NEWS RELEASE
RAINBOW INITIATIVE
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The Rainbow Initiative is continuing to grow as four kid-driven ideas are officially in the works.
This unique project brings kids from across Orillia together to share their ideas about how to make the community better, and then give them support to make those ideas come true.
After two brainstorming sessions (Nov. 29 at Lakehead Orillia and March 23 at the Youth Centre) the group of kids, aged 8 to 15, have selected four ideas that they think can make a difference in the community.
Those ideas will each be developed into a full-fledged “pitch” for a panel of judges who may award seed funding for implementation. The planning team is looking for more kids to join the excitement.
All four idea groups are currently accepting new members:
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Skateboarding for Beginners — increasing visibility of beginner-friendly ramps and adding new opportunities for kids to learn and practise in a safe space.
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Inclusion Book Club — reading and discussing books about various social issues to connect different generations.
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Challenges Across Orillia — creating a series of fun community adventure challenges to make our city the best it can be.
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Art Mural Downtown — dedicating a space in our downtown area where children and families can collectively create art to encourage innovation and expression.
Each idea group has been matched with an adult mentor from the community and a second adult member of the Rainbow Initiative planning team.
Together, the kids and adults in each group will develop a “pitch” explaining their idea and what kind of support they need (money, space, volunteers, etc.) to make it a reality. The kids will drive the process and the adults will help by offering guidance, asking questions, and giving encouragement as needed.
The “pitch day” has been planned for Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orillia Youth Centre. A panel of judges will assess the presentations before giving out “awards” (seed funding for implementation).
The organizing team consists of Alida Tomasini and Sophie Lockie (Grade 8), Evie Johnstone (Grade 5), and adults Bonita Coons and Monica Lockie.
Some other friends, siblings and parents are also supporting the process. For more information, or to join an idea group, contact [email protected]
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