United Way Winnipeg Youth » Youth Connections

Youth United Grant Criteria

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:33:02 +0000

Members of the Youth United grant committee will carefully consider all applications from youth who request funding for their volunteer projects and events. The following are a list of application guidelines that will help our youth volunteers determine which projects are eligible for Youth United grants of up to $1000.

Eligible grant applications will include informal, community-based volunteer projects that are:

Taking place within the city of Winnipeg
Primarily organized, planned, and led by youth under the age of 25;
Contributing to positive social change in the following United Way focus areas:
- Education-helping children and youth achieve their potential
- Income-promoting financial stability and independence
- Health – improving neighbourhood health and positive well-being
Helping youth volunteers develop the skills they need to succeed;
Youth who are applying for a grant must be associated with a sponsoring organization (a school or non-profit community agency)
If you are applying for a repeat project (one that we have supported in the past), we’ll as you to demonstrate how you’ve learned from the experience

Non-eligible grant applications include but are not limited to:

Fundraising projects or any public event that will raise money for another organization, person or group.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, Youth United Grant applications will be accepted and reviewed based on the following schedule:

Applications received by:
October 14th, 2011
January 27th, 2012
May 11th, 2012

Will be reveiwed on:
October 19th (6-9 p.m.)
February 1st (6-9 p.m.)
May 16th (6-9 p.m.)

Location:
United Way, 580 Main Street
United Way, 580 Main Street
United Way, 580 Main Street

If funding is approved, we will disburse your funds through the school or community organization your group is connected with. We will ask you to keep us up to date on your progress, and once your project has been completed, you’ll be required to provide us with a report that includes detailed budget information and receipts. Any unused funds must be returned to the Youth Connections program.

Please make sure that you’re using our most current funding application form. To get a copy of our current application package, please call the Youth Relations Manager at 924-4265.

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

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.

Youth Connections: 2009-2010 Funded Projects

admin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:06:19 +0000

St. James Collegiate (Stevenson Homework Club)

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.

Lincoln Middle School – Picnic Tables Project

admin — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:59:57 +0000

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.
“Over the years, we noticed dozens of clocks and assorted projects left in the shop at the end of June,” says shops teacher Neil Penner. “A lot of the older grade eight students just weren’t interested in taking them home. We realized we could be making different choices and directing our end-products towards the community. United Way was a natural partner.”
Since September, Penner’s grade eight wood shop class has been constructing picnic tables for distribution to 15 participating United Way agency partners. All along the way students have been involved in choosing where the tables go and have learned about each agency receiving one.
Penner says the students still gain the practical experience of constructing a wood project and learn more about the community and agencies that support its residents.
To date, nine United Way agency partners have received their tables including The Laurel Centre, The Family Centre (Westgrove), Ndinawe, Eyaa-Keen Centre, Marymound, North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, RaY, Andrews Street Family Centre, and Knowles Centre.
Six more—Villa Rosa, Wolseley Family Place, SEED, Maples Youth Activity Centre, Spence Neighbourhood Association, and Pregnancy and Family Support Service—will receive tables by the end of June.
The students are hoping to demonstrate that young people do care about the community as a whole and hope other schools follow their example.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the school’s decision to adapt the wood shop into a community awareness project.
“These students brought us more than a picnic table,” says Suhad Bisharat, Executive Director of The Laurel Centre. “They brought us the sun!”

Watch the YouTube video here

“A Long Journey to New Beginnings” – Storytelling Event

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:07:57 +0000

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.

Celebrating Youth Connections Project Leaders

admin — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:27:13 +0000

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the Shaw United Way Youth Connections Grant Program. Since 2000, we have proudly granted over $133,000 to 157 projects.

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

Youth Connections: 2008-2009 Funded Projects

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:55:07 +0000

Kelvin High School (Kelvin Bridges Initiative)

December 2008 (Amount granted: $1000)

Students from Kelvin High school organized a toy drive and Christmas Breakfast for Dufferin Elementary School. The day also included activities and a visit from Santa. Students involved in planning the project gained leadership, team-building and organizational skills and allowed them to demonstrate the importance of volunteerism to other Kelvin students.

