October 2009 (Amount granted: $950)

A group of St. James Collegiate students chose to spend one hour of their time every Wednesday afternoon helping students at Stevenson Elementary with their homework. At the same time, these High School mentors were able to develop positive relationships with the kids and strengthen their commitment to the community. Leaders of this group were responsible for providing snacks, organizing games and arranging volunteers. A strong connection between the high school and elementary students was developed.

Churchill High School (Women’s Health and Wellness Week)

December 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

In the first week of December, girls at Churchill High School participated in a series of workshops designed to expose them to positive ideas and lifestyle choices. The project leaders felt it was necessary to have an awareness week for girls/women, focusing on the many issues they face. Each day of the week there were seminars and activities focused on the subjects of body image, relationships and diversity.

Dakota Collegiate (Operation Rudolf)

December 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

Over 100 kindergarten-grade 3 students from Victor Mager, Lavalee and St. George schools attended a Christmas party hosted by the Dakota Collegiate Black and Gold Society. Guests were entertained with a variety of games, a visit from Santa, a sing-a-long, and enjoyed a pizza lunch. Seniors in the neighbourhood added to the community connection by knitting mitts for all of the kids.

Technical Vocational High School (Holiday Party)

December 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

On December 18th, Tec Voc High School hosted their annual Christmas Party for the students of Weston elementary. The event was put on by students from the group Tec Voc Speaks, who planned and ran the activities and games. They also planned, prepared and served breakfast. Students on this project team were successful in showing the community how much they care and are able to contribute.

St. James Collegiate (Brooklands Literacy Program)

February 2010 (Amount granted: $875)

For the seventh consecutive year, students from St. James Collegiate made a visit to Brooklands elementary in support of “I Love to Read Month”. The student leaders were positive role models for the younger kids as they promoted reading and community involvement. The high school students prepared a pancake breakfast and then modeled reading in the classrooms. The morning was capped off with each student receiving a brand new book to take home.

Acadia Junior High and Fort Richmond Collegiate (Mid Winters Night Dream)

February 2010 (Amount granted $1000)

Students from Acadia Junior High and Fort Richmond Collegiate worked together to plan a Winter Family Fun Day. On February 27th over 1000 community members came together to enjoy activities such as skiing, tobogganing, turkey bowling, snow painting and sleigh rides. There was food, entertainment and a family photographer available to capture the memory. The day created a sense of belonging and pride in the community.

Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club (Multicultural Festival)

March 2010 (Amount granted: $1000)

On March 26th, Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club held their 14th annual Multicultural Festival. The festival has become a tradition in the community, bringing friends and family together to celebrate cultural diversity. The entertainment, food, and information displayed help to eliminate racism and discrimination. The young leaders involved find it rewarding to do something for the community and give back to the Boys and Girls Club.

Kelvin High School (Camp Ooga Booga)

March 2010 (Amount granted: $1000)

During spring break, Kelvin High School hosted a student-run camp for Mulvey and Pinkham elementary students. Camp Ooga Booga provided a positive learning experience for both the youth leaders and young participants. Throughout the week, kids were involved in activities including sports, baking, science experiments and crafts; all planned and organized by Kelvin students. All 47 children who attended were also provided breakfast, lunch and t-shirts for the duration of the camp.

Dakota Collegiate (Friends of Rachel)

March 2010 (Amount granted: $1000)

In September of 2009, students at Dakota Collegiate formed a Rachel’s Challenge group to promote a caring, understanding and empathetic environment within their school. By recognizing acts of kindness, the group worked throughout the school year to emphasize the fact that everyone has the right to be themselves and make a difference. A noticeable change in student unity was evident as a result.

FemRev (RebELLEs Consulta)

April 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

FemRev is a collective led by women, networking with other young women in Winnipeg and across Canada, who are working towards a world where girls and women are valued and empowered. The Consulta will provide a forum for young women to come together to share and develop knowledge, ideas, visions and skills. The gathering is set to take place in the fall.

NEEDS Inc (Storytelling Event: A long Journey to New Beginnings)

April 2010 (Amount granted: $1000)

On May 15th, a group of volunteers from N.E.E.D.S Inc. hosted a storytelling event: “A Long Journey to New Beginnings”. This youth directed initiative explored themes of identity, culture, hope and celebration through a drama performance, fashion show, dance, food and art display. The event aimed to open minds and show people the strengths and talents of newcomer youth.

