Youth Vital Signs survey launches across metro Vancouver to gather information on pressing social issues affecting young people
May 7, 2013
Metro Vancouver youth aged 15- 24 will have an opportunity to provide their views and perspectives on important social issues such as homelessness, health and education through the Youth Vital Signs 2013 online survey on May 7, 2013, Vancouver Foundation and its Youth Philanthropy Council announced today.
May 7, 2013 — Metro Vancouver youth aged 15 to 24 will have an opportunity to provide their views and perspectives on important social issues such as homelessness, health and education through the Youth Vital Signs 2013 online survey on May 7, 2013, Vancouver Foundation and its Youth Philanthropy Council announced today.
The Youth Vital Signs research and public opinion initiative is made possible through the generous financial support of Coast Capital Savings, in addition to Vancouver Foundation and the City of Vancouver.
The Youth Vital Signs survey will enable young people to grade and share their experiences on life in metro Vancouver in 13 categories, including: arts, environment, poverty, homelessness, safety, employment, education, transportation, culture, identity and belonging, physical health, mental health, youth voice and youth spaces.
“Young people are the future decision makers in our society, yet their voices are often left out of the conversation,” said Faye Wightman, President and CEO of Vancouver Foundation. “Youth Vital Signs will provide an important snapshot of young people’s experiences in metro Vancouver giving us unique insights on how to address the challenges of today and shape our future for the next generation.”
Building upon the success of the first Youth Vital Signs survey in 2009, which canvassed 15 to 24-year-olds in the city of Vancouver, this follow-up survey covers metro Vancouver municipalities, providing a larger sampling of young people across the region.
The survey, which can be accessed online through www.youthvitalsigns.ca , will be open for six weeks beginning May 7, 2013 until June 17, 2013. The results will be released in the fall of 2013 with the goal of informing and influencing key decision-makers, government, funders and organizations to take concrete steps to address issues that affect young people.
A special celebration will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Roundhouse Community Centre, located at 181 Roundhouse Mews in Vancouver, to mark the launch of the survey. The free community event will celebrate youth, youth organizations and adult allies and an opportunity to share their perspectives on life in metro Vancouver. The event will also premiere three videos featuring youth-led community projects, produced by Reel Youth — a not-for-profit media empowerment program that produces films on issues important to youth.
Vancouver Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) is a volunteer advisory committee comprised of young people who work to make communities better places for youth. Members of YPC have partnered with other 15 to 24-year-olds from across metro Vancouver to form the Youth Leadership Council, which will guide the development of the Youth Vital Signs survey and final report.
“Youth Vital Signs is important not only for young people, but for everyone living in metro Vancouver because it empowers future leaders to advocate for new ways to improve local communities. A healthy youth population means a healthy metro Vancouver,” said Youth Vital Signs Leadership Council member, Victor Wakarchuk.
The first Youth Vital Signs survey took place in Vancouver in 2009 and has since been adopted by a number of community foundations across Canada. The 2009 Youth Vital Signs Report Card can be downloaded at youthvitalsigns.ca.
About the Youth Philanthropy Council
The Youth Philanthropy Council is a volunteer advisory committee of Vancouver Foundation. We mix knowledge, networks and philanthropy (the giving of time, talent and money). Our goals are to ensure youth play a meaningful role in creating Vancouver hoods, schools and communities that are better places and spaces for youth.
With almost 1,500 funds, and assets of more than $814 million, Vancouver Foundation is Canada’s largest community foundation. Since it was founded in 1943, Vancouver Foundation, in partnership with its donors, has distributed more than $917 million to thousands of community projects and programs.
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