines her background in theatre, play building, and improv with a deep understanding of youth development. This blend of skills allows her to create engaging, interactive experiences that resonate with young people across various age groups.

Students consistently praise Kate for her compassion, attentiveness, and ability to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Nick MacKinnon has a background in cancer research and biomedical engineering and in working with medical device startup companies as a founder and director. As a former educator, Nick has a strong commitment to STEM advocacy. He has served as a director and advisor on multiple boards and advisory committees, including the biomedical engineering programs at BCIT and UBC and professional associations in both BC and internationally. Nick has also been involved with non-profit cooperatives in British Columbia, particularly in the housing and car-sharing sectors. Notably, as a director, he helped lead the development and construction of the 54-unit Arbutus Housing Co-op in Vancouver. Now retired, Nick continues his longstanding dedication to education and social justice. As a director with The Circle Education, his interest is in governance, financial management, and fundraising.

Need Bio/Last Name

Janine started her career with the Ministry of Education in Victoria, B.C. in 2000 as an education officer in the area of accountability and system performance. Since moving to SSI, Janine has taught as a teacher-on-call with School District #64, delivered parent support sessions as a trained Virtues Project Facilitator and worked for Volunteer and Community Resources Society (VCR) in support of the island’s not-for-profit sector.

Janine is a dedicated member of the Salt Spring Island community. She sat on the Board of The Lady Minto Hospital Foundation for six years, served as chair of the SSI Foundation Grants Advisory Committee for six years, coordinated the local Terry Fox Run for eight years, served as a board member and then president of the Salt Spring Island Aquatic Society for a total of eight years, and in 2018, she founded the local chapter of 100 Women Who Care.