Lincoln Middle School (Picnic Tables Project)

April 2010 (Amount granted: $1000)

Grade eight students from Lincoln Middle School have turned the tables on the traditional wood shop project, and found a way to benefit the community at the same time. By the end of June, 15 United Way agency partners received a picnic table made by students who are demonstrating that young people do care about the community as a whole and hope other schools follow their example.

Voices MB (Random Oxygen)

May 2010 (Amount Granted: $1000)

The aim of this initiative is to offer youth under the care of the Province an opportunity to be involved in sport, recreation, and fitness opportunities including yoga, dance, basketball and hiking. These activities are intended to promote positive attitudes in respect to health and wellness and serve as a positive outlet for young people to discover their potential. Participants will sign up through the Voices program and participate in a different activity each month.

SOUCC Inc. (South Osborne Urban Food Cooperative)

May 2010 (Amount Granted: $1000)

During the summer, SOUCC organized several local food initiatives to get the members of the South Osborne Community thinking differently about how they interact with our food production and distribution system. Their food Cooperative is an opportunity for community members to make food purchases from local farmers, promoting ecological and socially responsible choices. The organization was founded by 2 Winnipeg youth who work to support local business and give back to the community.

Somali Cultural Centre of Manitoba Inc. (Somali Youth Camp)

June 2010 (Amount Granted: $1000)

A group of youth volunteers from the Somali Cultural Centre of Manitoba held a 2 day camp for Somali youth in Winnipeg. On day one, the volunteers talked to the participants about the reality of gangs, drugs and bullying, and then involved them in activities that promote a healthier and more positive lifestyle. On the second day, the group joined the Canada Day festivities at Assiniboine Park, celebrating what it means to be Canadian.

Miles Macdonnell (Home Improvement Project)

June 2010 (Amount Granted $1000)

Miles Mac students in the grade 12 Career Quest class renovated the exterior of a house in their local community. 24 students were involved in painting the house and planting gardens. With the support of their teachers, the group worked as a team to execute the plans. Each year this class provides an opportunity for its students to contribute to positive change in their community and set a good example for other youth.

Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA Summer Program)

July 2010 (Amount Granted $1000)

The Islamic Social Services Summer Program was a day camp for Muslim youth that took place during the summer. The participants met a few times every week at a variety of different places. Activities included fencing, camping, and visits to Fort Whyte, the Manitoba Museum, the Manitoba Children’s Museum, IMAX, and Tinkertown. The kids were enthusiastic and had a great time! The project provided the participants with an opportunity to take part in activities and create friendships with other kids. The youth who planned the program acquired many skills from working on such a large-scale project, and were also able to network with others.

Rossbrook House Energy Plus Program (Aerial Dance Experience)

July 2010 (Amount Granted $1000)

In hopes of proving the youth from Rossbrook House with a new opportunity, this project is aimed at encouraging youth to trust themselves, and develop creativity, strength and discipline. With a volunteer dance instructor, youth will participate in a cross cultural experience unavailable anywhere else in Winnipeg. Sessions are scheduled to begin in the fall.

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 new space on historic Main Street means United Way will be closer to many community partners and we’re excited to be part of the revitalization of Winnipeg’s core.

Five Things You May Not Know About The New United Way Space:

Community

• The main floor is home to a community learning centre
• There’s space for new not-for-profits and social entrepreneurs that need a place to do their work until they’re more established

Location

• There’s a lot of good work happening in the core-area and we’re excited to be part of it
• The Exchange is a one-of-a-kind, friendly area with fabulous food!

No donor dollars were used for the project

• Construction was funded entirely through Province of Manitoba & Government of Canada stimulus grants – the City of Winnipeg supported the project, too
• What wasn’t covered by grants was made up for by a small group of long-time United Way supporters & committed Winnipeggers
• CentreVenture facilitated and contributed financially to the land acquisition

Cost efficiency

• Owning our own space will actually save money compared to the cost of leasing office space

Green

• The new building was designed to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards – which means lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

Looking forward to seeing all of our youth volunteers at 580 Main Street! Drop us a line in the comments or call Leigh-Anne at 924-4265 if you have any questions.

Watch the YouTube video here

Shaw United Way Youth Connections has recently provided a grant to N.E.E.D.S Inc. in support of their storytelling event: “A Long Journey to New Beginnings”. This is a youth directed initiative that explores themes of identity, culture, hope and celebration through a drama performance, fashion show, dance, food and art display.

