New Programs and Initiatives

By Vijay Jehman

Get International Work Experience Without Leaving Home

Young Canadians have an exciting opportunity to get involved in international development projects at a grassroots level thanks to the creation of the YES Canada Country Network (http://yescanada.org).

Started by two young women, this new network is part of the 10-year Global YES campaign (http://yesweb.org) tackling the enormous issue of global youth unemployment. The YES Campaign was launched by 1,600 delegates from 120 countries at the Alexandria Youth Employment Summit in Egypt in September 2002. The Canadian network is one of the over 60 networks across the world from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, bringing together diverse stakeholders from international agencies, government organizations and youth leaders, to work collaboratively in taking actions that results in sustainable employment for youth.

What do we do? We link youth across Canada with their counterparts overseas to work together on grassroots projects. This connection gives young Canadians an opportunity to learn and share cultural information and to work together on various projects that make a difference and that directly affect the lives of youth!

Who are we looking for? Anyone from individuals to businesses, from youth groups to youth-serving agencies, and from non-profits to student unions. We’re looking for anyone interested in making a difference and getting involved. Young people can also work with the network as a community coordinator acting as the voice of the network in their local area. No prior experience is required, just time and lots of enthusiasm.

For more information on how to get involved, check out the Web site (http://yescanada.org), sign-up for the e-newsletter, or drop us a line at yes_canada@excite.com.

Vijay Jehman can be reached at vjehman@shaw.ca or by phone at 604.812.9373

By Lesley Patten, Membership Services Coordinator
ASPECT

Leading Lights – Community-Based Training Leadership Conference

ASPECT, in collaboration with the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Training is proud to present a national conference in Vancouver on February 19 & 20, 2004. The goal of the conference is to recognize, celebrate and develop leadership at every level of community-based training. The community-based training sector continues the historic mission of providing holistic, collaborative and non-institutional career development opportunities for people who are unemployed and who experience barriers to employment. This event will provide a learning and best-practices sharing opportunity for employment trainers throughout Canada.

Industry leaders from across Canada will present techniques, best practices and entrepreneurial ideas leaving participants with fresh ideas that add value to their organization and their services to clients. The keynote speaker will be Stephen Lewis, a well-known and respected politician, diplomat and humanitarian.

If you would like to attend this event, check out www.aspect.bc.ca/leadinglights.htm for more information or contact Lesley Patten at (250) 382-9675.

The Canadian Coalition of Community Based Training (CCCBT) is a national, non-profit organization whose membership is comprised of representatives from provincial community-based training associations. The goal of the CCCBT is to help community-based trainers become known world-wide for excellence in client-centred training and employment services. Visit http://cccbt-ccocde.savie.ca for more information.

ASPECT is a non-profit alliance of community based trainers in British Columbia that collectively strives to prepare people for the world of work. The mission of ASPECT is to represent and promote the interests and activities of members to strengthen their capacity to provide services to people with barriers to employment.