June 2008

 

Hello everyone

I have attached the minutes of our presentation to the advisory committee.  Guest speaker Michael Hoechsmann(McGill) gave a moving talk about youth voice and the participants presented some of the project activities using a power point slide show. The agenda, presentation and the minutes were prepared by them.

We're about to wrap up the radio workshop with Janice Dayle, where the youth have been busy at CKUT (radio McGill) producing segments for broadcast. They have honed their technical skills in radio production as well as developed skills in interviewing, voice, and research techniques. Collectively, they have explored issues such as gangs, violence, drugs, graffiti, fanaticism and gay bashing. All along, they have been developing their skills in leadership, time management and organization; working with deadlines, following weekly schedules and routine meetings.

They also participated in several interactive youth forums in N.D.G. and Cote de Neiges, organized by Carrefour Jeunesse Emploi N.D.G. and CDN. "Apathy is Boring," was brought to the fore, and an organisation with the same name presented ways youth can get involved in the political process and how important it is for them to be aware and involved.  Marlene Jennings, MP for NDG/Lachine also spoke of her personal history and encouraged youth engagement. Some participants took the opportunity to interview her for a broadcast segment.

Anissa Kherrati from CDEC (Corporation de développement économique communautaire Cote de neiges/Notre Dame de Grace) hosted a workshop for starting your own business. Ideas for starting a coop emerged and she has graciously organized a visit from a coop specialist next week.

Participants were instrumental in the implementation of a community garden, an initiative of the St. Raymond Residents Association. They helped mobilize the community and laid the stones for a patio in the park that will house several intergenerational and multicultural activities like art workshops for children, bicycle repair clinics and graffiti workshops for youth. It is an ideal spot for seniors to come and play chess or simply to sit and relax under the trees.

The folks at the NDG Food Depot were happy to receive some help in reorganizing their space to better serve the community. We look forward to visiting the folks at CitizenShift (National Film Board)  where material from the project will be posted on their website.

Upcoming guest speakers include John Griffin from the Gazette, Magnus Isacsson, a well-known independent filmmaker and D.J. Dave Mcpherson.

Youth Employment Services will provide workshops to develop employability skills and finally, Phyllis Lewis, independent filmmaker will start the 8 week video workshop. During that time, the participants will also attend mural art workshops by Mu Art people and

Prevention N.D.G. They will become sensitized to art in public places and issues surrounding graffiti. At MUCS(Montreal Urban Sustainment Project) they will continue to cook collectively for the Dining Coop using recuperated food from the Zero

Food Waste Initiative. They will attend several workshops in nutrition and continue to develop healthy dietary habits.

MUCS is the spot for our FINAL EVENT on Friday August 22nd at 2 p.m.

We'll be cooking up a storm so get ready to CELEBRATE!!!

 

Warm regards

 

Jill Prescesky

Coordinator/Project Media