Ms. Santarossa explained that the Youth Council of Canada is a National Non-Profit Organization that supports youth councils, youth committees, and the staff who host them. Youth Council of Canada supports municipalities and administrative staff who run or organize programs such as youth advisory committees and councils. The Youth Council creates an online environment where you can share the best practices and learn from other communities.
Ms. Santarossa said that the Hour-for-Hour challenge is geared for youths having a hard time finding volunteer hours as many organizations do not have the capacity to offer those opportunities. Ms. Santarossa stated that municipalities should stay on top of new trends as to build a community youths will call home. Youth Council of Canada is asking municipalities to participate in this program in order for youth to get involved build community service hours. Youth Council of Canada offers administrative support to Municipal staff as part of this program and only requires them to share activities online. Ms. Santarossa further explained that watching Council meetings provides youths with opportunities to observe how Council functions, provide youths with the ability to read an agenda, and stay on top of local issues.
Ms. Santarossa advised that the Town can take part in Hour-for-Hour without being a member of the coalition of Canada but administrative support would not be included. This membership requires an annual membership fee but includes benefits such as managing your profile, connecting with a peer audience, discussions regarding recourses, downloading activities, and receiving insights. It is in essence an ecosystem of support to make sure youth are engaged.
In conclusion Ms. Santarossa asked Council for any comments.
Councillor Verbeek thanked her for recognizing the opportunity and need to engage our youths. Councillor Verbeek said she would love to see Essex join and would support.
Councillor Bjorkman also thanked her for bringing this forward and recognizing how important it is to engage. He thinks it is a great idea for community hours as there needs to be an avenue for kids who are interested in things other than sports.
Mayor Snively asked Ms. Santarossa for the cost of the membership.
Ms. Santarossa said that the Municipal government fee is $1,200 but there is a 30 percent discount for the 1st year which would be $840 plus HST. The membership can be cancelled after the first year.
Councillor Bondy mentioned that we need to do more things for youths. She asked the Director from Finance to review the budget costs.