Beyond Stereotypes

After reading an article describing youth living in low-income housing as "at-risk" and debating the meaning and implications of this label, five youth came together with TCHC staff to address misconceptions and dispel misrepresentations of youth in the media through positive, constructive work. The Beyond Stereotypes initiative built capacity of this core group of youth to deliver workshops on stereotyping to youth groups, employers and social service agencies in the community. 

Through these workshops, youth leaders educated both their peers and adults on how to address and overcome issues related to stereotyping. The youth have developed greater awareness and understanding of the effects and impact of stereotyping. The commitment from group members to educate others and to lead by example contributed to their success.

Members of the group are of Aboriginal and African descent and, by working together, they have built friendships and understand each other's struggles. Youth have also built skills in leadership, critical thinking and public speaking, and feel more confident as a result of the program. The organization will continue to support youth capacity building as the trustee of the YCF Legacy Frontline Worker Training initiative.