CENTRE WELLINGTON – After forming in the fall and establishing its vision and way of operating, the Centre Wellington Youth Council was preparing to launch some youth-oriented activities this spring when COVID-19 hit.
Rather than wallowing in fear and negativity, the council decided to focus on the good things happening around them, and they are challenging the community – particularly young people – to share their own stories of help and hope.
Madison Hill, a Grade 12 student at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) and youth council member, said she was challenged by a teacher to write a paper about the “caremongering” movement that has cropped up in numerous communities.
“In my research, I realized how many people in the community are doing great things,” Hill said in an interview on May 15.
“So, I brought it to the youth council.”
Caremongering
The council decided to host a platform to showcase how youth are embracing the caremongering movement.
“I hope our community will take the time to read these stories and recognize the kind and compassionate youth that Centre Wellington has,” Hill said.
The stories will be shared on www.connectcw.ca in the section #CWCares and on the CW Youth Council Instagram account.
Rachel Routley, another youth council member and Grade 12 student at CWDHS, said she’s been providing tech support to teachers and students as they move to online learning as part of her computer studies course.
“It’s definitely interesting to see how teachers are adapting to online learning,” Routley said. “(Our class) does IT support during the year, but it’s interesting to do it online and at a distance.”
Routley’s story is just one that’s posted on the website.
Kendra Martin is the communications coordinator with the township and the staff person overseeing the youth council.
“I’m so impressed with them,” Martin said. “It’s so easy to get caught up in our own little bubbles, but these young people still wanted to be engaged. They are really inspirational to me.”
The youth council is an initiative of Mayor Kelly Linton, who wanted to include the youth voice in municipal decisions as well as foster civic engagement and an understanding of how local government works.
“I am very proud of this council, for taking the initiative to highlight how our youth and our community are coming together by launching #CWCares,” stated Linton in a press release.
“Take a moment to read their inspiring stories, and share your own. We know our community is full of kind and selfless people, we will get through this together.”
