Ms. Lisa had exciting news about the upcoming iCAN Fridays (environmental Club - learning program)
Earth week is coming up and as everyone knows our Youth Council is directly engaged with environmental factors. Always talking, researching, sharing ideas and participating in nature. Ideas for this week. Taking about your family’s carbon footprint - How can you lower it. What is a carbon footprint The generally accepted definition of carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide, or greenhouse gases, produced as a result of our daily living. In other words, many things we do creates carbon dioxide, or greenhouse gases. If you add up the amount of emissions our daily activity produces you have an idea of the size of the impact we have on the environment.
Lastly, Talking about community issues: worried about people getting vaccinated. This was a huge talk. Our teens and young adults want to remind community to roll up their sleeves. Not just for themselves but everyone around them as well. Being vaccinated is a community effort!
The conversation last night made both Ms. Lisa Portelli and myself realize that our youth are 100% concerned about their future. They want security, to be employed, respected, included just like any other youths. We as community/society need to start early. It’s important that we have opportunities for our youth to grow and be successful - let’s plan ahead. Last on our agenda, games games and games. We played a fun Kahoot game of guess that emoji title - what do those little emojis mean?
A special guest joined our HYDAC meeting last night!
Ms. Christine brings a wonderful organic perspective to learning that our community loves. Last night she spoke about spring in Canada - maple syrup being a part of indigenous spring activities. Many Indigenous communities continue to hold knowledge about the location of the best trees to tap, when to start tapping, and other crucial parts of the maple syrup making process. And maple syrup harvest is still deeply connected to ceremonies and the culture within many Indigenous communities. We had lots to learn and loved the fun stories. As you know building relationships with the elders in the larger community is very important to our youth council and yesterday Maddison reported that she dropped off a whole box of DVD’s for the centre near her house. It’s about recognizing the loneliness that many seniors live with. Thank you Maddison. As a council we want to set up encourage everyone to participate. Did you know that the Milton library has a senior outreach series? https://www.mpl.on.ca/using-the-library/adults/145-using-the-library/adults/233-adult-programs-events Plus, did you know that there is a section that encourages community to come together, share the joy of making art, write letters and poetry for our seniors. Next on the agenda. ‘The numbers of Animals up for adoption is rising as people are going back to work, changing their routines.’ This is a big concern for the council as all of them love animals deeply. What can we do? - Ms Mary Rose will reach out to the SPCA and ask what we can do to help. - Create more conversations and awareness opportunities - Discuss the responsibilities of owning a pet - Work together to make the world a better place
First up was youth council member Aiden, who addressed the importance of Ocean, lake and water way protection. What can we do to make a difference in our environment. “We can all help to protect our environment.” Aiden reminds us.
Sierra addressed a local community concern. Group-home residents’ are at risk. “Many are suffering from loneliness and are vulnerable. Because they live with housemates and work with staff they haven’t chosen, group-home residents aren’t able to protect themselves from the coronavirus as well as people living in their own homes or apartments can. We need to keep this in mind.” What can we do? Ideas like. Writing to our local representatives, keep the conversation open. Encourage virtual connections. Do what we can to help. Maddie spoke about our elderly, encouraging our crews to keep connecting. Do what you can. Write, send cards. Phone your grandma, FaceTime. Send mail. Did you buy a pet during Covid? This was another important community concern and Mary Rose brought it to the table. Animal rescues are worried that they are going to need more help than ever once coronavirus restrictions are lifted and people start going back to work. What will happen to all those pets? This conversation got the council members talking about the importance of responsibility. “When you get a pet, remember it’s a real living being that needs your dedication. Looking after it is not just for when you need it,” says Connor. Another successful council meeting. Well done crew! - Judith Elaine
Next, Ms Lisa took the floor with an update on the NEW sensory bins that will be available in all the Milton Public Library. The bins will includes items like squishy toys, wiggle cushion, bean bag, weighted frog, fidget objects, and ear defenders. The sensory bin will also be available to use at various children’s programs, open to the whole community. This is an exciting moment for the HYDAC team as all their hard work has paid off. Ms Lisa also helped the crew share ideas for short videos to help support the new sensory bins. ‘Loneliness ’ - as many are experiencing the lockdown, seclusion, isolation is having negative effects in our communities and our HYDAC crew put it on the meeting agenda. Ideas *Creating online opportunities for community to interact and connect. *Reaching out to friends and families *Being kind and watching what you say (negative words last longer than you think) *Patience patience and more patience *Spread good news. Find something positive, sharing a little kindness and good news. *Compliment your friends, send a kind note *Be a mentor Random Acts of Kindness challenge!!!! February 14-20th is actually dedicated to random acts of kindness. But our HYDAC crew want to encourage community to make kindness as natural as breathing, wherever or whatever you are doing. They are going to post ideas and motivations throughout the month, challenging others to follow the positive wave.
