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2012 Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:19:06 +0000

Leaders are everywhere, especially in Winnipeg. That’s why Youth United offers the Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship. We want to recognize the contributions of young community leaders and encourage them to keep up the great work.

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 – Awards will be given to full or part-time students who have been accepted to or are attending a post-secondary institution in Winnipeg during the 2012-2013 academic year and are able to demonstrate a commitment to their education.

Demonstrated leadership – The selection committee will look for situations where students have challenged themselves in order to influence others and address local community issues that are important to them.

Community involvement – Recipients will be able to demonstrate genuine commitment and connection at a neighbourhood level.

Connection with a United Way-funded organization – Awards will be granted to students who have participated, volunteered, or worked with a United Way agency partner.

Click here to view the agency partner guide.

Financial need – The selection committee will make it a priority to select recipients who have
demonstrated a need for financial support.

Click here to read about the 2011 YLIA scholarship recipients.

You can download the application material for the 2012 awards by clicking on the link below. For more information, please call the Youth United Manager at 924-4265.

2012 YLIA Scholarship application and reference forms

Youth United

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:58:55 +0000

For young people, there’s never been a better time to connect with United Way. We know they are passionate about changing the world, starting right here in Winnipeg. We know that they want opportunities to build leadership skills and turn their ideas into action. We know that they want their voices to be heard!

For more than ten years, United Way’s Youth Relations Strategy has prided itself on providing ways for young people to do all these things, but now we have a name for it…Youth United.
Youth United still offers the same great ways for young people to learn about, and get involved in our community—things like the Youth United Council, Youth Day of Caring, Student Community Service Award and Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship.

But there’s a couple of important changes you should know about:

Shaw United Way Youth Connections Grant
It’s the same process, providing up to $1000 for youth-driven projects in Winnipeg, but now it’s called the Youth United Grant. If you’re ready to turn your ideas for a better community in to action, read about the grant criteria and give us a call.

Student Leadership Conference
Under the new Youth United framework, the conference will feature a different focus that we hope makes it easier for young leaders to step up, get involved, and inspire their peers to do the same. If you already know you’d like to be involved, give us a call. Space is limited!

We’ll be in touch shortly with more information on forthcoming Youth United activities.

2011 YLIA scholarship recipients

admin — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:53:42 +0000

The United Way Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship was created by the Youth Relations Council (YRC) to celebrate the contributions of young community leaders who have made a difference in the lives of the people around them. The scholarship has been awarded to four recipients each year since 2007. This year, the council had the opportunity to award 5 YLIA scholarships and are proud to announce the 2011 recipients.

Bemnet Hailegiorgis sought out the resources provided by Pregnancy and Family Support Services after arriving in Canada from Ethopia. As a regular client, Bemnet realized she wanted to pursue a career at the agency. She began volunteering in 2008 in a number of departments and took on a position as a part-time sub in the day care shortly after. Currently, Bemnet is a full time employee working towards a degree in International Development Studies at the University of Winnipeg.

Sabrina Ferreira started off participating in the West Central Community Program when she was in elementary school. Once she reached grade 7, Sabrina asked to become a junior volunteer. She continued to volunteer until she was 18, at which point she was hired into a part-time position. Sabrina is a student at the University of Winnipeg, hoping to earn an Education degree.

Josef Bader found support and guidance within the programs of Rose & Max Rady Jewish community Centre when he moved to Winnipeg from Brazil. Once he felt established in his new home, Josef wanted to help others in the community in a similar capacity. Josef has volunteered with the centre in a wide range of programs including the day care, the after school program and in the library. Josef is a student at the University of Manitoba, hoping to apply for Medicine after completing his undergraduate degree.

Seneca Chartrand has been a program participant and volunteer with the Rainbow Resource Centre for the past year. She speaks at community events and is a leader in the youth programs. In the future, Seneca plans to become a youth drop-in leader when the centre is able to establish a weekend program. Seneca will be graduating high school in June of this year and has applied to the Creative Communications program at Red River College.

