Wednesday, October 26, 2022

社會計劃創新學院舉行首場實體免費公開講座,邀請多位年青領䄂分享經驗。

 


 第二屆「社會計劃創新學院」開始招募新學員

「展望青年領袖培訓計劃」-鼓勵大多市青少年參與及造福社區

  為了啟發年輕人的創意,藉此參與及貢獻社區,「展望青年領袖培訓計劃」主辦第二屆「社會計劃創新學院」(Social Innovation Academy),於本周六(29日)舉行首場實體公開講座,邀請多位年青領䄂分享經驗。是次講座費用全免,歡迎1519歲人士報名參加。

  社會計劃創新學院是「展望青年」與多倫多大學社工學院 (Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto) ,以及多倫多都會大學創變領袖學院(Institute for Change Leaders, Toronto Metropolitan University) 的合作項目。

  「展望青年」主席李樹德表示,通過此項目把社區參與計劃擴展為一個為期6個月的密集課程。此計劃的目的是啟發年輕人的創新思維,藉一些有實踐經驗的導師指引下,培養學員的興趣和參與度,並發掘社區問題的解決方案。

  他指出,不少華人家長關心子女的學業成績,期望他們能夠考取高分數,以便進入心儀的大學和學系。其實,本國大學收生的條件,不僅是參考科目的分數,校方還會看看申請人參加的課外活動和義工服務,他們對社會所作的貢獻;有些情況下,甚至比學術成就更為重要。

  李樹德稱,此計劃除了提高年輕人的技能,幫助他們在進入成年階段建立信心,還可以在面對社區挑戰時,幫助他們發揮領導潛能並解決問題。同時,該會將通過各種指導﹑訓練﹑技能發展,網絡和資源,為學員提供所需的支援。

  今年的講座主題「啟發至領導」(Inspire to Lead),大會邀請的主講嘉賓,來自本地的改革先鋒,包括:Legacy of HopeProject 5KUrban MindsDot Dot Fire,他們分享從不同途徑改變社會,參加者了解本地的社會問題,以及年輕領袖如何對他們的社區產生影響。

  活動於本周六(29日)早上10時至12時,在多倫多大學社工學院(Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work)舉行,地址:Room 548, 246 Bloor Street West Toronto。報名及查詢詳情,請點擊以下的連線:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vision-youth-social-innovation-academy-2022-inspire-to-lead-forum-tickets-444593249377



如欲報名參加社會計劃創新學院課程,請瀏覽網址:www.visionyouth.ca

關於「展望青年」

展望青年領袖計劃成立於2001年, 全由義工負責營運,目的是培養和加強初出茅廬的青年領袖,以解決他們所在社區正面臨的挑戰。本會認為,青少年是對世界發揮正面影響的動力,因此挑戰青少年超越自我,燃亮心中的火,以激發他們對社區承擔的責任感。至今展望青年計劃超過1,200名畢業生,完成逾200個社區服務項目,以及33,000個社區服務小時。

 

 

 

Open Free In-person public forum at Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto

 

For immediate release

This year Vision Youth is partnering up with Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto and Institute for Change Leaders, Toronto Metropolitan University to offer our 6-month accelerator program, Social Innovation Academy (SIA), that helps connect youth with cutting-edge thinking and hands-on experience that cultivate their interest and engagement in finding solutions to local community issues. 

This opportunity not only leads to skill enhancement, and confidence building as they navigate towards adulthood, but also helps them realize their leadership potential as they solve community challenges. We will support them with a variety of mentorship, coaching, skills development, networking, and resources. 

As a celebration to start the Social Innovation Academy 2022, we have organized a special forum – “Inspire to Lead”.  We have invited the successful social enterprises in Toronto to tell our audiences on why and how they started their social enterprises to help others.  On our panel this year, we have the Co-founder of Project 5K – Vincent Chan, Co-Founder of Urban Minds – Ryan Lo, Dot Dot Fire - Content developer and Partnership development – Sabrina Au,  Executive Director and In-house legal counsel of the Legacy of Hope – Teresa Edwards. Corporate Consultant and Leadership Development Specialist – Philip Lai will be the moderator.  