Each offered a 5 minute talk on building awareness. Finding our voice. Advocating and connecting. The empowerment to have a voice, to influence, to encourage participation, build awareness and acceptance. We were so proud to see our council members present with such flair. They were organized, professional and interesting. Everyone loved each minute of each presentation. Nibras tackled equal opportunities in employment. The right to get paid for work. Conflict and resolution. Kevin empowered Job club members with his talk about advocacy. Supporting one another. Jeffery shared his passion for music and healing. Teaching us all that music heals the soul and brings us together as a community. Aiden spoke about connection. The importance of participation. To try.. “You can do anything if you try” was the message. Contributing to community programs, groups, activities, classrooms is not a waste of time and there are many reasons everyone should get involved. You matter. Your opinion is valued. You are important. HYDAC - Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council is made up of a group of young people of all abilities, between the ages of 14 - 29. HYDAC believes that together you can make a difference in your communities and the Halton region. HYDAC's goal is to empower young people to have a voice, to influence, to encourage participation, build awareness and acceptance. Individually, you each have something important to offer and as a group we can learn and grow, creating positive change that will benefit everyone around.
This month is truly the time of fall with lots of exciting colourful changes in nature and all around us. It’s a reminder that we need to get our winter clothes ready for upcoming season. What to do with your old clothes.
On the schedule - continued learning. Inspiring the mind. Our HYDAC council are so proud to announce that iCAN classrooms are now hosted by the Milton library - these classes start on Wednesday, October 21st - (all ages and all abilities) What are we covering?
Wednesday evening classrooms - 6:00pm - 7:00pm Sign up here! We love and support the YMCA leadership programs - Youth matters. We hope you will join in the fight for a better future. Have you signed the youth petition? Taking concerns directly to the political leaders. Opening the conversation. Action is a crucial component of change and our youth advisory council and this is one way you can help. Report from: Aiden, Jeffery and Anthony Talking to MP Pam Damhoff about employment for everyone - jobs , housing, residences, and medication. Covid 19 has been hard on families in our community. For many of our youth and adults employment has been the topic of concern. More jobs - better pay. Talking about community issues was last on the list. Have you noticed any, thought about any issues, including environmental concerns? RESOURCES:
‘Loneliness ’ - our crew know this word is vital and are making sure everyone is connected. Creating opportunities for community to interact and connect. www.projectautismcanada.com
So our council invited Mr. Marcus Logan the manager of community development and engagement for the Oakville Public Library. He has been teaching youth like us all about suicide prevention and the importance of protection of life.