Dakota Collegiate (Operation Rudolf)

December 2008 (Amount granted: $1000)

Close to 100 kindergarten-grade 2 students from Victor Mager, Lavalee and St. George schools attended a Christmas party hosted by the Dakota Collegiate Black and Gold Society. Guests played games, ate lunch and visited with Santa. The project team worked to inspire the children to take part in similar events. The volunteers benefit from the joy of bringing the community together.

Collège Jeanne-Sauvé (Sauvé… En Santé)

May 2008 (Amount granted: $925)

It was a day-long event in which 500 students participated. Students attended a keynote session first, and then one other workshop/class of their choice before being provided with a healthy lunch. They then attended two more chosen workshops as well as “closing ceremonies”. All workshops and speakers were geared towards various aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. The team hopes this will create a spider web effect, that the information will spread throughout the school and the community.

Technical Vocational High School (Lord Selkirk Holiday Party)

December 2008 (Amount granted: $1000)

On December 11th, Tec Voc High School hosted the Lord Selkirk Christmas Party. Children from Lord Selkirk School came to Tec Voc for a morning full of games, crafts, and fun! The event was put on by students from the group Tec Voc Speaks, with about 10 students involved in the planning process. These students planned and organized the event, and made sure that everything ran smoothly. The elementary school children were served breakfast, participated in games, and made crafts. At the end of the morning, they all received presents from Santa! The Lord Selkirk Christmas Party was a great experience for both the children, and for the Tec Voc students who volunteered to help run it.

Islamic Social Services Association (Winter Break Eid Project)

December 2008 (Amount granted: $1000)

Young members of ISSA set out to create an exhibit to inform Winnipegger’s about the holidays as celebrated by the Muslim community. The focus was on Eid-ul-Adha which took place in December. Their goal was to create awareness and celebrate Multiculturalism. The project included an Eid exhibit at the Manitoba Museum, an Eid movie night for youth participants, and planning a display for future festival of lights reflecting Eid.

St. James Collegiate (Stevenson Homework Mentor Program)

January 2009 (Amount granted: $875)

A group of St. James Collegiate students offered homework help to younger students at Stevenson Britannia school . They served as positive role models and mentors to the students, helping them to gain self-confidence and become successful members of society. The group meets at the elementary school from October through May. Healthy snacks and transportation are also provided.

St. James Collegiate (Brooklands Literacy Program)

February 2009 (Amount granted: $725.50)

In coordination with February’s ‘I Love to Read Month’ twenty St. James Collegiate high school students ventured back to their old elementary school to read to groups of elementary-aged children. Following this, the high school students served the entire school a pancake breakfast and then finished the morning off by presenting each elementary student at Brooklands with their own book. All of the elementary students were excited with their gifts and it was great to see local youth reaching out to children to encourage and support education and literacy! While the children benefited from spending time with local youth in their community the youth themselves learned some valuable life skills such as ‘communication, leadership, organization, and personal growth.’

Golden Gate Middle School (Mentors for Mentors)

January 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

A group of 25 students from Golden Gate were trained by a Nationally-Certified Restitution officer of Canada in Peer Mentorship – focusing on restitution (an ideal essentially stressing a gains-based response to problems/offenses vs. compensation – a loss-based response to problems/offenses. These students then take these skills and go to Strathmillan Elementary school and teach/mentor around 15 students from that school in peer-mentoring training – with the idea that these kids can take these skills and use them in their own lives and communities.

Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club (Multicultural Festival)

March 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

On March 20th, Victor Mager Boys & Girls Club held a Multicultural Festival to celebrate and build understanding around the diversity evident in the community. The festival featured a range of ethnic performances, featuring some past members of the club. Although this event was free of charge to the public, families in the area were encouraged to bring an ethnic food dish to build a sense of community. The festival was a great way of building social capital as it brought together members of the community in a positive and safe environment.

Kelvin High School (Camp Ooga Booga)

March 2009 (Amount granted: $1000)

During spring break, Kelvin students hosted a four-day camp for students from Mulvey School and Pinkham School who may not have had a safe place to go during the spring break. The kids participated in cooking, arts and crafts, and sports. This project has been taking place for the past 7 years because school administration and the parents of the children who have participated in the past offer positive feedback. This project gave young children a chance to engage in positive learning activities, interact with their peers and high school students, and have fun.