The “Inspire and Lead” forum is open to the public.  Please register at the following Eventbrite link to register for the open forum -   

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/vision-youth-social-innovation-academy-2022-inspire-to-lead-forum-tickets-444593249377

Date : Oct 29 2022

Time : 10 am to 12 noon

Venue: Room 548, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4

Media are welcome to cover our forum. Please email eric.li@visionyouth.ca to confirm your attendance.



We still have a few spots for the SIA 2022 . Please visit www.visionyouth.ca for registration and to view last year’s demo day and projects.  Please direct email inquiry to hello@visionyouth.ca or call 416-800-4040

Program Overview

Who: Teens 15 – 19 years old in the Greater Toronto Area 

When: October 2022 through March 2023

Where: Room 548, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4

What: Students participate in workshops designed to teach the skills necessary to launch social impact projects, awareness campaigns, and non-profit organizations. These 6 online workshops, taught by industry and non-profit experts, teach the students skills such as social entrepreneurship, event planning, budgeting, research and development, networking, and more.

At the end of the program, each participant along with their team will present a proposal of their solution for their chosen local community issue. One team will become the recipient of the $1,000 Vision Youth Social Innovation Academy grant, which will help them fund the pilot of their solution.

About Last Year’s Cohort

Last years inaugural academy had over 30 graduates. Six teams of youths completed their online training and pitched their project idea to the panel of judges on demo day with hope to get resources to scale and implement their project. Each team presented their issues and pilot program proposal. The initiatives included:

 

·  Reconciliation with First Nation

·  Education with a focus on analytical and critical thinking skills

·  Youth Homelessness

·  Youth Mental Health

Project Bawaajigan is a good example.  A group from the last year’s cohort worked with Indigenous groups, created the project aims to help educate and create a community around advocating for Indigenous Rights.  They also Promotes Indigenous initiatives, movements and businesses on Social media. The group choose one topic every week to education and generate discussion on social media.  

 

About Vision Youth

Founded in 2001 and 100% operated by volunteers, the Vision Youth Leadership Program cultivates and empowers emerging young leaders to create solutions to challenges facing their communities. We believe youth are a driving force in creating positive changes in the world and so we challenge them to rise above and ignite the spark within that would inspire them to take responsibility for their communities. Our impact to date: 

·  Over 1,200 Vision Youth Program Graduates

·  Over 200 Community Service Projects Completed

·  Over 33,000 Community Service Hours Performed


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Media Contact

 

Eric Li, Vision Youth

eric.li@visionyouth.ca

Tel. (416) 473-9844

Wednesday, August 5, 2020


July Parents' Workshop Recap: Racial Discrimination, Student Support & STEM at Home Workshop


By Ingrid Li / Aug. 5, 2020



On July 25th 2020, Vision Youth hosted an online workshop on racial discrimination, student support, and interactive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educational games. The workshop featured guest speakers Amy Go, the founding president of Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice, Youmy Han, a staff member from the Honourable Mary Ng MP’s office, and Franco Lam, a Chief Development Officer of Dotdotfire.com.


Amy Go discussed racism in schools and how the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice (CCNCSJ) was founded in 1980 to educate, engage and advocate for equity and justice for all. She proceeded to explain the importance of getting children to build confidence through understanding their Chinese Canadian history and identity, and learn how to react when experiencing racist attacks or isolation. Moreover, Amy stressed the necessity of communicating with schools about the safety and racial measures that will be taken once schools reopen. Several questions that should be brought out are how the spread of the virus and racism will be prevented, if there will be tools to equip teachers to address anti-Asian racism, and the school’s policies on equity, anti-racism and inclusion. CCNCSJ has also been working on an anti-Asian racism project where an online reporting tool was made as well as social media campaigns to bring awareness. Furthermore, they will be collaborating with the City of Toronto and Vision Youth on another research project called PROTECH. Most importantly, they will be providing focus group consultations on August 8-9 for children and guardians who speak English, cantonese and mandarin. The organization can be contacted through national@ccncsj.ca.


