GUELPH – The People and Information Network (PIN) is working to inspire change through youth volunteering in its latest event.
PIN, a non-profit organization providing programs and services in Guelph and Wellington, hosted a Virtual Youth Summit on Nov. 24, promoting the theme “Give Back and Create Change,” which saw 27 youth in attendance.
Through the City of Guelph Emergency grant, PIN has been able to offer an opportunity for youth between the ages of 13 to 18 to learn, engage and gain Community Involvement (CI) hours.
“The focus of our work is to help people engage in their community in a way that is meaningful to them,” detailed a Nov. 15 press release. “We help people find volunteer opportunities that are a good fit for their interests, passions and skills.”
Communications and program coordinator Vanessa Lodge said the idea for the summit came after looking at “the themes of what’s been going on through the pandemic and also the social justice issues that are taking place within our climate right now.”
Through a series of presentations and breakout groups, youth had the opportunity to learn about different subjects related to volunteerism, education and career development.
Lodge said the network also wanted to highlight the importance of volunteering and how youth can use it to create change in their community.
“There’s a passion that some youth have – certain passions or interests – and you can give back but you can also create change in the same sentiment, in the same scope,” Lodge explained.
During the summit, youth heard from community leaders like Kween, community activist and CEO of The Kween Company, Helen Keen from the University of Guelph and Jenn Bucci, recreation coordinator youth services with the City of Guelph.
Through the network’s website, there are pages specifically targeted for youth, Lodge said. PIN is also recommended by local school boards as a place to look for volunteer opportunities.
“I think a lot did enjoy the opportunity to learn from the presenters that we had and also learn how to get their hours and different ways to do so,” Lodge said.
She noted some of the other things she’s heard through other youth volunteer opportunities is that the ability to do it virtually has been a help.
“Especially during COVID, it’s difficult to get the hours in so the virtual component is a nice piece for them,” she explained.
Through the City of Guelph grant, Lodge said the network is offering youth engagement projects for youth looking to get their volunteer hours through doing different community initiatives, adding she hopes the network can do some more in the new year.
“I’m really seeing now the need for it. A lot of youth, while they get the information at school it’s not always in a clear concise manner,” Lodge explained. “So if there’s a place they can go to for additional assistance, it’s really helpful for them.”
