By: Siobhan Laverdiere, Halton Youth Initiative Coordinator
January 5, 2021
What is the HYI?
It originated with the North Oakville Youth Development Council in 2017. With a Grow Grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation we broadened our work to create three other youth councils: Acton Seven Somebodies, Aldershot Youth Crew and Milton Youth Action Team. All four youth councils make up the HYI.
What are the goals of the HYI?
The three overarching goals of the HYI are to
Increase youth knowledge around pre-existing community services and resources
Provide ongoing opportunities to elevate youth voices around key topics that matter to them
Advocate for, promote and create positive youth hangout spaces
*These goals were identified as a result of a North Oakville youth focus group that took place in 2016
Who are adult allies?
Adult allies act as supports to youth council members through role modelling, giving feedback, mentoring, and providing guidance related to youth leadership tasks, both in and outside of meetings. Some past and present adult allies have come from organizations such as: Town of Oakville, Town of Milton, City of Burlington, Town of Halton Hills, Oakville YMCA, Oakville Public Library, Reach Out Centre for Kids, Canadian Gap Year Association, voicED radio, Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre. Adult allies do not necessarily need to from an organization. We welcome any support from private sector allies and caring people from our neighbourhood.
How might the information in this e-newsletter apply to me?
If you’re an organization/school who works with youth directly or indirectly, this information might help you reflect on how you’re connecting with young people in a meaningful way, to express care, provide support and expand their possibilities.
If you’re a business this e-newsletter might provide you with more insight on the valuable assets and innovative ideas of our younger generation and how you can take action to connect with this potential.
If you’re a parent/guardian, family member or neighbour this e-newsletter might also provide you with meaningful ways to express care and increase wellbeing to the youth who matter most in your life.
If you’re a young person, this e-newsletter might encourage you to get involved in your community, add your voice and build your skills through reading about the ideas and achievements of people your age.
Where can I find more of your resources?
Check out our website at www.haltonyouth.com There’s a lot of great material on the site —our Info & Links and Our Blogs sections are particularly packed with useful information. If you’re curious about our past events the Our Events section might be of interest also.
If you have an Instagram account you can receive up-to-date content and resources by following us on
Acton – @sevensomebodies
Aldershot - @youthaldershot
Milton - @miltonactionteam
North Oakville - @NorthOakYDC
We can also follow us on Twitter @NorthOakYDC
How can other people I know subscribe to this e-newsletter?
Go to www.haltonyouth.com and scroll down the page to the ‘Subscribe to our Newsletter’ button
I want to be a youth volunteer or adult ally. How can I do this?
If you are …
Interested in becoming an adult ally contact Siobhan@ourkidsnetwork.ca so we can talk more about scheduling and best fit on our virtual teams
A young person living in Oakville contact Siobhan@ourkidsnetwork.ca for more information
A young person living in Halton Hills, Burlington or Milton contact our Youth Asset Builder, Lily Viggiano, at Lily@ourkidsnetwork.ca
Who do I contact if I want more information?
For general information about the HYI contact the HYI Coordinator Siobhan@ourkidsnetwork.ca or the Youth Asset Builder Lily@ourkidsnetwork.ca