It was with an appropriate amount of fanfare that the Sooke Youth Forum was held at Edward Milne Community School in April, 2008.

One of the points recognized at the successful event was the need to create a youth council, to speak for the sizable segment of the population... to advocate on its behalf.

What follows is the result of an exploratory email sent to Joseph Boutilier, coordinator of the Sooke Youth Council. Read on, notice the eloquent and expansive responses to the supplied questions and it will illustrate how well suited he is to his position with the council.

SNM:

I remember what a positive, well-attended event the Youth Forum was. It led to the creation of the Youth Council.

 How does the present council reflect the original energy and enthusiasm that got it started?

J.B.:

Like any working group, that fierce passion and energy that sparks it in the first place is quickly put to use breaking that new ground. It takes a tremendous amount of work to get any project up and running. The fact that the Sooke Youth Council (SYC) was not only able to generate a real community of youth leaders in the district, but also to launch into some heavy-duty projects, is a testament to the mind-boggling commitment of all involved. The Sooke Youth Council was never just an idea; the will, the support, and the youth were already there. The amazing work of the core founders who put together that first Youth Forum made it all come together as the SYC. 

 SNM:

How many people sit on the council? What is the length of a councilor’s term?

J.B.:

The 11 members that I first met in January were still working hard on youth council projects through the end of the summer. We’re finally able to look back on this first intensive term and now we’re excited to try some new things in terms of our structure and membership. In general we expect participants to be involved for at least one school term and we have a bunch of new, specialized positions for members that want to take more of a leadership role within the group. We also have alternate members – youth who are interested in the council on a casual basis. Anyone who is interested in learning more about us should drop by the One Stop Shop any first or third Tuesday, 6 p.m. at 6625 Sooke Road because we’ll also soon be recruiting!  

 SNM:

What are some of the projects and activities taken on since the council was formed? What about upcoming stuff?

J.B.:

The One Stop Shop, a partnership with the SYC and a variety of service providers, is an all-in-one drop-in centre. Whether you want a confidential youth clinic, help with your resume or a job-search at Worklink or the most affordable drop-in gym sessions in town ($5 at Odyssey), it’s all part of the One Stop Shop which has been happening every Tuesday from 5 - 8 p.m. since July. Community partnerships also  supported our Clean Sooke initiative that saw residents working together to beautify Sooke. We collected more litter than we could carry (luckily Sooke Disposal dealt with that) and it was a great way to connect with passers-by and residents of all ages. We helped with a bunch of community events, hosted info-sessions, meetings and forums to connect with other youth and local politicians. Thanks to the Sooke News Mirror and our series of articles we were also able to get important youth voices out to the masses – that’s what the Sooke Youth Council is really all about. 

SNM:

What sort of a profile does the group have... and how is it promoted?

J.B.:

The Sooke Youth Council is a little bit of everything. Advocacy, direct action, a huge learning experience about leadership and local politics (for all involved). The consistent ingredient is youth. It’s truly directed and driven by young people, and it’s all about sharing the experiences and insight of the next generation with rest of the community. We want to create open communication, and help build a space that everyone – including youth – can call home for the long-term. We want Sooke to be united and aware of the amazing work that youth does here.

SNM:

What has been your own personal highlight regarding your involvement with the council?

J.B.:

That’s a tough one. The Sooke Youth Council isn’t known to let financial restrictions stand in its way. Oftentimes we would re-organize an event or plan a fundraiser at a moment’s notice to make other projects possible. Once or twice members wanted to put forward their own cash to make their brilliant ideas come to life, and then it would be adult supporters that would come to the rescue by fronting their own volunteer hours or support. These are people that are already working long hours on the sides of their desk to see the SYC continue, and their dedication seems endless. Another highlight for me was running around Sooke with a few members before our Clean Sooke event in July. We were soliciting donations for prizes and project materials and in a matter of minutes our arms were full. The support we get from many people in the community is what we thrive on and survive on, and it’s witnessing this combination of willpower and enthusiasm that makes it so rewarding (and fun) to be part of the SYC. 

Many more details of the Sooke Youth council can be found at www.sookeyouth.ca