CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL/CÉGEP
STUDENT LEADERS
February 4, 2008
OTTAWA - Forum for Young Canadians, an organization which brings students
from all parts of Canada to Ottawa each year to develop their leadership
and citizenship skills and to discover how government works, is looking
for youth to represent your community at its 2008 programs.
Students selected for the Forum program take part in a number of exciting
activities in the Nation's Capital, including actually sitting in the
Commons and Senate chambers, talking to parliamentarians and senior public
servants, and visiting the Supreme Court of Canada. They will also
participate in a mock Cabinet discussion of immigration policy, and take
part in a staged First Ministers' Conference. In addition to enhanced
leadership skills, students take home an unparalleled insight into the
workings of Canadian government, an understanding of the diverse
viewpoints of fellow Canadians, a broader understanding of the roles and
responsibilities of Canadian citizenship, and incredible friendships that
last a lifetime.
"I came to Forum as a student in 1992, an eager 16 year-old from a
small
town in Ontario looking to find out how I could make a difference and have
a say in what the government was doing in Canada," says Executive
Director, Dawn Pickering. "What I gained was an incredible insight
into my country and fellow Canadians, a sense of empowerment to make a
difference starting in my own community, and a wonderful and lasting
network of friends across Canada." She also laughingly noted,
"It doesn't look bad on a resumé or a college or university
application either, and I probably wouldn't be here as Executive Director
today without the experience!"
A student from one of our sessions in 2007 wrote this of their experience
on the program evaluation, "I loved my experience at Forum--it is
simply
indescribable! I made great friends, learnt a lot, and changed my views of
government completely! I am now trying to encourage younger students at my
school to apply for next year because I truly believe it was one of the
best experiences of my life!!" Another wrote, "Thank you so much
for allowing me to come to Ottawa. That week was one of the most
interesting and inspiring
weeks of my life!"
To apply youth must be responsible students between the ages of 14 and 19,
based on sound academic performance, social and leadership skills,
extra-curricular activities and have an interest in current national and
community affairs. Parental permission and a recommendation from the
student's school are also required. Students rely on donations from local
organizations (all donations over $10 are issued tax receipts) to assist
in
paying their fees which cover program costs, room and board. Travel costs
are covered by Exchanges Canada, a youth exchange program of the
Department
of Canadian Heritage. Bursaries are available to students to help offset
the
program fees. To apply, students should visit our web site at: www.forum.ca
or call us for more information at 613-233-4086.
The Foundation for the Study of Processes of Government in Canada is a
not-for-profit organization that delivers national and international youth
leadership programs that promote understanding of the roles and functions
of
Canada's federal government and the meaning of Canadian citizenship.
To-date
the Foundation has brought more than 16,000 of Canada's youth to the
nation's capital to encourage dialogue and understanding among young
Canadians from across the country. The Foundation's current programs
include
including the Forum for Young Canadians, the Canada-U.S. Youth Forum and
the
Forum Teachers' Conference.