The second portion of the workshop was continued by Youmy Han, who spoke about the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since many students are struggling to support themselves with school and classes being interrupted, the government has added 10, 000 new jobs. They have also increased wage subsidy until February 28, 2021 to give people the opportunity to hire others for part time jobs for a longer period of time. Meanwhile, a 6 month interest fee moratorium on Canada’s student loans from March 30 to September 30 to take off financial pressure from students. Likewise, Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) has provided $1250 monthly to help graduates who don't have CERB and an extra $750 per month for those who have disabilities. Additionally, Canada's service grants $500 for postsecondary students or recent graduates who want to volunteer for non profit organizations until October 31. The website canada.ca/covid19 can be visited for more information about support programs for youth and international students.


Lastly, Franco Lam introduced an organization called Dot Dot Fire, a startup from Hong Kong that has been expanded to the United States. Since online learning has started, various problems have arisen. Students are either not joining in the calls or are disengaged and unmotivated. This organization conducted an experiment where they were able to keep 10 year old students fully engaged online for over an hour. This was through the use of games; the perfect medium for motivation as it is the language of the current generation. Games can be used as a connection between teachers and students and the STEM program gives kids the chance to learn more about math, aviation and engineering principles. The class usually starts with a video game to motivate the class followed by a design project where students will continue to conduct scientific experiments outside of class. Some STEM games are also available on Dot Dot Fire’s website. Another game that is currently being made by this organization is a financial literacy game where kids can learn not to be impulsive, to be smart with money and to be a smart consumer. Through this simulation game, they must apply critical life skills, decision making and career/life choices. Overall, though remote learning can be challenging, it is necessary to find high quality education to keep kids motivated and engaged. During online learning, students will be given the opportunity to learn things that perhaps they've been wanting to learn for a long time. 


All in all, the speakers from this workshop provided more insight on the action to be taken from the government as well as schools and organizations to help students adapt to the current situation.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Learning Remotely and Family Time Workshop

Ingrid Li

Learning Remotely and Family Time Workshop



On June 20th 2020, both Visioneers and their parents were given the opportunity to join an online workshop regarding online learning and staying healthy as a family. The workshop was hosted by Benjamin Law, a secondary school teacher and Joanne Tang, a teacher liaison from the Chinese Heritage Community, both from the York Region District School Board.

During the first portion of the workshop, Benjamin Law explained what exactly online learning was, how all students learn differently and the necessity of maximizing learning opportunities during these unprecedented times. Online learning is not suitable for all students of all spectrums especially with the different platforms, formats and methods of delivery from teachers. Not only are students affected, but teachers and parents are as well. Many teachers do not have experience teaching online and often struggle with using new technologies. Likewise, parents are facing challenges balancing work and their child’s emotional and physical needs. These problems lead to various concerns that can be resolved through communicating with teachers and guidance counselors or speaking to the child. There are also many other ways for parents to be involved with their child’s learning. Firstly, they must understand that online learning is very different from learning at school and thus they shouldn't keep the same expectations for their child and should instead learn to understand their limits. They can help by setting schedules and teaching self discipline to maintain the child’s motivation throughout online learning. Most importantly, it is crucial to understand that even though school is very important, it is not everything. We must find time for ourselves during isolation and from learning different skills to building stronger relationships with family, we can learn to appreciate these times of quietness.

In the second half of the presentation, Joanne Tang mentioned the difference between mental health and mental illness. Mental health being the ability to realize your own strengths, cope with normal stress and make contributions to the community, and mental illness being a wide range of mental health conditions that affects mood, thinking and behaviours. Overall, it is necessary for parents to pay attention to changes in their child’s behaviour, friends, appetite, sleep and energy level. Once aware of any mental issues, parents should talk to the child, their doctor or a mental health expert. Joanne brought up a mental health organization called Hong Fook Mental Health Association that could give the required assistance to families. This organization offers clinical counselling, preventative programs, social skills workshops and consultations that are free of charge. There is also school support from guidance counsellors and social workers that parents can easily email or give a call to. Lastly, Joanne recommended a few things to do during quarantine such as creating routines, being active, taking breaks and spending time with family.

