Building Inclusive Communities Deadline Extended

Hey Folks!

We know that many had been still working on their applications so here's the great news! Deadline for Building Inclusive Communities has been extended to Monday March 11th Midnight, so send in your applications our way! Please note that the first training session for Building Inclusive Communities "BIC) will be on the weekend of April 6th and 7th!

We will accept applications for the BIC project until midnight, March 11th, 2013.

The Building Inclusive Communities Project works with communities across British Columbia to participate in intergenerational mentorship and community-building projects. All participants work with project teams in their home communities

What is BIC?

Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) is a 10-month program that brings together youth and other community members to work cooperatively on a community engagement project based on The Society of Children & Youth’s Making Your Community More Child and Youth Friendly Toolkit. Participants strengthen their facilitation and community engagement skills through workshops, learning circles, and hands-on project coordination. The foundation for these inter-generational projects is an ongoing two-way mentorship exchange between participants. For the 2013 program year, 12 people will be selected to participate in the BIC program.

There are three main components to the BIC program:

1. Six days of training on community engagement practices and concepts. The initial training will be held on April 6th & 7th and the second training on July 20th & 21st, and the third training, October 26th & 27th.
2. 10 monthly learning circles to explore ideas emerging from the training and the project experience.
3. Working either in intergenerational pairs or small groups, participants will use the Toolkit to undertake a community-based child and youth friendly project.

What will you get out of this experience?

- Mentoring & coaching from staff at PeerNetBC and The Society of Children and... Youth (SCY)
- Extensive training and practice in facilitation and community engagement skills
- Opportunities for intergenerational learning and experience in a mentoring relationship
- Experience in community-based project management
- Increased understanding of how to make communities more child & youth friendly
- Community-based networking opportunities
- Deepen existing intergenerational friendships and / or develop new friendships
- A $25 honorarium for each training day and learning circle attended (total of $350)

Successful applicants will…

- Either have applied as part of an intergenerational pair / small group or have interests and background experience that match with another person / small group to form an intergenerational pair / group.
- Possess a passion for social justice and the betterment of child & youth friendly communities
- Have a basic understanding of peer support theory
- Have some experience in facilitation or leading community-based projects
- Be able to attend the three Training Sessions scheduled for the weekends of April 6th & 7th, July 20th & 21st, and October 26th & 27th.

Important Note for people applying from out of town:

- We have funding to cover travel & accommodation costs for three 2-day training sessions for 2 people per community outside the lower mainland.
- Youth travelling without a parent or guardian must be 18 years or older.

How to apply…

Step 1)

Fill out the application form here
Submissions can be done individually or if you are applying as a pair or small group, the submission can be done collectively

It may be helpful to check out the PeerNetBC & SCY websites before you write your submission (www.peernetbc.com and www.scyofbc.org)

Step 2)

If possible, please also include resumes for each applicant (maximum 2 pages per person)

Step 3)

Email, fax or hand-deliver the application to PeerNetBC:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax: 604.730.1015
Office Location: Unit 408 – 602 West Hastings, Vancouver, BC (open 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday) however, please call before coming to confirm someone will be in the office. Phone: 604.733.6186

Deadline for Application is Monday, March 11th, 2013 midnight

PeerNetBC Workshops Currently Available

You can register here. PeerNet operates on a pay as you can philosophy; we offer financial barrier free workshops. Please contact us at 604-733-6186 if you have any questions about the workshops being offered.

• March 12, 2013 6pm Communication Fundamentals I: Proactive Skills Part 1
• March 14, 2013 6pm Communication Fundamentals I: Proactive Skills Part 2
• March 23, 2013 10am Introduction To Facilitation
• April 13, 2013 10am Communication Fundamentals II: Resolving Group Breakdowns and Conflict
• April 16, 2013 6pm Introduction to Group Decision Making
• April 18, 2013 6pm Understanding Individual Learning Styles
• April 23, 2013 6pm Exploring Facilitation Skills
• May 9, 2013 6pm Boundaries and Self Care
• May 18, 2013 10am Levelling Power Imbalances
• May 23, 2013 6pm Models of Group Decision Making
• May 30, 2013 6pm Community Engagement
• June 6, 2013 6pm Leadership

Get Involved

Join our Mailing List
Become a Member
Donate via PayPal
Donate via CanadaHelps

About PeerNetBC

PeerNetBC has been helping people connect since 1986, providing resources for peer groups and peer-led initiatives. Our resources and services are available for community members and groups across British Columbia, including online, rural, First Nations, multicultural and youth engagement initiatives. PeerNetBC is a non-profit, registered charitable organization.