TakingITGlobal

39 # R I S I N G Y O U T H C O M M U N I T Y I M P A C T V O L . 2 T he Corner Brook Youth Advisory Committee is made up of youth in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland and Labrador, who want to contribute to their community in meaningful ways. They had great plans for 2020, but, of course, COVID-19 upended their original plans. During the early days of the pandemic, youth advisor Mira Buckle did a lot of walking around her neighbourhood where she would find signs of hope and positivity posted in her neighbours' windows. "It was then that I thought about how great it would be to have 'Signs of Hope' in my community," Mira shared. "I brought the idea to the committee and it was an enthusiastic "yes" from everyone." They decided to share five different messages within their community: 1) stay kind, 2) you grow through what you go through, 3) pause and enjoy the moment, 4) be "leaf" in yourself, and 5) plant seeds of positivity. They created 25 signs that were then posted in high traffic areas around their community that will continue to stay up in these spaces for years to come. Many residents took photos of themselves with the signs and shared the positive messages on social media. "I think people were really needing some positivity at this time," reflects Mira. "The messages and vibrant signage was just what our community needed when we were in lockdown!" Signs of Hope Mira Buckle It was then that I thought about how great it would be to have "Signs of Hope" in my community... An interview from Mira by Make Your Mark NL in which she discusses the importance of youth engagement. A special thank you to SHAD Canada for sharing the #RisingYouth grant opportunity with Mira to make this project possible.

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