Samantha Kornelsen has worked full-time for Mediation Services for 20 months. She is the Training Administrator for the Resolution Skills Centre. She has begun to coordinate all the marketing initiatives that take place in the organization ensuring resources are available for participants. Samantha also supports individuals with disabilities through St. Amant Centre. She plans to continue her education in the Marketing and Public Relations diploma program at the University of Winnipeg.

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 Bemnet, Sabrina, Josef, Seneca and Samantha! Your contributions are so valuable.

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

Pregnancy and Family Support Services
West Central Community Program
Rose & Max Rady Jewish Community Centre
Rainbow Resource Centre
Mediation Services

For more information about the Youth Leaders in Action scholarship, click here. Applications for the 2012 awards will be available in the fall.

uConnect 2011

admin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:44:13 +0000

2011 marks the 11th anniversary of the United Way Youth Connections Grant Program and the 10th year of our partnership with Shaw Communications Inc. Since the program began in 2000, 184 projects have been funded by Youth Connections (over $160,000)!

Between June 2010 and May 2011, 19 projects received a Youth Connections Grant.

On Thursday May 26th the Youth Connections volunteers hosted uConnect 2011, a recognition event to celebrate the contributions of this year’s project leaders. United Way would like to thank everyone involved in these projects for helping to create opportunities for a better life for everyone. We would also like to thank Shaw representative, Shelly Wiseman, for joining us in our celebration. Here’s the list of groups that have received grants since last June:

St. James Collegiate, Stevenson Homework Club
Dakota Collegiate, Operation Rudolf
Churchill High School – Women’s Health and Wellness Week
Ethiopian Community of Winnipeg, Ethio- Bee Soccer Club
Dakota Collegiate, Friends of Rachel
Tec Voc, Cecil Rhodes Holiday Party
Dakota Collegiate – Friends of Rachel
St. James Collegiate, Brooklands Literacy Project
Afghan Student Federation, Afghan Youth Formal Event
Kelvin High School, Camp Ooga Booga
Acadia Jr. High/Ft. Richmond Collegiate, Midwinter’s Night Dream
Maples Collegiate, “Judgmental Nature of High School”
Miles Macdonell Collegiate, Esperanza
J.H. Bruns Collegiate, Waste Container Project
Boys and Girls Club – Freight House, Centennial Family Fun Day: Helping Communities Grow
Elmwood High School, Elmwood Grove
FemRev Collective, 2nd Pan-Canadian Young Feminist Gathering
Winnipeg Somali Youth League, Great Somali Cultural Night
Lincoln Middle School, Picnic Tables Project

2011 Youth Day of Caring wrap-up

admin — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:14:08 +0000

More than 120 students from 13 local high schools showed their commitment and community pride by participating in United Way of Winnipeg’s 6th annual Youth Day of Caring on Friday, May 20, 2011.

Working alongside staff and volunteers from 6 neighbourhood agencies, students spent the day picking up litter, painting, gardening, cleaning and organizing – whatever they could to support non-profit organizations that support Winnipeggers.

The day began at 8:30am with a Welcome Breakfast at Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, followed by a group warm-up led by Yoga North’s Drew Perry. Students then went to work at non-profit agencies in the neighbourhood including: Broadway Neighbourhood Centre, West Broadway Youth Outreach, West Broadway Development Corp., West Broadway Biz, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the John Howard Society.

Volunteers were entertained by the amazing talent of Broadway Neighbourhood Centre’s Hip Hop Academy while they enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch courtesy of Santa Lucia. At the end of the day, after completing a few more projects, everyone returned to Broadway neighbourhood Centre for an apple toss prize give-away hosted by HOT 103 morning personality LTI.

Every year, hundreds of youth throughout Winnipeg make significant contributions to our community through United Way. As volunteers, participants and leaders, their energy and enthusiasm is shaping a brighter future for everyone as they set an example for all to follow. Thank you!