FAIRE (Consumerism Conference)

April 2009 (Amount Granted: $945)

On April 24th, a group of young people interested in pursuing lifestyles that reflect a passion for social justice held a conference on consumerism for high school students. A number of professional speakers from Universities and local businesses were brought in to educate students about the economy, and how their spending habits affect other people. Students were asked to consider their contribution to the effects of their consumerism habits. The team included a Fair Trade lunch courtesy of Mondragon.

Vincent Massey Collegiate (Mugg’s Day)

April 2009 (Amount Granted: $492.35)

Inspired to create a feeling of a healthy community, students from Vincent Massey Collegiate planned a day of health and wellness for Chapman elementary school. Students from kindergarten through grade 6 participated in Mixed Up Grade Groups (MUGG’s) as they rotated through stations set up for sport, music, art and health. By mixing up the grades, students were able to connect with each other. The information given to the students will be sent home with them to share with their families, building a stronger community connection.

Miles Macdonnell (Home Improvement Project)

June 2009 (Amount Granted $1000)

The Home Improvement Project is driven by the grade 12 Career Quest class at Miles Macdonell Collegiate. The students renovate the exterior of a house in the East Kildonan or Elmwood area. The students took full responsibility for developing the criteria to select the house, and worked collaboratively to make the final selection of the house. This project has taken place for the past 12 years because every year students learn skills such as landscaping, painting, effective communications, and leadership.

Manitoba Muslim Girls’ Camp 2009

July 2009 (Amount Granted $1000)

From July 15th -19th, a group of Muslim girls attended a summer camp hosted by young women who attended similar camps as children. The project team considers camp to be an invaluable experience that helped them build life-long bonds. They hope to instill that same sense of belonging and community in the young girls that participate in the events and activities that are planned for them. The MB Muslim Girls Camp helps girls develop self-confidence and empowers them to realize the importance of balance in all walks of life. This year 10 girls who entered an essay contest were sponsored to attend the 5 day camp.

Manitoba Somali Students Association (Somali Youth Graduation Ceremony)

July 2009 (Amount Granted $900)

Young leaders from the Manitoba Somali Students Association held a graduation ceremony for Somali graduates of 2009. Members of the community were invited to help congratulate and celebrate the achievements of the graduates and to share their inspirational stories. The event was organized in hopes of stimulating academic success in other Somali youth. Members of the project team were able to further develop their organizational skills and build relationships with community members.

Islamic Social Services Association (ISSA Summer Program)

July 2009 (Amount Granted $1000)

The ISSA Summer Program provides youth with 2 months of summer programming that is educational, recreational and contains an element of community service. The program was designed to encourage Muslim youth to integrate into the fabric of Canadian Society. Members of the project team volunteered in July and August to run the activities and engage youth in positive cultural experiences.

ISSA Summer Program

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:24:07 +0000

Each year hundreds of Winnipeg youth are taking action to build and strengthen our community through a variety of youth initiated projects. This story is part of our Shaw United Way Youth Connections year in review 2008-2009. To view a list of all 2008-2009 projects, click here.

The ISSA Summer Program provided youth with 2 months of summer programming that was educational, recreational and contained an element of community service. The program was designed to encourage Muslim youth to integrate into the fabric of Canadian Society. Members of the project team volunteered in July and August to run the activities and engage youth in positive cultural experiences.

Since it began in 1999, Shaw United Way Youth Connections has granted over $123 000 to student initiated projects. Between September 2008 and June 2009, more than $14 000 was granted to 16 projects led by youth.

Somali Youth Graduation Ceremony

admin — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:19:07 +0000

Young leaders from the Manitoba Somali Students Association held a graduation ceremony for Somali graduates of 2009. Members of the community were invited to help congratulate and celebrate the achievements of the graduates and to share their inspirational stories. The event was organized in hopes of stimulating academic success in other Somali youth. In planning and hosting this event, the project team were able to further develop their organizational skills and build relationships with community members.