youth and the creative rural economy

Youth and the Creative Rural Economy

PART 1 – Develop the Idea1.1 Strategic Plan & Backgrounder1.2 Collaborative Model1.3 Governance Structure1.4 Policy Development

PART 2 – Implement the Idea 2.1 Youth Advisory Council & Youth Action Committee2.2 Programming (structured/drop-in)2.3 Engaging youth2.4 Program outcomes

PART 3 – Evaluate and Evolve the Idea 3.1 Evaluating Impact and outcomes 3.2 Evolving change 3.3 Branding, Marketing and Trade Mark3.4 Sharing the Model

Three Part Youth Engagement Strategy

September 2003 - Downtown Revitalization study began

November 2003 - Town Council initiates Community Strategic Plan with focus on “grass roots” planning process, strong community participation, and sustained action over several years

May 2004 - Action planning groups complete needs assessments and surveys and present outcomes

Town of IngersollStrategic Planning process

1. Industrial, commercial, residential and transportation2. Downtown revitalization3. Heritage and tourism4. Recreation, trails and parks5. Youth with two areas of focus (12 years and under/over age 12)6. Health and community well being

Town Of IngersollStrategic Plan Focus Areas

Vision Statement“Youth will be encouraged to achieve a high sense of purpose, of identity

and of pride for, and within their community.”

Expected Results1. A permanent Youth Committee is created by Council in conjunction with

a broad based and youth oriented Youth Council.

2. A Youth Strategy is prepared that is responsive to the flexible needs of youth.

3. A fully funded and professionally supervised Youth Centre is established, meeting the diverse needs of local youth.

Part 1.1- Strategic Plan & Background

Proactive Thinking!

PART 1Developing the Idea

4 Types of collaboration Level 1 Permanent onsite partners

Level 2 Funding Partners

Level 3 Integrated Community Partners

Level 4 Community volunteers*Note that various partners will overlap, further solidifying the relationship

Part 1.2- Collaborative Models Work!

Our Vision is To be the leading youth service facility where youth want to be

Our Mission is that Youth directed initiatives will guide our Team to provide a fun, safe and inclusive environment where youth know they belong and are empowered to make positive changes in their lives

The Mantra –Where Fusion YOUTH are Priority ONE

Fusion Youth Centre

Level 1: Permanent Onsite Partners

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs – Rural Economic Development Grant

CAW Local 88

Local community groups, service clubs & generous community members

Corporation of the Town of Ingersoll*The facility is ultimately owned and operated by the Municipality.

The Million $$ Question

Level 2: Funding Partners

Town of Ingersoll • Owns, operates and funds 60% of Fusion’s $850,000 operating budget

Grants & Donations• 15% comes from grants, community groups

Facility Leases and Rentals• 25% comes from Facility leases and rentals

Social Enterprise • Goal is to generate 10% of annual operating budget

Funding of $200,000 - $399,000Rural Economic Development Fund

Funding of $100,000 - $149,000Ontario Trillium FoundationSmoke- Free Ontario

Funding of $50,000 - $99,000Ministry of Economic Trade and DevelopmentOxford Small Business Support CentreRInC Program Grant

Funding of $10,000 - $49,000Canadian Summer JobsCAW Local 88 (Annual)Communities in Action FundCounty of OxfordCowan FoundationHarvest Run - Cory and Tim ParrowHeart FM 104.7 FMIngersoll Community FoundationNuclear Waste Management OrganizationRoyal Bank of CanadaResponse GeneratorsSacred Heart Catholic ChurchSmall Projects Accessibility Human Resources &Skills Development CanadaSummer Experience GrantTim Horton’s Children’s FoundationUnited Way of Oxford (Annual)

