In a report card released today, Winnipeg youth give our city a passing grade but say there’s much room to improve their quality of life. Many are unsure whether Winnipeg is the place where they want to stay.
The Youth Vital Signs (YVS) 2014 report, released by The Winnipeg Foundation, is based on feedback from more than 1,800 youth, aged 14-29.
Survey participants graded 15 key areas of life in Winnipeg and grades ranged from Bs to Cs, indicating that while young people are basically satisfied, they’re also critical of the status quo. They also shared their thoughts and opinions, identified opportunities for change, and categorized priorities for community investment.
“The goal of YVS is to provide all of us with a better understanding of what is important to the city’s young people,” says Richard Frost, CEO, The Winnipeg Foundation. “Survey results have the potential to influence decision-making at many levels.”
Youth called for action in a variety of areas: promoting inter-cultural understanding; preparing youth for the workforce; improving transportation options; supporting mental health; creating a youth advisory council at City Hall; and increasing options for safe, affordable housing. Comments also demonstrate one of Winnipeg’s strengths: the generation of confident, outspoken young people taking their place in our city.
Visit wpgfdn.org/YoungWinnipegConnect to read the full report.
Sample comments from the survey results:
- “We need to work on relationship building between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youth. There needs to be a focus on intercultural understanding.”
- “Many educated young adults graduate with no jobs. Co-ops, practicums and on-the-job training should be mandatory for all levels of education.”
- “Getting around is very easy when one has a car and very difficult when one does not.”
To share and further promote our city’s Youth Vital Signs results, and to give young people the chance to address issues and ask questions on topics they care about, a Mayoral Candidates Forum will be held.
Youth Vital Signs Forum on Youth Issues with Mayoral Candidates
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.
Muriel Richardson Auditorium, Winnipeg Art Gallery
The forum is being moderated by Community News Commons Associate Noah Erenberg. All candidates have been invited. Questions are being generated with help from Young Winnipeggers. Join the conversation using #YVSWPGForum or Tweet @WinnipegFDN. Please note everyone is welcome but seating is limited.
Youth Vital Signs 2014 is part of a community check-up conducted by community foundations across Canada that measures the vitality of our communities, identifies significant trends and supports action on issues that are critical to our quality of life. More than 25 community foundations across Canada are participating in 2014 and individual community findings are all being released simultaneously today. Community Foundations of Canada coordinates the national effort.