Tonight, he talked about how we as youth leaders can keep building full lives, encouraging our peers, friends to connect. We need a sense of belonging and a sense of kinship and if we keep doing what we are doing we will keep making a difference. Such a great guy. Let’s keep the conversation going was his message. We are all connected. Ms.Lisa from the Milton Public Library was next on our schedule. She is our positive beacon of information, inspiration and guidance. Always coming up with brilliant ideas to motivate our young minds. Learning sign language. Learning a new language. Coding. Resume writing/getting a job, cooking- something delicious, what’s an apiary? are some of the ideas our crews collected for the ‘keep on learning program’ that we are creating with Ms Lisa and Ms. Judith. ‘Winter is going to be so much fun!’ Says Jeffery. Ms Lisa told us that the new apiaries are doing well at the Milton library and we cannot wait till next spring to check them out in person. Last on our list was discovering more about the upcoming fall equinox /solstice On September 22, 2020. This is when the day and night will be almost equal in most locations. It’s a time when People around the world greet the change of seasons in the fall with unique celebrations. Here are some examples. CHINA – MOON FESTIVAL JAPAN – OHIGAN MABON LITHUANIA – BALTIC UNITY DAY HYDAC is an inclusive youth where everyone can belong. So think about joining us. Send us a note at [email protected]
Talking about community issues: employment for teens and youth was first on the table. Let’s talk about how difficult finding a job is if you have a disability and now with COVID-19 it’s almost impossible. So what can we as a crew do? Together the crew decided that doing education classes, interest courses, learning new things and preparing was the answer. “Filling our minds with new learning opportunities will help us prepare as well as build a stronger resume.” Says Aiden and Sierra. The conversation last night made both Ms Lisa Portelli and myself realize that our youth are 100% concerned about their future. They want security, to be employed, respected, included just like any other youth member. “I want to have a job.” Said Mel We as community/society need to take their futures seriously, start preparing early. It’s important that we have opportunities for our youth to grow, develop and be independently successful - let’s plan ahead. Last on our agenda, we also had a craft session- making masks by reusing and re-purposing old t-shirts. This was perfect for our sensory friends. Soft personal tee’s turned into personalized masks was a perfect way to end the meeting. Tonight 12 members attended the virtual youth council meeting to discuss important issues on a local community level as well on a global level. First on the table was ‘Sustainability’ Keeping our world healthy - doing your part Recycle ♻️ Reuse Reduce
Addressing garbage. Our youth council wants encourage every household to manage and reduce waste. Our goal in the future is a world that has zero waste. “If you see it - pick it up” Sierra reminded the group Checking in with Ms Lisa from Milton Public Library who informed us that the grant to offer sensory items to families in Milton libraries has arrived. This means that as our community libraries prepare for opening up public, Ms Lisa can purchase what is needed for patrons. “We are so proud to be a part of the process,” says Aiden. “Imagine how many families will benefit.” Tonight we also celebrated a birthday and Ms Erin brought her positive cheer into the group with a Let’s get fired up cheer routine, as well as a ‘Happy Birthday’ cheer for Nibras. It was fun seeing everyone up and moving! Next on the list was our youth momentum. Do what you can in your community. As a youth member if you feel strongly about an issue in your community, reach out to council members who are in your riding. Address concerns. Write letters. Talk about it. Be proactive! Fun fact for July!
Have you ever wished for a day where you can eat absolutely anything you want? Well that day is today. National Junk Food Day is celebrated every year on July 21! HYDAC - Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council meeting was another success!
council members from all over Halton were present at last night’s meeting and it was wonderful to have special guest - Town of Milton, Councillor Sameera Ali join our crew. She is such a positive person, who cares deeply for the youth in Halton. As an active volunteer in the community she addressed the importance of volunteering and helping out wherever we can. Even if it’s an ear to listen, or your hands to make the work lighter at home. Keeping active, while sharing our positive outlook and creative spirits is key to happiness. First on our agenda was addressing personal coping strategies, ideas and inspirations for youth that are struggling at home.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to an adult, friends, or a professional. Limit watching the news and listening. Be proactive. Try something new. Go for fresh air walks, bicycle rides etc. Ms Lisa Portelli from the Milton Public Library added an important element. Books are now available for curb side pickup at the library as well as lots and lots of online options, how to videos, music, audio books etc. We need to open our minds to options and explore opportunities within our communities. So reach out to your local library, look at your town or city website and ask what’s available. Our crews also took a moment to reflect on the importance of acceptance. Love. Community. The sadness of what happened to Mr. George Floyd has deeply affected our ability community and together they expressed their pain and outrage at what is happening around the world. “Not on our watch!” Says Ms. Judith. Together we will stand in unity. Acceptance. Love and courage. Black lives matter. June is Indigenous history month and our crew all voiced their interest in learning more. Being more knowledgeable is the key to truth and reconciliation. Pride month is a chance to recognize the impact all our LGBTQ people have had in the world. ️ |
HYDACRecaps of our monthly meetings at the OPL. Archives
January 2023
Categories |