Funding of $500 - $9,999All Pro BilliardsCanadian Tire Jump Start ProgramCommunity Employment ServicesGiant Tiger IngersollHome Building Centre IngersollIngersoll Business Improvement AreaIngersoll Kiwanis ClubIngersoll Lions ClubIngersoll Oxford Realty Board - Fred FreemanIngersoll Rotary ClubJob ConnectLeon’s Furniture WoodstockMcLay’s TransportOxford Community FoundationOxford County Nutrition PartnershipOxford Elgin Middlesex Local Training BoardPharmasave IngersollRick’s CarpetRight RenosRogers Cable TV 13Town Youth Participation StrategiesUnited Church Ladies LeagueUniversal PrintingVerspeeten Cartage

And more relationships!Level 3: Integrated Community Partnerships

•Offer services and programming

•Co-facilitate programs

•May sublet space to generate revenue

•May offer in-kind services

•More accessible services for youth

Oxford County Drug Task ForceOxford County Youth StrategyOxford Probation ServicesOxford Small Business Support CentreOxford Youth Action AllianceOxford, Elgin, London, MiddlesexLocal Training BoardParks & Recreation OntarioUnited Way of OxfordWoodstock & District Developmental ServicesWoodstock & Area Community Health CentreWrap AroundLocal BusinessesCommunity Members

Just to name a few…..

Army CadetsAre You Ready-Canadian Mental Health AssociationBig Brother/Big SistersCAMI AutomotiveCAW Local 88Children’s Aid SocietyCommunity Employment ServicesCommunity Options for JusticeConestoga CollegeDuke of EdinburghFast Forward-Fanshawe CollegeIngersoll Learning Employment Resource CentreIngersoll Kiwanis ClubIngersoll Seniors CentreIngersoll Youth Action CommitteeIngersoll Youth Advisory CouncilKatimavikLiteracy Links South-CentralLocal High School & Elementary SchoolsOntario Early Years ProgramOntario Rural CouncilOntario Trillium FoundationOxford County Board of Health

Program and Service Partners

• Community members willing to volunteer time in any aspect of the program & Facility

• May offer special programs (rec/tech)

• In-kind donation of services or time

• Show genuine investment in our youth

• Local Business people on Fusion BAC

Level 4: Community Volunteers

Town of Ingersoll

Community Partners

l

Part 1.3- Governance Model

Facility Partners

YOUTH are our PRIORITY #1Youth leadership &

developmentYouth directed and engaged

Inclusive Community

•Combine Recreation, Technology and Skill Development

•Community collaboration

•Youth-driven decision making

•Municipally owned and operated

What makes us different?

Mental health & Addiction services Employment training & skills development Volunteer opportunities Educational support & homework help Broad-based recreational activities “Blow your mind” technology Positive, caring, adult mentors

One Stop Shop for ages 12-18

The Municipal Role Municipality leads, Council driven and directed Establish a Youth Council (appointed by Council) Create collaborative partnerships Inter governmental policies (Upper Tier, Provincial, & Federal

Engage youth in the discussions (For Youth by Youth)

Think different No longer soft or hard services Think 21st Century Recreation Building youth engagement Return on Investment

Part 1.4- Policy Development

PART 2Implement

the Idea

A living civics lesson, our I.Y.A.C.kers consist of 11 youth (ages 12-18) and 2 adult mentors – nominated by youth

Act as an advisory body & advocate to adults on youth issues

Work collaboratively to improve the image, conditions and prospects for youth in Ingersoll

Fosters positive peer relations, and opens educational doors with training workshops and conferences

Part 2.1- Youth Advisory Council

Formed September 2005 from a Youth Forum Youth organization designates & Community members 2 youth liaisons from the Youth Advisory Council Deputy Mayor sits on committee Takes action with the youth

Youth Action Committee

Mission Statement“The Town of Ingersoll Youth Action Committee will collaborate with the

Youth Advisory Council to plan and implement civic strategies that respond to the flexible needs of youth. We will work cooperatively to improve the well-being of children and youth in the Town of Ingersoll and surrounding area.”

