The United Way Student Leadership Conference is an annual event that is organized by youth, for youth. Students in grades 9-12 meet and exchange ideas with their peers from other schools, they take part in workshops on leadership and community action, and they learn about important services that help countless people in Winnipeg. The conference has gotten bigger and better over the past few years because of the enthusiastic participation and thoughtful feedback of the students who have been there. Last November, close to 200 students from dozens of local schools attended the conference, which was organized by High School students from all over the city.

This year, we’re looking for more young people to help plan and host the event, which will take place on Thursday November 4th, 2010.

For more information contact:
Leigh-Anne Bowles
Youth Relations Manager
United Way of Winnipeg
(204) 924-4265
lbowles@unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca

The Circuit was arranged into seasons, allowing students to explore the needs of our community during different times of the year and develop ideas about how they could have an impact on some of the issues.

The Circuit featured:

How to apply for a Youth Connections Grant
United Way’s impact areas
Koats for Kids
Building developmental assets
United Way’s Day of Caring program

The Circuit also included group discussion and activities about fundraising, opportunities for growth as a leader, effective communication skills and leadership qualities.

Students had the opportunity to complete a survey, sign up to get involved in other opportunities for youth at United Way, and participate in a contest where they created a skit or a song using community related content. Congratulations to contest winners the “Shananigans”!

We would also like to congratulate the winners of the grand prize draws:

Jessica Morrison-Ciunyk – $50 gift card from Aritzia
Samara Froese – $50 gift card from Aritzia
Kyle Hirschfield – Rogers pay as you go phone
Matt Petrowski – Rogers pay as you go phone

Thank-yous

• A very special thanks goes to Great-West Life, the sponsor of SLC 2009. Great-West Life has sponsored the conference for several years and is a generous supporter of United Way of Winnipeg and of youth leadership development across the whole city.
• Thanks to Canad Inns Windsor Park for welcoming us into their space and providing an absolutely delicious lunch.
• Thanks to Rogers for donating all of the fantastic prizes and giveaways.
• Thanks to the students and teachers who attended the conference. The day was a big success because everyone participated so enthusiastically!

We hope that SLC 2009 inspired everyone to think about their capabilities as young leaders in our community and that you all continue creating opportunities for a better life for everyone.
If you weren’t at the conference and would like to learn more about how to get connected to United Way, please give us a call at 477-5360.

Thanks again, and we’ll see you at SLC 2010!

Generously sponsored by Great West Life, the Student Leadership Conference is held annually to encourage leadership and volunteerism among high school students within the Winnipeg community.

School registration packages have been sent out.
If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, call Leigh-Anne at
477-5360 ext 272 or email lbowles@unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca

The Student Leadership Conference has proven to be popular among participating youth. This is reflected in the increasing numbers of student participants, from about 50-60 people when the conference began in 1998 to about 150 students in each of the last several years.

The conference is a great place for students to have fun, connect with other youth leaders from across the city and learn about youth involvement at United Way.