Youth Forum Empowers Girls in Vaughan
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The second annual Girl Power Youth Forum was held recently at the Vellore Village Community Centre in Vaughan. The forum, hosted by the City of Vaughan in collaboration with York Regional Police, brought together 75 girls from secondary schools across Vaughan to discuss relevant youth topics.
“The forum provided young women with the opportunity to express in a meaningful way the concerns which they face on a daily basis,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “By providing them with information, tools and resources to understanding these issues we create a strong foundation for empowerment. It is imperative that individuals realize their full potential and it is our responsibility to be the enablers of positive change.”
The forum included a variety of guest speakers from York Regional Police who provided their insights on subjects that are relevant to this age group. Detectives from the Drugs and Vice Unit delivered a presentation on human trafficking that highlighted how prevalent this issue is in York Region. This Unit was recently involved in an hour-long television broadcast on Human Trafficking called "Not a Love Story" featured on CTV's W5. It highlighted the number of victims being trafficked and how prevalent this issue is in York Region. There was also a presentation on “sexting” that discussed the social and criminal consequences of the practice. And officers from the Guns and Gangs Crime Prevention Unit talked about the consequences and dangers of online and social media.
“This event demonstrates the City’s commitment to developing initiatives that respond to the needs, preferences and issues voiced by the youth in our community,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “The Girl Power Youth Forum is just one way in which the City strives to reach out to young people through engaging activities and events that encourage positive lifestyle choices.”
Vaughan staff led an interactive discussion with youth on healthy lifestyle choices, self-esteem and empowerment. The discussion was followed by a Zumba class. The teens were also each given the new Vaughan Youth Pocket Guide – a one-stop publication offering Vaughan’s young adults an overview of the City’s recreation and culture programs, services, events, employment and volunteer opportunities. The goal is to create awareness of opportunities for physical and social activities which encourage active, healthy and positive lifestyle choices among the vulnerable 10-17-year-old target demographic.
For more information about City of Vaughan youth-related initiatives and the Vaughan Youth Pocket Guide, contact Heather McLean, Active Living Coordinator, City of Vaughan, at 905-832-8585 ext. 7438 or visit Recreation & Culture.