The University of Northern British Columbia is partnering in an initiative to promote the multiple benefits of having young people involved with community social service agencies. The four-part professional development program “Youth on Board” is an initiative of Board Voice, a provincial organization of community social service boards, in partnership with UNBC’s School of Social Work, Community Development Institute, and the UNBC Alumni Association, along with the United Way of Northern BC, and local social service providers.   

Front row: Dawn Hemingway, UNBC School of Social Work, Board Voice, Intersect and SOS Society Second row (left to right): Tamara Sweet, UNBC Alumni Association; Kerry Pateman, UNBC Environmental Planning and AWAC Third row (left to right): Meghan Ginter, United Way of Northern BC; Janine Cunningham, MSW student; Marleen Morris, UNBC Community Development Institute Back row (left to right): Dave Halikowski, Prince George Schizophrenia Society; Sandra Boulianne, Crisis Centre for Northern BC (and UNBC BSW grad)

“This initiative is for young people to learn about volunteer involvement with community-based social service agencies, including how it can benefit their own education and careers, while at the same time increasing the well-being of their communities,” says UNBC Professor Dawn Hemingway, Chair of UNBC’s School of Social Work, and  a Provincial Director of Board Voice. “This is also a great opportunity for agencies to hear from young people about their ideas for contributing to agency work.”

The proposed sessions include three interactive panels and a Board Fair:

• September 17 – Community Social Services: What are they and why get involved?
• October 1 – Board of Directors: What roles and responsibilities?
• October 15 – Voice of Youth: What we can and are contributing?
• October 29 – Board Fair: Agency information booths – A time to engage with interested youth.

"Being involved on several boards has provided me with a unique and meaningful experience that goes beyond the opportunity to be an active and valued young person who influences decision-making,” says UNBC Master of Social Work student, Janine Cunningham.  “I have had the chance to be a part of program and policy development; I acquired vital leadership skills; and, the overall gained professional development can certainly be applied to all areas of my career."

A number of local social service agencies are active on the project organizing team, including Intersect Youth and Family Services Society, BC Schizophrenia Society (Prince George Branch), Association Advocating for Women and Children (AWAC), SOS Society Sexual Violence Prevention and Counseling Services, the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society, the Crisis Centre for Northern BC, and AimHi Prince George Association for Community Living.

Participants who take part in all four sessions of this interactive series will receive a Certificate of Completion that can be included on their resume.  All sessions take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (refreshments included) at AimHi in Prince George at 950 Kerry St.

Start-up funding for the project was awarded to Board Voice by the Vancouver Foundation.
For those interested in participating or learning more about the plans, please contact Professor Hemingway at Dawn.Hemingway@unbc.ca or 250-960-5694.