Part 2.2Programming

• Activity Centre• Technology Centre• Social Enterprise & Skill

Development

• Youth Friendly environment

• Youth directed and involved

• To improve the economic, social and personal prospects of youth

• To develop and provide a cutting edge Technology Centre

• To provide a recreational facility and high quality programs and drop in

activities that will meet needs of all youth

• Accessible, Youth community-based, culturally relevant and supportive

projects, programs,

Program Objectives

The Technology Centre

• Gaming Zone• Internet Café• iMAC Multimedia Lab• Rebuild IT• Recording Studio• Radio Booths• Fusion TV

• Youth rebuild donated computers

• Hands on experience

• Hardware and software repair

• Health and Safety training

Rebuild IT

iMAC Lab

Graphic Design & Video Editing • Learn how to use IMAC computers • Learn graphic design programs • Create videos, art, and music using programs such as

Final Cut, Adobe Creative Suite and Garage Band

• A state of the art recording studio that is available to youth and the community for:– recording opportunities– individual youth and band practice – Music lessons

• Youth are trained in the useof recording console and software

• Youth also provide sound reinforcementfor community events

The Recording Studio

• Currently broadcasting throughout the Fusion centre and soon online on our website

• Single and two person radio booths

• Will give youth the opportunity to learn Broadcasting skills

• Heart FM Scholarships and partnerships

Radio Booths

• Partnership with Rogers TV cable 13 Oxford• Youth learn about TV production including:

– camera operation– hosting and anchoring– video editing, sound recording– lighting and all aspects of production.

• Addition of a new set

Fusion TV

•Lounge•Youth Café•Art Room•Gymnasium•Skate Park

Activity Centre

Lounge

• Open all centre hours, frequented by approx. 90% of youth• Billiards, ping pong, pool, foozeball • Satellite television • 4 Gaming systems

– Playstation– XBOX 360– Nintendo Wii– Game Cube

• Relaxed atmosphere for youth to hang out in

Youth Café

• Nutrition Program• nutritious meals are offered daily to youth for $3.00• staff and youth work together to create creative snacks

during the Snack Shack hour• Menu planning, grocery lists, and cost breakdown are

some of the daily life skills youth learn in the cafe

Art Room

• Art Breaks/ Art Factory• Approx. 8-10 youth participate twice weekly• Painting, drawing, sketching• Professional art teacher on

staff

•Variety of sports offered – dodge ball, floor hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball.

•Sportsmanship & leadership focused

•Promotes physical fitness & healthy living

•Positive peer interactions

Sports and Recreation

Fitness Program•Approx. 15-20 youth participate twice weekly•Bootcamp, kick boxing, circuit training, personalfitness and welllness training are all offered.•A professional fitness trainer facilitates classes• Develop your personal fitness levels and awareness, and strive to do your best.

Fitness Program

• In 2007 an outdoor skate park was constructed

• Approx. 60 bikers and skateboarders use the park nightly

•Host to two skate and bike competitions, 56 youth registered in the last competition.

• Provides a safe, supervised and maintained area to ride in

•Skate park safety video – promotes safety and appropriate use of the park

Outdoor Recreation & Skate Park

• Halloween Haunted House

•Thanksgiving Dinner – Youth cook a traditional Thanksgiving

•Christmas parade - Youth create and decorate a Christmas float

•Relay For Life – A team of 12 youth raised approximately $900.00.

•Toronto Blue Jays Game – many youth went to a game for the first time

Special Events

Oxford County Entrepreneurial Skills and Career Program

Development based on success of Youth Entrepreneurial Partnership Program

• Collaboration between Fusion Youth Centre and Community Employment Services, funded by Ontario Trillium Foundation

• Access to the program at any of the CES’s seven satellite locations

Benefits

• Access to a skills training program designed to meet the needs of Oxford County’s Labour market

• Youth from throughout the County will have opportunity to sit on Youth Business Advisory Committee

Deliverables

• Will reach over 17,000 youth throughout the 4 year duration of the grant

• Between 50%-75% of youth who participate in the program will have a livelihood (i.e. employed or self-employed)

• Program will address initiatives of Oxford County Labour Development Strategy

• Food Services– Safe food handling, knife skills and meal

preparation• Multimedia Production

– Engage in our state-of-the-art facilities, primarily the iMac Lab

• Digital Recording and Audio– Learn the basics of music production and

recording• Computer Skills

– Learn the components of a computer and how to fix computers

– Provide computers and repairs to people in our community

– Collect E-waste for recycling

Social Enterprises at Fusion

One youth has alreadystarted their own

Business at Fusion

Received funding fromSummer Company

Started Businesssummer of 2010

Success!

