CCR Youth Network Representatives

Number of positions available: 8
Time Commitment: 8 – 10 hours a month, from September to June 2010 (renewable). The peak months of activity are October/November and April/May.
Stipend: $500
Deadline for applications: 9am on September 7, 2010
Start Date: September 20, 2010
Location: Anywhere in Canada
Selection Criteria: You must be under 25 to apply

The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is a network of organizations across Canada committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. As part of the CCR, the Youth Network (YN) gives youth and youth allies a voice to address challenges faced by newcomer youth and a space to share ideas. CCR Youth Representatives will act as liaisons (or connectors) between their region and the CCR Youth Network and will preferably be supported by a local CCR member organization.

Principal Responsibilities:

- Recruiting local youth to participate in CCR national events
- Participating in 6 out of 10 monthly phone meetings
- Distributing YN materials locally and collecting feedback/responses
- Producing short, monthly reports on what youth are doing locally to address the challenges faced by newcomer youth
- Producing short reports on the completion of specific activities
- Ensuring continuity by training future representatives

In addition, Youth Representatives will be expected to perform 8 activities. CCR will provide suggestions for activities, but Youth Representatives are welcome to make suggestions! Each activity must be agreed upon with the CCR.

1) 4 activities for CCR Campaigns – collaborating locally to inspire people into actions for CCR and YN national campaigns.

2) 4 activities for CCR Promotion – inspiring people locally to become engaged within the YN; collaborating with local individuals and groups to help make the CCR more youth-friendly

Mentorship program: If possible, a mentor from a local CCR member organization will be assigned to each youth representative in order to provide guidance and opportunities to share experiences and perspectives.

Priority will be given to people who:

• Are newcomer youth
• Have experience working with the CCR Youth Network
• Are familiar with newcomer youth issues and organizations working with newcomer youth in their region

Selection will take into consideration the need to have representation from the various regions of Canada.

The CCR strongly encourages applications from people of colour, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer people.

Why be involved:

- Learn about important challenges facing refugees and immigrants in Canada and be part of the action to address these challenges.

- Make meaningful connections with people working with refugees and immigrants in your community.

- Further develop your leadership skills and experience by working within a well-established, national network of non-profit organizations.

- Be formally recognized for your contributions.

To apply, send a letter answering the 5 questions below, with a copy of your résumé (CV) to Cynthia Beaudry at cbeaudry@ccrweb.ca before Tuesday, September 7th, at 9am. Applications should be sent in Microsoft Word or Wordperfect (no PDF please).

Questions:
Why do you want to be a CCR Youth Representative?
What relevant experience do you have?
What links do you have to newcomer youth/organizations serving newcomer youth in your region?
What are some of the things you would like to do in this role?
What do you think would be the biggest challenges for you as a CCR Youth Representative?

This call for applications is available at http://ccrweb.ca/en/youth-network-representatives-call