Designing Youth Programs: Maximizing Resources and Space, Creating Inclusive and Impactful programs

OCASI is pleased to invite you to a hybrid event: Designing Youth Programs: Maximizing Resources and Space, Creating Inclusive and Impactful programs

About this Event

The objective of this forum is to equip Youth Settlement workers with targeted skills and culturally informed strategies to design and implement high-impact youth programs that address the unique needs of newcomer youth. Through interactive sessions, participants will gain insights into comprehensive program planning, effective use of resources and spaces—including those that honour Indigenous cultural significance—and the integration of online and in-person workshops.

Specific Objectives:

• Interactive and Practical Training: Participants will explore strategies to attract and retain youth engagement, and learn to utilize space effectively to create welcoming environments.
• Inclusivity-Focused Programming: The training will address unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including  2SLGBTQIA+ youth and Indigenous youth, with actionable solutions.
• Diverse Learning Approaches: A mix of presentations, discussions, hands-on activities, and group work will engage participants, culminating in a forum to brainstorm and share programming ideas and best practices.
  The holistic approach in this forum ensures that participants are well-equipped to develop effective, inclusive programming for diverse newcomer youth and build bridges between Newcomer Youth and Indigenous Youth.

Speakers:

• Kevin Lee (He/Him): Program Manager, Youth Services Project at the Centre for Immigrant and Community Services (CICS).
• Sam Ashaolu (He/Him): RSW, BSW, B.COMM. Program Manager. Motivational Speaker. Beyond The Court Project at the Waaban Nang Collective.
• Mahta Riazi (She/Her): Bilingual Coordinator Positive Spaces Initiative Project at the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).

Register to the online event

ASL English/Interpreters Provided

Registration deadline: February 10, 2025 (limited space available for the in-person event)

Organizations are welcome to display their materials. To book a display space or if you have any questions, please contact Tarana Sultan at: tsultan@ocasi.org