Youth Engagement
As future voters, decision-makers and community leaders, young people have an important perspective on what they would like Victoria to be in 30 years. Youth participated in a number of activities and shared their input on the things that matter to them in Victoria in the context of the OCP update.
Victoria High School
Students were involved in a number of OCP activities including:
- a presentation by the Mayor and City staff to over 300 students at a school-wide assembly
- students completed a survey on priorities for Victoria at electronic kiosks set up at the school
- Staff visited the Leadership 12 class and facilitated Community Cirlces with students, identifying their priorities for Victoria. Students received training in group facilitation skills on the final visit and were invited to be facilitators at the Community Café event.
Victoria Youth Council
The City of Victoria Youth Council is a youth-driven organization that offers youth information and tools for engaging in municipal activities. Members work with the City to include youth perspectives on issues affecting Victoria.
The youth council participated in a workshop to explore goals and strategies for Victoria’s future and the OCP update. Held during Local Government Week, the workshop also showcased an example of collaboration among local governments, youth, and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). The Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Vice President of the UBCM, along with Mayor Fortin, held a media event before the workshop to discuss the importance of engaging youth in long-term planning.
Community Café
Held on May 27, the Community Café was a high-energy event that drew 30 young people to talk about Victoria and what matters to them for the city’s future. Participants created community maps and shared ideas about the future of their community. The event was facilitated by City staff, theVic High Leadership 12 class and the Victoria Youth Council.
Youth Planning Station
Young people attending the first Community Forum at Crystal GardenMarch 25 and 26 were invited to stop by the Youth Planning Station to help imagine Victoria’s future. Activities included mental maps, trivia games, and building neighbourhoods for the future.
Getting the Word Out
Reaching young people can be challenging through traditional media such a newspapers and radio. In additional to the tradition modes of communication, social media — including Facebook and Twitter— were used to promote OCP events, as well as tapping into the extensive networks of Victoria’s youth organizations.
