The term “leaders of tomorrow” is often used to describe today’s youth, but, in some ways, it’s a misnomer, says Sukhi Kaur.
“It’s true, but there’s just a tiny problem with that sentiment. Maybe it’s because it implies that our youth are waiting in queue for us to move over before we can hand them the reins,” said Kaur, manager of volunteer and youth engagement services with Information Orillia.
A new program from Information Orillia is allowing young people to take those reins now. Thanks to a $69,900 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the agency has set up student-led pop-up volunteer/information centres at Twin Lakes Secondary School, Georgian College and Lakehead University.
The program is called Information Orillia Volunteer Link, and it was launched during an event Friday at Twin Lakes.
The program began “as an idea to break down barriers to volunteering, and to offer students worthwhile leadership roles,” Kaur explained.
“We wanted to facilitate an accessible model where students connect students with organizations seeking volunteers so they can explore opportunities not just to complete mandatory hours, but to explore new interests, gain skills, try out roles that align with future career aspirations,” she said.
The Trillium grant allows for the purchase of equipment, and it also means 10 students will be paid for working at the pop-up centres.
“Information Orillia provides youth the tools, training and support to lead the (program), but it’s important to remember that they are the ones connecting their peers with opportunities that truly interest and matter to them and, in turn, students get to take control of where they invest their valuable time,” Kaur said.
Grade 9 student Cheyenne White will be among those running the pop-up centre at Twin Lakes.
“I like the idea of connecting youth to opportunities they enjoy,” she said.
Lakehead student Jennifer Ramsey is looking forward to doing the same for her fellow students.
“At university, it’s not the same with mandatory volunteer hours, but a lot of people are looking to volunteer,” she said. “People want to do it, but they don’t always know how or where.”
Sabrina Monardo moved from Tottenham to Orillia last fall to study at Georgian College.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping people and was always involved in my community,” she said.
When she moved to Orillia, she wanted to continue volunteering, and she’s excited to help her peers do so, too.
Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop used to work at Georgian College, and she said the program would have been useful then, especially for students who were new to the community.
“It is important that we work to support the positive development of youth, and through your initiative, you are helping to inspire local young people to take on leadership roles and become more engaged in their community,” she said of Information Orillia.