A special thank you to sponsors: Santa Lucia Pizza, High Road Commercial Cleaning Inc, and Yoga North for your support in making the making Youth Day of Caring a huge success!

6th annual Youth Day of Caring

admin — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:42:10 +0000

On Friday, May 20th, United Way will be hosting our 6th annual Youth Day of Caring. High school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are invited to team up with United Way to complete hands on, meaningful projects in the West Broadway neighbourhood.

Students will be spending the day involved in activities including painting, yard work, gardening, interacting with community members, to name a few.

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.

For information on how to register, please call Leigh-Anne at 924-4265 or email lbowles@unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca

Youth Connections – Grant application reminder

admin — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:54:42 +0000

Shaw United Way Youth Connections is a funding program for youth-driven projects. If you have an idea that will make a difference in your community, we may be able to help cover some of the costs involved in getting your project started (up to $1000) .

Please call 924-4265 and we’ll send you a copy of the most current application package after we have had a chance to discuss your idea.

Just a reminder: Applications received after May 11th, 2011 will be reviewed in the fall of 2011.

Up! Student Stairclimb 2011

admin — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:26:26 +0000

United Way youth volunteers will be climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest on Sunday, March 20. They’re doing it to raise awareness and money for youth programs and services in our city. It’s all part of United Way’s very first UP Stair Climb event.

This Friday, March 18th between 7:30am and 1:30pm, please visit us at Base Camp, at the foot of 201 Portage, where students will be camped outside, taking pledges, answering questions and preparing for Sunday’s climb. We’ll have coffee to keep you warm as well as unique content for your audience. Hope to see you there!

To find out more visit United Way’s website

Alternative Reading Week at Camp Y

admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:51:53 +0000

United Way youth volunteers spent the first 3 days of university reading week (Feb 19-21) at the YMCA-YWCA’s “Camp Y” to help get it ready for the summer. They painted the interior of 3 camper cabins including the bunk bed frames.

YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg bought the camp facility, located near Woodlands, MB, from the Salvation Army in March 2010. The newly renamed Camp Y is a year-round facility, catering to rental and school groups during the spring, fall and winter seasons, with plans for a diverse summer program.

On Sunday, AYO – Aboriginal Youth Opportunities, came out to lend a hand. AYO is a group of young leaders who provide positive opportunities for aboriginal youth in the community.

United Way youth volunteers also invited children and families from Win Gardner Place to come out to Camp Y on Monday for a morning of outdoor activities and lunch. Everyone had fun snowshoeing, building snowmen, and roasting marshmallows.

“For me, the weekend was an opportunity to bond with members of all of the youth councils at United Way, and to work together on a project where our progress was measurable. I also really liked meeting AYO and learning about what these youth are doing in our city.”
-Kelvin

“Hard work pays off and the reward is even greater when you know you are working hard to help others. I spent nearly 5 hours cleaning and preparing the room as well as taping and painting but I never got tired because I knew that my efforts would help Camp Y. I also kept in mind that every contribution, small or large, would benefit Camp Y in the end.”
-Victoria

“Camp Y was a great opportunity for our council to network with other groups in Winnipeg while enjoying the benefits of getting out of the city. It opened the possibility of working on initiatives with other agencies and organizations and allowed our council to grow closer while working hard to make the camp better for kids who need it.”
-Chelsea

2011 Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:42:56 +0000

Leaders are everywhere. Especially in Winnipeg. That’s why United Way of Winnipeg’s Youth Relations Council introduced the Youth Leaders in Action Scholarship. We want to recognize the contributions of young community leaders and encourage them to keep up the great work.

In 2011 , we will award five 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 will be attending a post-secondary institution in Winnipeg during the 2011-2012 academic year 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 2011 awards by clicking on the link below. For more information, please call the Youth Relations Manager at 924-4265.

2011 YLIA Scholarship application and reference forms