Click on the poster to RSVP on Facebook

Shaw United Way Youth Connections Grant Program works to foster youth involvement and initiative, community spirit and positive relationships through volunteerism. The program is designed to motivate and encourage youth to become involved in their schools and communities as it provides funds to support youth-driven volunteer projects that offer creative youth-initiated solutions to community issues.

Between June 2009 and May 2010, 17 more projects have received a Youth Connections Grant. United Way would like to thank everyone involved in these projects for helping to create opportunities for a better life for everyone.

Tomorrow night, the Youth Connections Council will host uConnect 2010, a recognition event to celebrate the contributions of this year’s project leaders. Here’s the list of groups that have received grants since last June:

• MB Somali Students Association – Graduation ceremony
• ISSA – Summer program
• Churchill High School – Women’s Health and Wellness Week
• Dakota Collegiate – Operation Rudolf
• TecVoc High School – Holiday party
• St. James Collegiate – Stevenson Homework Club
• Dakota Collegiate – Friends of Rachel
• South Osborne Urban Community Co-op – Urban Food Cooperative
• St. James Collegiate – Brooklands Literacy project
• Friends of Fort Richmond – Mid-Winter’s Night Dream
• Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club – Multicultural Festival
• Kelvin High School – Camp Ooga Booga
• Lincoln Middle School – Picnic Tables project
• N.E.E.D.S Centre – Storytelling Event
• Voices – Random Oxygen
• Miles Macdonell Collegiate – Home Improvement project
• FemRev – RebELLEs Consulta

We are organizing this event because we know from past years that youth value volunteering their time and skills to give back to the community. It will also be a great way for students to meet their high school peers from across the city and experience the impact of what can be accomplished by working together.

Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are invited to team up with United Way to complete hands on, meaningful projects in the William Whyte neighbourhood. Registration packages have been sent to Winnipeg High Schools, please contact the Youth Relations Manager at United Way of Winnipeg 477-5360 ext. 272 if you’d like more information.

Hope Akello has been involved with the Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club since she was 6 years old. At 14, Hope became a volunteer at the centre because she wants to ensure the next generation has the same opportunities she had as a child. Hope is also a representative for the agency’s Youth Council.

Samantha Buzza began volunteering at the Elmwood Kildonan YMCA-YWCA 5 years ago. She has recently been hired into a staff position, but continues to volunteer in various youth programs. Samantha plans to become a teacher, believing this will allow her to continue to give back to the community.

Tripti Prasad has been a member of Girl Guides for many years, stepping into the role of a Junior Leader 2 and a half years ago. In this role, Tripti is developing leadership skills in other young females while supporting the importance of community leadership.

Stephen Klatt has held a number of positions at the West Portage and Downtown YMCA-YWCA over the past 4 years. Through his employment and volunteer commitments, Stephen hopes to foster others to become successful students, athletes and leaders.

This year’s recipients have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to the city by volunteering, participating and working at various United Way agency partners. Congratulations to Hope, Samantha, Tripti and Stephen! Your contributions are so valuable.

To learn more about the programs these young leaders are involved with, click on the links below:

Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg – Victor Mager
Elmwood-Kildonan YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
Girl Guides of Canada
West Portage YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg

For more information about the Youth Leaders in Action scholarship, click here. Applications for the 2011 awards will be available in the fall.

The Youth Day of Caring is a great way for High School students from all over Winnipeg to connect with each other and contribute to making a difference in the community.

If you are interested in participating in our 2010 Youth Day of Caring, keep coming back to this site, or contact the Youth Relations Manager at United Way.

…More details to come!

Each year, we award four scholarships of $500 each. Applicants will be young people under 25 who have made a difference in their communities. The selection committee will consider the criteria below.

Scholarship Criteria

Academic potential – you are attending (or will be attending) a post-secondary institution in Winnipeg and are able to demonstrate a commitment to your education.

Demonstrated leadership – you have challenged yourself in order to influence others and address local community issues that are important to you.

Community involvement – you are committed and connected to your community at a neighbourhood level.

Connection with a United Way partner organization – you participate, volunteer or work at a United Way partner agency. (You can find the complete list of United Way partner agencies here.)

Financial need – you are able to demonstrate your need for financial support.

Click here to read about the 2009 YLIA scholarship recipients.

You can download the application material for the 2010 awards by clicking on the link below. For more information, please call the Youth Relations Manager at 477-5360.

2010 YLIA Scholarship application and reference forms