This talk was a great opportunity to know more about challenges from online learning, possible mental health concerns and ways to reach out for help. Even though we don’t know when this pandemic will end, hopefully everyone will stay positive and healthy during these times of uncertainty.

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Founded in 2001, Vision Youth Leadership Program is a non-profit organization that aims to help youths develop life skills, nurture their social skills, and prepare them for a successful future. Different from the traditional teaching approaches which educate them mainly through academic knowledge, Vision Youth emphasizes on exploring the potential of our participants, enhancing their social skills and organizing outdoor activities which allow them to stay close to nature. Furthermore, Vision Youth provides a good learning experience for the participants, ensuring their communication skills, public speaking skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills and self-confidence can be strengthened. It is also our goal that students would understand and love nature better and that their social and political awareness, and personal responsibility can be raised after taking part in our program.

For more information about Vision Youth Leadership Program, please visit our website at www.visionyouth.ca, or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/visionyouth/, or email to info@visionyouth.ca, or contact us at 416-800-4040.

For more information about our past activities, feel free to visit our bloghttp://www.visionyouthblog.blogspot.ca/. Blog posts in both Chinese and English version are available for readers.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Bronze Visioneers Participated in Mock Council Debate in Toronto City Hall


Jodee Fok Wing Tung
With the help of Toronto City Councillor Anthony Perruzza, the Bronze Visioneers visited the Toronto City Hall and participated in a mock council debate activity on 10th August 2019. Franco Ng, who worked as an assistant of a city councillor, introduced to the Visioneers the history, management structure and daily operation of the City Hall, as well as sharing with them the jobs and responsibilities of a city councillor. Franco believed that it is possible for anybody to make changes in their city. He encouraged the Visioneers to voice out their opinion and raised their enthusiasm in taking part in political events.
Apart from visiting the City Hall, the Visioneers had an experience being a city councillor to give a speech and vote, enhancing their understanding on the decision-making process in the council. The topic for the debate was whether laneway housing scheme should be implemented. The Visioneers were free to choose a stance and developed their own arguments. At the same time, Franco and other counsellors took the role of the mayor and public members. Not only did they ask questions regarding the arguments made by each Visioneer, they also ensured that the council meeting was held solemnly and smoothly. The Visioneers were able to consider the issue from various perspectives, for instance, property price, privacy issues, legal status of laneway housing and possible effects on corresponding neighbourhoods. Also, they were able to answer most of the questions asked by the public members and make an argument backed up with research and statistics.
In this mock council debate, more than 2 hours were spent in discussing the motion. In reality, councillors are facing mounting pressure as they need to deal with different opinions and proposals from the public of 44 districts. It is believed that after experiencing this mock council debate, the Visioneers had a better understanding on the jobs of the council and realized that political participation is one of the major ways to make changes in the community. It is hoped that they will get involved in more political events in the future and bring new blood to the political sector.

Founded in 2001, Vision Youth Leadership Program is a non-profit organization that aims to help youths develop life skills, nurture their social skills, and prepare them for a successful future. Different from the traditional teaching approaches which educate them mainly through academic knowledge, Vision Youth emphasizes on exploring the potential of our participants, enhancing their social skills and organizing outdoor activities which allow them to stay close to nature. Furthermore, Vision Youth provides a good learning experience for the participants, ensuring their communication skills, public speaking skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills and self-confidence can be strengthened. It is also our goal that students would understand and love nature better and that their social and political awareness, and personal responsibility can be raised after taking part in our program.

For more information about Vision Youth Leadership Program, please visit our website at  www.visionyouth.ca, or Facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/visionyouth/, or email to info@visionyouth.ca, or contact us at 416-800-4040.

For more information about our past activities, feel free to visit our bloghttp://www.visionyouthblog.blogspot.ca/. Blog posts in both Chinese and English version are available for readers.