2015 Fresh Voices B.C. Awards

Do you know an inspiring young person that is making British Columbia more welcoming for newcomers?

Now is your chance to say thank you.

4 Youth Awards – $1,000 Bursary

The Fresh Voices Awards would like to recognize the inspiration and leadership of immigrant and refugee youth in British Columbia to advance social and systemic change in one of the four themes prioritized by the Fresh Voices 2013 Report. There will be one award in the form of a bursary of $1,000 awarded to one young person nominated in each of the 4 categories/themes below.

Below are examples of the areas of work or leadership being undertaken by young people to affect change for newcomers.

Education and Learning

*Leadership to improve school system by addressing/recommending more inclusive policies and raising awareness about discrimination

*Raising awareness and advocating for refugee students and unaccompanied minors in school system

*Raising awareness, advocating and addressing UN Convention of the Rights of the Child in the school system (i.e: Article 28 – Every child has a right to education )

*Working with community, schools, teachers and school system to value the diverse language skills of migrant students

Family

*Supporting meaningful and safe conversations in migrant communities and families regarding cultural dynamics of gender roles and LGBTQ issues

*Leading, developing, facilitating programs and services that enhance awareness and understanding of immigrant family issues

*Promote intergenerational spaces to talk about the impact changes in roles and responsibilities have on traditional family values, dynamics and identities – particularly when youth seem to become the “head of the families” or key caregivers

*Demonstrated support to helping peers and other young newcomers advance their education and employment goals

Building Bridges across diverse communities

*Demonstrated commitment and leadership working to build bridges and working in solidarity with Indigenous communities in Canada

*Creating safe spaces to bring together immigrant and non-immigrant youth for increased understanding and empathy

*Interfaith approaches to learn from one another that allows for healing and developing a new collective identity

Immigration

*Ensuring that immigrants and refugees have the right to organize, express their opinions and vote for things that affect them.

*Peer support programs and services where they could connect to other immigrants and refugees with similar experiences. They also acknowledged the “hosts” programs, where volunteers helped guide the process of settlement for the youth.

*Raising awareness and advocating on key legislation, policies and Bills (such as Bill C-31) that have implications for migrant communities.

Eligibility for Youth Awards:

To be eligible, nominees in this category must:

*be an immigrant or refugee youth

*be between 14 to 24 years of age at the time of nomination

*be residing in British Columbia

We will accept self nominations for the Youth Awards and encourage young people to consider self-nominating. Please ensure that you submit the required letters of reference listed under the “Nomination Checklist & Requirements” section.

Nominate someone today!

freshvoices@vancouverfoundation.ca

Nomination deadline: September 16, 2015