Engage youth In• Recreation, sport and leisure

• creative expression through the arts

• skill development through technology

• life skills training

• leadership development and mentorship

• civic & community engagement andvolunteerism

Part 2.3- Engaging Youth

• Increased knowledge of personal abilities and future career options

• Life Style Changes- education, healthy & active lifestyle, positive

relationships, actively involved at community events

• Transferable skills

• Creative and critical thinking skills

• Gain leadership, interpersonal and communication skills with adults

Part 2.4- Program Outcomes

CHECK IT OUT!• Opened in February 2006

• Over 1300 members to date since opening

• Approximately 85-110 youth per night

• Open for programming:– 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mon-Thurs– 2:30-11pm Fri. – 1:00-11p.m. Sat

• $5 one time membership fee

• Open to ages 12-18

• Staff of 18 (4 program coordinators, 1 Manager and 1 Admin staff) Along with 6 full time staff and 7 part time staff that work on the floor

PART 3Evaluate & Evolve the Idea

Part 3.1- Evaluate Impact & OutcomesYouth Impact

•Confidence due to positive relationships with staff

•Sense of social responsibility and self accountability

•Employment Aptitude and exposure to the principles of business & work

•Sense of belonging, community integration, broader social base

•Higher-risk youth more likely to overcome addictions or mental problems since the programs run from the building

Community Impact!

Community Impact •Economic impacts (Conestoga College, A&W and so) •Decrease in Drop out rate and increase in post-secondary education•Skilled & knowledgeable youth workforce

•Lower crime rate, and 911 prank calls decreased by 75%•Fewer teen pregnancies •Less hospital emergency room visits from Youth

•Provincially recognized as Youth Friendly, socially excluded youth now feel a sense of belonging in the community•Youth are civically engaged, genuinely care about their community •Changed perception of youth, mutually respectful relationship between businesses & youth

Program Stats

Measuring Outcomes

•Setting benchmarks

•Reviewing and evaluation is key

•Developing an evaluation tool kit

•Creation of a mentoring tracking sheet

Part 3.2- Evolving change

•Started as a vision for a 2 room youth centre in a school•Seeding funding was received & partnerships began•Technology Centre added•Increased staffing & addition of field experts•Social enterprises and skill development •Ongoing program development & youth engagement•Leverage further funding opportunities •Expanded services offered at Fusion through other groups

Part 3.3- Branding & Marketing

Branding & Marketing

•Brand recognition

•Trade mark

•Staff visibility

• Formal partnership with University of Guelph the School of Environmental Design & Rural Development

• Research Fusion as a social innovation model by tracking the development process of the organization

• Impact assessment: youth, families and community

Research

• The development of an ongoing data collection system for program evaluation and data collection analysis

• Evaluate the cost diversion, social return on investment and human capital created through the Fusion Youth Centre model

• Develop a case for replicating this model across the province

Research

Research

• Capacity Development: Provide educational opportunities to encourage ongoing development of Fusion’s organizational capacity

• Evaluation Methods: Developing appropriate data collections systems and protocols for data analysis

• Ongoing Funding: Seek out opportunities for secure funding

Part 3.2- Sharing the Model•NEW website launched- in 2011 resources to be made available

•Developing a 5 year strategic plan

•Best Practice Research- University Study

•5 year annual report

•Developing a Municipal tool kit

•Engage the entire community… Youth are the future

GET out there and be involved. This is a Municipal Issue…. Don’t pass the buck

It must be meaningful & authenticIt should focus on what matters most to

your youth and your communityCreate your own “home grown” modelRelationships should remain the coreProvincial Framework- Working with all levels of government

If you cut too many corners, you end up going in circles – Chinese Proverb

For more information!

Online Virtual Tourwww.FusionYouthCentre.ca