The CRRF's 2012 Youth Video Challenge confirmed that teachers and young people want a national forum to discuss faith, values and Canadian identity.
Canadian society is rapidly advancing to include a diversity of cultures and perspectives at an unparalleled rate. The importance of engaging young people in the rapid advancement of how we live and work is paramount – and attendantly, the expansion of our education curriculum to include social and emotional health is no longer a luxury. Innovators need to push the education envelope, discuss why rapidly customizable resources are needed in today's education and social services environment, and harness the opportunities for advancing education and knowledge.
The CRRF is particularly proud to partner with the National Film Board on The Faith Project, and Voices into Action, an initiative of FAST (Fighting Antisemitism Together), on a new unit, Our Canada: Exploring Canadian Values. The NFB's CAMPUS program and FAST's Voices into Action platform are two remarkable online resources for young people, educators and youth program managers.
In 2016, there will be more exciting youth engagement opportunities, including Youth Café Canada events. The Youth Café Canada gatherings will bring young people together with leaders in their communities to share ideas and explore opportunities. Youth Café Canada delegates will participate in activities that facilitate discussion and action on civic engagement, Canadian values, integration and belonging.
CanadaNEXT is a response to the CRRF’s ongoing engagement in race relations across Canada, and recognition that the unique perspectives of young people are vitally important in the present and future of our national dialogue about racism. CanadaNEXT is our vision for engaging Canadian youth in the dialogue about Canadian values and raising awareness and understanding. Maintaining, adapting and continuously improving race relations in Canada can only be achieved by heightening the promotion of identity and values amongst youth, and supporting the capacity for young people to be agents of change.
Looking for a printable version of the CRRF's Our Canada Project? Download the Our Canada 2015-2017 booklet.