Strathcona County Next Gen is an initiative brought through collaboration between community partners to motivate and support the youth and young adults in Strathcona County by providing them with a platform to lead and inspire change, to connect and build, and to shape the future of their community.
We are a youth-serving youth-led group!
What we do is governed by the voice of youth and young adults in the County, and we're run through the efforts of our community partners and the Next Gen Leadership team.
It's always who is Next Gen, but never how is Next Gen smh.
who is next gen?
2019
Today...
Youth-serving organizations within the community were invited to participate on the Youth Strategy Steering Committee.
To adhere to the principle of "nothing about us without us," the Next Gen initiative was established as a means to engage self-identified youth and young adults to help create the change they want to see in Strathcona County.
The overarching recommendation was to create a community-led collaborative youth strategy to guide the implementation of recommendations that would include youth and young adult representation.
Strathcona County commissioned a consulting firm to conduct a Youth Needs and Assests Assessment (YNAA). The YNAA explored existing opportunities for youth and young adults in the County between the ages of 14-29 while identifying areas for improvement.
2020
We actively advocate for more representation from youth and young adults in local organizations, host and participate in events to bring together the corners of the County, and connect youth to resources and opportunities within and around Strathcona County.
our story...
Like most things, we didn't just spawn into existence. Feel free to learn more about how, why, and when Next Gen came to be.
Once upon a time....
Open Mic Poetry Night
things we've done
Take a look at some (but not all) of the cool things we've done!
If there's something we haven't done and you want to see it let us know cause we want to see it too!
not our land
Strathcona County Next Gen acknowledges that we are located on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions Two and Four.
We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, and Inuit peoples who are just a few amongst many other nations who have been here for thousands of years. It is our inherent responsibility that we should all strive to foster healthier relationships with the Indigenous Peoples of the land we share and to further the Calls to Action as outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
While bringing a voice to our next generations, we hold honour for those that have walked before us and aspire to develop a vibrant and diverse community in which everyone is welcome and has a role to play. We will not forget the footsteps of those who have walked where we now build.
These words are by no means enough on their own so let us all work together to repair the damage left behind from forceful colonization and assimilations. Everyone should be able to feel safe and welcome in the lands they call home.
get involved
What is the Next Gen Leadership team?
The Next Gen Leadership team is a unique opportunity to play a key role in developing a sense of community and belonging among Next Gen in Strathcona County. As part of the Next Gen leadership team you will help plan events and initiatives, lead and have a voice in your community, mobilize change, and shape the future of Strathcona County.
Consider Joining the Next Gen Leadership team if...
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You identify as a youth and/or young adult.
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You are passionate about leading and creating change in Strathcona County to support Next Gen
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You want to develop leadership skills, build relationships and a network, and have fun!
If you don't identify as a youth, young adult, and/or don't live in Strathcona County, you still might be able to get involved! Strathcona County Next Gen focuses its efforts, resources, and initiatives on Strathcona County but we welcome help from nearby communities and local organizations.
Positions, Roles and Responsibilities
Youth and young adults are the leaders here! You will be helping to determine the exact roles and positions that will make up the Next Gen leadership team. Roles can be created based on your strengths, interests and areas you want to build skills in and based on conversations with you about what roles you think are needed to create the action you want to see in the community. Examples of roles and responsibilities could include events lead, communications lead, youth liaison, young adult liaison, etc.
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We anticipate an approximately once-a-month meeting commitment.
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We anticipate that there will be opportunities to volunteer to contribute additional time to help plan specific events, initiatives, etc.
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We're a group that's always evolving so don't expect to be doing the same thing everyday.
"Where do I sign up?!"
Simply tap the little button below and it'll take you straight to our Next Gen Leadership sign-up form.
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Volunteering with Next Gen
Strathcona County Next Gen hosts a variety of events, gatherings, activities, and a bunch of other stuff all throughout the year. Since we're an organization fueled by volunteers, we frequently look for help in running these events, spreading awareness, and gathering resources. If you're interested in volunteering with Next Gen, you can find any open volunteer postings on our opportunities page or by clicking the link below.
Input, Feedback, and Taking Part
As the voice of the future, input from youth and young adults is incredibly important. We maintain a collection of ways where you can share your voice and provide input to groups such as the County, local businesses, and other organizations about how they can better serve youth and young adults. If you don't know where to start, the easiest way to get involved is to simply take part.
We are always interested in more resources, opportunities, and information for Strathcona County youth and young adults, as well as any ideas or support for our engagement, events, and initiatives.
Please note that Strathcona County Next Gen primarily serves Strathcona County. While we do accept help from organizations outside of Strathcona County, our efforts and initiatives are focused within the county.
Interested in getting involved directly with Next Gen? Maybe you just want to start by helping out your community or you're a business looking for an opportunity? Whatever you're reason, we're glad you're interested!
Check out the options on the right for more information about how YOU can get involved.